The Turk's Head

The article on inn names mentions the 'Turk's Head in Alcester. The accompanying (not supplied) advertisement found in Warwick Record Office comes probably from the local press ('Strattford Herald' or 'Alcester Chronicle'.

William Russen, mentioned there-in, was host there between C. 1840 and 1880

The 'large saloon 7O' x 11', mentioned in the notice, was undoubtedly the bowling alley which we know the 'Turk's Head' to have possessed

A few years ago a number of brass tokens was found in the River Arrow; as the illustrations below (not supplied) indicate, Russen's bowling saloon or alley (or the obverse) was at the back of the pub but was well enough known not to need the words 'Turk's Head' inscribed. The head on the reverse of the token was quite sufficient and was probably like to the inn sign hung outside the pub on the High Street. The present shop which followed the hostelry still bears the name.

The inn name could be a reflection of the Greek war of independence -against the Turks (Lord Byron comes to mind or it could refer to a kind of rope knot, remembering that the 19th century saw the start of a rope industry. in Alcester. it was also a figure set up for sword practice. We have no definite lead as to the correct reason

The bowling or skittle alley advertised on the token is no longer there; but it must have been a great attraction for Alcester's drinker during the 19th century and a source of income for Mr.Russen.

Spring 1990 Index