FRANK OVENS - HOME PAGE

His "PUBLIC HOUSE" poem

on

Brentford's Pubs

High Road

in days gone bye.

I took a walk through Brentford Town on "COPY" finding bent,

I scanned the buildings up and down with harrowed feelings pent.

I saw a modest signboard swing with legend "BARGE AGROUND",

of public houses I'll take note of nothing else till night.

Come "BY EXPRESS" to Brentford down for honours do not barter,

for at the entrance to the town your'll find the "STAR AND GARTER".

Geographers would never think at Kew Bridge they would find,

"OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE" on the brink where silvery Thames doth wind.

A "PLOUGH" the Farmer he can get "WAGON AND HORSES" too,

and if on "LAMB" his thoughts are set he'll find one close.

As o'er "THE GLOBE" the sailors rode their "MAGNET" for there guide,

their "HOPE AND ANCHOR" is their home whatever may betide.

The "NORTH STAR" helps to guide their course until the "RISING SUN",

and sweet "SIX BELLS" their sound discourse to prove the pays begun.

"LORD NELSON" is twice assigned to be a beer shops name,

"MARQUIS OF GRANSBY" much maligned to public gives the same.

"THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE" he might ride his "WHITE HORSE" in our bounds hunt,

"WHITE HART" near "THE WINDMILLS" side or follow "THE FOX AND HOUNDS".

"ALEXANDRA" and "THE PRINCE OF WALES are both in Brentford found,

a "ROYAL TAR" may tell his tales ere "EIGHT BELLS" give their sound.

A "ROYAL HORSEGUARDSMAN" stamps quite near the "STANDARD" firm and loyal,

while "PATRIOT" and "VOLUNTEER" both guard the "PRINCESS ROYAL".

Here heraldry is in full swing displaying curious traces,

"BRICKLAYERS ARMS" before us swing and "WATERMAN" in two places.

"GRAND JUNCTION ARMS" are displayed "CARPENTERS ARMS" the same,

while "CLAREMEUX" would feel dismayed "THE POTTERY ARMS" to name.

"THE HAND AND FLOWER""RED LION" two "BULL" "HART" and "FEATHERS" beside,

"HALF MOON" and "CROWN" and "ROYAL OAK" in which King Charles did hide.

The "KINGS ARMS" and "QUEENS ARMS" with soldiers quartered off,

while "GEORGE IV" seems nothing loath and looks down from aloft.

With "COACH AND HORSES" you may ride and view "NORTHUMBERLAND ARMS",

with "GEORGE AND DRAGON" close behind and near an "ANGELS" charms.

"HALF MOON & SEVEN STARS" combined and "SEVEN STARS" as well,

American and Turk may find their national pride to swell.

"BLACK BOY & STILL" which does not run and "BARLEYCORN" quite near,

while not far off is "THE ONE TUN" near which "THE GRAPES " appear.

As "SHOVEL & HOE" on shoulder borne the "BEEHIVE" left behind,

the "JOLLY GARDENERS" tired and worn rest at the "NEW INN" may find.

Within "THE CASTLES" lives a King who like a man can't feel,

"TWO BLACK BOYS" near can dance and sing or turn a "CATHERINE WHEEL".

A "SALUTATION" you may hear when near the "MAGPIE & TRUMP",

you neednot at "THE CANNON" fear nor stay "THE DRUM" to thump.

"THREE PIGEONS" near "MAGPIE & CROWN" the "SPORTSMAN" need not mark,

and "WATERMANS HALL" in yard for down he'll find it not in the dark.

My walk is over my task is done, I've been the signboards round,

I hope I've not forgotten one, though I have done I'll be bound.

Sign of the time, it is quite clear, I've followed them alright,

I think I've earned a glass of beer, so I'll have one now -- GOODNIGHT !!!

Frank used to live in Lionel Road and originally in North Road,

went to St. Georges School and then on to Brentford Senior School

Now living at Fenn House, Bush Corner.

I hope you enjoy the rest

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Last Updated: 23rd Feb 2003