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Metro
22-07-2025
- Business
- Metro
Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin reveals unlikely inspiration behind pub chain
Wetherspoon boss Tim Martin has hailed the founding fathers of America as his biggest inspiration as he spoke ahead of the opening of a new pub named after a major peace treaty. Tim Martin said democracy is 'the important factor in the development of society' — although he admitted his knowledge of history is 'scant'. The company's founder spoke as the chain prepares to open five pubs including the Dictum of Kenilworth. Converted from a former discount store, the £3.2 million venue is named after a 13th Century pronouncement to reconcile the rebels of the Second Barons' War — a group of whom held out in the town's castle— with the royal government of England. 'A lot of businesses in recent decades have gone down a 'branding' route, whereby decor, design, the name and so on are linked to a particular image or brand,' Martin said. 'We've always felt that pubs are more individual and people appreciate authentic links to the community and to the past: to local people, the building, and history. 'We also try and include some works by local artists. 'Many of our early London pubs, for example, featured artwork by my cousin Gabrielle, who comes from nearby Coventry.' Asked if there is a figure from history he most admired, the company's chairman picked out the founding fathers who are credited with establishing the American identity in the late 18th Century. 'I think the most important factor in the development of society is democracy – in spite of the turbulence and arguments it inevitably involves,' he said. 'In that respect America is the most important democracy, which has helped Western Europe, Japan, South Korea and many other countries emerge from authoritarianism. 'So I'd have to say the founding fathers of America are my inspiration, although my knowledge of history is scant.' Wetherspoon is due to open the pubs before the end of the year, all of which incorporate local history into their design. However one desired conversion at the heart of British political history, where Martin will go down as an outspoken Brexiteer, will remain out of reach. 'Wags have often suggested we could convert the Houses of Parliament into a pub, but that's probably a bridge too far,' he said. Seventy jobs will be created following a £3.2 million development project to create the Dictum, according to Wetherspoon. More Trending Photos, details and artwork with local relevance will be displayed inside. Pub manager Tom Clarke said: 'Myself and my team are looking forward to welcoming customers into The Dictum of Kenilworth and we are confident that the pub will be a great addition to Kenilworth's social scene.' The other new pubs due to open are the Sun Wharf in London Bridge, previously The London Dungeon in Tooley Street, The Sir Alexander Fleming in Paddington, named after the eminent physician who discovered penicillin in nearby Queen Mary's Hospital, the Sigered, King of Essex in Basildon, a nod to the town's Saxon origins, and The Chiltern, set in a former silent picture house in Beaconsfield. Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact MORE: Globe-trotting couple couchsurf in Saudi Arabia on mission to visit 1,500 airports MORE: Wetherspoon fan books Ireland cruise on quest to visit all pubs in British Isles MORE: 'It gets me out of the house': Pensioner's 'hobby' sees him visit 900 Wetherspoons
The Guardian
03-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Defender of Dover: Eleanor de Montfort and the siege of 1265
Dover Castle has stood as a fortress on the Kent coast for more than 900 years, a site of power and conflict on the English coastline. Much of the castle we see today was built at great expense by Henry II in the late 12th century. He created the most advanced castle in Europe, and a stronghold designed to defend England's shores and cow the enemy. Over many centuries, it has been the site of great battles, the home of royalty and, today, is managed by English Heritage, giving visitors the opportunity to explore the towers, tunnels and walls that tell a rich story of England's past. Among the many figures to have shaped Dover Castle's history is the intriguing Eleanor de Montfort, a 13th-century noblewoman who was present during one of its most dramatic chapters. Born in 1215, the year her father King John agreed to Magna Carta, Eleanor de Montfort – or Eleanor of England – came into the world against the backdrop of a changing country with the crown at odds with the rebellious barons (nobles). In this era of upheaval, the castle was to find itself at the centre of the struggle between these rivals. It was during the Second Barons' War (1264-1267), that Eleanor took on a key role at Dover, defending the castle against an attack by the army of her brother, Henry III, led by her nephew Prince Edward (more of which later). Throughout her life, Eleanor defied the expectations placed on women of her rank and time. She was widowed in 1231, seven years after her arranged marriage, at just nine years of age, to William Marshal, 2nd Earl of Pembroke. Despite the limited rights of women in the 13th century, she actively fought to regain her rights when her brother-in-law, Richard Marshal, seized her late husband's assets to settle debts. In 1234, she took a vow of chastity, possibly as a strategy to secure her property, but broke it in 1238 when she secretly married Simon de Montfort, a French nobleman who became the Earl of Leicester. Their union caused a rift with the king who later claimed he only agreed to sanction it because de Montfort had seduced Eleanor. In the decades that followed, Henry III came into increasing conflict with de Montfort and the barons. The two sides vehemently disagreed over how the country should be governed, with the barons growing increasingly unhappy about Henry III's financial mismanagement and his favouritism towards foreign advisers. Meanwhile, the king became frustrated with the barons' demands that he establish a council of nobles to oversee his rule – a condition he believed restricted his royal authority. These tensions erupted in 1264 and resulted in the outbreak of war, with Eleanor's husband leading the baronial forces against the king's royalists – a conflict that would eventually lead to the siege of Dover Castle. At first things went well for the barons and in May 1264 their forces triumphed at the Battle of Lewes. With King Henry and his son Prince Edward held prisoner, De Montfort effectively became ruler of England. During this period, Eleanor lived at Odiham Castle in Hampshire, where household documents – unusually well-preserved for the era – give us an insight into her daily life, while her husband was away governing the realm. But after Prince Edward's escape from captivity, hostilities resumed in May 1265, an event that saw Eleanor move to Dover Castle for safety. Here, her role wasn't just ceremonial – she had real political influence. Dover's key location overlooking the English Channel made it a gateway to the continent, meaning messages and important visitors from France or Rome were likely to pass through. Surviving documents to the end of August 1265, suggest Eleanor took an active role in running the castle and organising its defence. She ate most meals with her household in the great hall, entertained important guests and kept political detainees in its prison cells, while remaining in contact with her husband about military movements. Her accounts detail purchases of food, wine, cloth and spices, and it's thought she managed a vast household of chaplains, stewards, cooks, maids and ladies-in-waiting. Things changed quickly as the king's forces grew in strength. In early August, Prince Edward – later King Edward I – led his troops to a decisive victory at the Battle of Evesham, a clash in which De Montfort and his eldest son Henry were killed. Despite her grief, the widowed Eleanor set her sights on holding Dover Castle. She took on the role of commander, even though it was almost unheard-of in the 13th century, and prepared her defences. But her plans were undermined when Royalist prisoners persuaded their guards to help them escape, and they took control of the keep. The emboldened Prince Edward who laid siege to the castle. Under attack from inside and out, her courage and strategy were vital to holding the castle, if only for a short time. Eleanor negotiated a surrender in October and was exiled to France where she died in 1275. Walk around Dover Castle today and you can see the areas where these events unfolded. The great tower, or keep, which was captured by royalist prisoners, the castle walls and fortifications. Visitors can walk in Eleanor's footsteps through the very rooms where she lived and worked. Despite her ultimate defeat, her courage marks her as a remarkable woman who defied the expectations of her time – a good reason to still celebrate her memory today. Visit the mighty Dover Castle to discover more about its long and exciting history. There are lots more places to visit in Kent, from Walmer and Deal castles to the Richborough Roman fort – making the county a great place to visit as a member. Dover and Walmer also have holiday cottages you can stay in.
