The Crown and Thistle has always been up there among Abingdon’s more distinguished public houses. It is a traditional 17th century coaching Inn on Bridge Street (Clippity Clop Clippity Clop).

The banner reminds people to book their festive meals before it is too late.
In the 1900s The “Old Fighting Cock” public house was next door but the Crown and Thistle has long since extended south over that ground. The man on the ladder is doing the wiring for the Christmas lights.
The courtyard normally has the medieaval stocks out in summer in front of the Stocks bar. You can pose while friends throw chips at you. (See how many you can catch in your mouth!).

There are often national flags draped about outside. France and the UK are among the favourites.

The name Crown and Thistle does come from the time when England (Crown) and Scotland (Thistle) were united as one Kingdom under James 1st.
The premises also has 19 bedrooms, and a restuarant, and a fine cobbled courtyard.

There is supposed to be a Phantom Horseman. But don’t let that keep you awake at night. Any decent old pub has to have a ghost to help bring in the tourists. Anyway I won’t go on about it: that would be like blogging a dead horse.