Hand and Shears, Grade II listed pub in Farringdon, England
The Hand and Shears is a Grade II listed pub located at 1 Middle Street next to Smithfield Market in the City of London. The interior keeps its traditional wooden paneling and polished floors divided between a Public Bar and a Saloon Bar.
The pub was founded in 1532 and received its Justices License in 1552 following the Alehouse Act that regulated beer and ale service. This early licensing made it one of the first officially recognized drinking establishments in the area.
The pub was once home to the Pye Powder Court, where merchants and customers at Cloth Fair resolved their disagreements in person. This legal function left its mark on how the space was arranged and used by the community.
The pub offers indoor and outdoor seating and maintains regular opening hours that should be checked before visiting. Its position next to Smithfield Market makes it easy to reach, especially during the market's busy times.
The place functioned not only as a drinking establishment but also hosted legal hearings and community gatherings in one space. This dual role as both tavern and administrative center was uncommon for medieval urban centers.
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