Saturday 3 August 2013

The Intrepid Fox, Wardour Street W1

The Intrepid Fox was Charles James Fox, the Whig politician, controversialist and rake. One of his most vocal supporters was publican Samuel House, who renamed his tavern in honour of his hero (it was originally called the Gravel Pits). It is said that in the 1784 election House offered all patrons who promised to vote for Fox a free pint and a kiss from the Duchess of Devonshire.
The pub was rebuilt in 1915 by W. Bradford & Sons, with a white stone facade. The plaque shows a rather slim Fox with House behind waving an election leaflet proclaiming 'Champion of the People!'.

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