King Arthur vs King Alfred: Game of thrones at Hagley pub
It appears a Game of Thrones is taking place at this pub – with the wrong king apparently given the crowning glory.
The pub is named after the mythical King Arthur, but King Alfred actually appears to be the monarch featured on the sign outside.
Brewer Bathams recently opened the pub in Worcester Road, Hagley, and said business was thriving.
The sign outside appears to resemble a statue of Anglo Saxon King Alfred from Winchester – and it has left some people asking if there has been a mix-up.
When asked about the design, Tim Batham, company co-director, said he was happy with the sign.
He added: “We left it with the sign writer to come up with the ideas – but there can’t be any portraits of King Arthur as he is mythical.
“As far as we are concerned there is no known image of King Arthur.
“If the sign-writer has done that then it is up to him.”
Tim, who runs Bathams with his brother, Matthew, said the name Arthur was chosen in tribute to his family.
The brewery is now in its fifth generation with a sixth coming through.
King Arthur pays homage to Arthur Batham, who guided the Brierley Hill brewery through tough times during the 1950s and developed the well-known Bathams Bitter.
The pub is the first new venture in the history of the business.
Tim said the pub had proved popular with customers so far, adding: “It has far exceeded our expectations.”
Halesowen-based firm A & H Construction was commissioned to carry out the pub’s development by converting a two four-storey office block.
Who was King Arthur?
King Arthur is a legendary British figure who is said to have led the defence of Britain against Anglo-Saxon invaders during the 5th and 6th centuries.
There is no concrete evidence of his existence but he is referred to in folklore and writings from the medieval era.
He is said to have fought in battles, including one called the Battle of Badon, where he single-handedly killed 960 men.
Who was King Alfred?
King Alfred, also known as Alfred the Great, was an English king who successfully defended his kingdom against Viking invaders. At the time of his death in 899, he had become the dominant ruler in England.
In his life time he was also King of Wessex. He was regarded as a level-headed, graceful and merciful man who helped to improve the military, legal system and quality of life for people in his kingdom.
