hundred years prior to that date if one bears in mind the association of "The Tabard" with Chaucer and his Canterbury Pilgrims.
To-day there exists something to remind us of most of them; either in the shape of the entrance to the one-time coach or court-yard, or that of a more or less modern house on the same site bearing the same name as the original. But in the case of "The George" a very substantial portion is still to be seen as in the olden days. It is indeed the only example of the old galleried coaching inn of the the past now existing in London. Although the structure is not complete (part having been demolished in 1889-90), sufficient remains to justify the proud boast that it is an unspoiled survival of old London, worthy of preservation as the heritage of a romantic age.
The atmosphere of romance, indeed, which has always surrounded the many old coaching inns of Southwark in the past is still reflected in the "George" of the present day. It is not only the last of its race there, but the last to remain in London. Little wonder, then, that it is a favourite of all who, like Mr. Hardcastle, "love everything that's old: old friends, old times, old manners, old books, old wine," for all these desirable things may be found in association with the George Inn to-day. Set in an historic neighbourhood associated with Shakespeare and the players and, in more modern times, with Dickens and his characters, it has become the rendezvous of a continual flow of literary and antiquarian enthusiasts who never miss an opportunity for a visit to its enticing old-world rooms and exterior.
Literary men, artists and antiquaries on a visit to London still make the Inn their headquarters, and at times there is great competition for one of the two available bedrooms which still retain the old four-poster bedsteads. Americans, and country and London ramblers round old London, stand agape on their first introduction to the old galleries as soon as they come in view; whilst their astonishment and delight know no bounds as they proceed from bar parlour
