The White Lion is the former hostelry in Gloucester Street; which probably dates back as far as the 12th century; and occasionally still opens its doors for Museum/Civic Trust events, thanks to current owners Frances and Paul Smith.
This item is a fabulous leaded stained glass roundel from the inn.
Charles Vernon’s book Malmesbury’s Past, People and Places reports that the window was removed and donated to Athelstan Museum when the White Lion closed in 1970. The glass has been identified as 14th or 15th century. The inscription reads ‘O Mercy’. Its most recent outing from the Store was for the excellent U3A Local History Society display about Malmesbury Pubs and Inns.
The best known story about the White Lion is surely that of Hannah Twynnoy, and it does not need repeating here. However, it is a good reason to show another item from the collection. An image of poor Hannah’s encounter with the tiger, by Colin Forward. Unfortunately we only have a copy, rather than an original print, but it is a favourite of mine.
Drawing of Hannah Twynnoy by Colin Forward for a Souvenir Pamphlet on the occasion of a senior staff E.K.Cole Ltd party in 1956. “From the original foolscap dyeline pamphlet. They used a purple dye to print things in the drawing office at E K COLE … the original would have been drawn on their standard tracing paper using Indian ink.” (Tristan Forward).
The White Lion building itself looks quite different today than it did even in this photograph of 1878, also in the museum collection.
The bow window was removed in 1964 as it was being damaged by high vehicles. According to the museum catalogue, this picture was taken by William Hanks of Malmesbury. As an aside from the White Lion itself, the wider street scene is also interesting. In case anyone needs orienting, this is looking down to the mirror.