Royal Oak

Location

3 Highgate and the the sign moved from there to what is now The Colour House at the head of the Old Shambles.

The sign of the Royal Oak was also at 121 Highgate (currently the Wild Abandon shop) and at 7 Kirkland although there is no indication that these last two were connected in any way other than name and presumably did not trade at the same times.

History

Initially located on the site of the Kendal Hotel until 1804, then moved the sign to the head of the Old Shambles (previously known as the Butchers Arms.

Curwen, 1900

Commercial Hotel ... It is, however, necessary to retrace back a few steps in order to notice the 'Commercial Hotel', which was built in 1804, when Mr Maskew was 'mine host'. It stands on the site of the ancient Royal Oak Inn, owned by John Fletcher in 1746, and which, like the 'Golden Fleece Inn' opposite, had the facade supported on wooden posts. On the property being rebuilt, the sign of the Royal Oak was transferred to what had previously been known as the Butchers' Arms, at the head of the Old Shambles. John F Curwen, Kirkbie Kendal (1900) p31

Old Shambles. The Old Shambles were built in 1779 by Alderman William Petty . ... At the head of this lane was the “Butcher’s Arms, which had for its sign a picture of sheep and oxen lying in repose, with the appropriate motto Oves et Boves. The sign of the ”Royal Oak” was transferred to this house, when the old inn of that name styled itself ”The Commercial.” John F Curwen, Kirkbie Kendal (1900) p71

No. 121 (Highgate) Further towards the south stands a very ancient house with casement windows and those four delightful diamond chimneys on the ridge. For some time it was a well known public house under the sign of “ The Royal Oak,” a sign frequently met with, in memory of the famous escape made by Charles II. by hiding in the lopped branches of an oak at Boscobel. John F Curwen, Kirkbie Kendal (1900) p111

7 Kirkland ... On William Braithwaite leaving the “ Ring o' Bells” for this house, the name was changed to that of the “Royal Oak,” and when Joseph Steele bought the property the license was taken away. John F Curwen, Kirkbie Kendal (1900) p157