City of London in Greater London, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Ye Olde Watling
⎯⎯⎯
William Nicholson
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 25, 2026
1. Ye Olde Watling and William Nicholson text
Ye Olde Watling
'Ye Olde Watling' public house claims to have been built by Sir Christopher Wren, in 1668, to house those workers rebuilding St Paul's Cathedral, following the Great Fire of London, in 1666.
The pub was constructed from the straight lengths of brine-pickled timber from old ships which were sold cheaply to builders. Christopher Wren, who was knighted in 1672, was one among several architects who submitted plans for the rebuilding of London, following the fire, having only designed his first building (the chapel at Pembroke College, Cambridge) only the previous year. The pub's upstairs rooms were used as drawing offices during the cathedral's rebuilding. St Paul's finally opened in 1697, although the dome was not completed for a further 13 years.
William Nicholson
(1824-1909)
Distiller, Politican, Cricket Player, Benefactor
This alehouse is part of the Nicholson's Heritage Collection. They're all different, yet they all owe something to the man who founded them. William Nicholson was a Victorian all-rounder - a businessman, MP, and sporting hero. He played first-class cricket, ran the family's distilling business, and financed Lord's Cricket Ground and its famous pavilion. In 1873, William revitalised a collection of characterful alehouses, each one an architectural delight with a strong sense of place and individuality. William added craftsmanship - marble, tiling, vibrant leaded windows and his larger-than-life personality. William's influence is lasting. His alehouses are still brimming with warmth, tradition, and timeless hospitality.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1668.
Location. 51° 30.777′ N, 0° 5.614′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: London Salvage Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cordwainer (within shouting distance of this marker); Captain John Smith (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); The Sugarloaf (about 90 meters away); William Nicholson (about 90 meters away); John Milton (about 90 meters away); St. Thomas the Apostle Church (about 120 meters away); a different marker also named John Milton (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 25, 2026
2. Ye Olde Watling pub and marker
Regarding Ye Olde Watling / William Nicholson. The William Nicholson plaque is common to many (most of?) the Nicholsons-run pubs in London, likely making him the most plaqued person in London.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 25, 2026
3. Ye Olde Watling pub sign
Watling Street was part of the old Roman road running from Kent, through London, to Wroxeter. The Romanish-looking helmet is presumably a nod to the locations history.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, April 25, 2026
4. Ye Olde Watling interior
Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 7, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 7, 2026, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
