Going to the local pub is a deep-seated leisure activity in England. Photographs of public houses, their proprietors and customers can be found in the DPA's family album collection showing their importance to everyday life.

Public Houses bring with them much historical interest. They date back to Roman times growing in significance with 13,000 inns and taverns in Britain by the end of James I reign and 6,000 breweries in business in 1900. 

Public houses have a reputation for providing entertainment. A pub sign was used as an advertisement for the types of activity to be found within. These signs are still used today but do not hold the same significance. The oldest pub sign thought to have been used was that of 'Chequers', which told prospective customers that they could enjoy a game of chess in the establishment. 

Live music has also been a feature of the public house with bands often getting their big brake from playing such intimate venues.

Public Houses have also been a place of literacy, with newspapers available to peruse and topics of the day discussed by the patrons. 

The public house proprietor, both businessperson and socialite would see many faces come and go but would invariably have a network of regular customers that enjoyed the surroundings of the local pub. 

The local pub was a place where people could meet to catch up on each other's lives and provided an escape from the rigors of work and the home. As the public house brought people together social groups were formed, organising events and annual outings away from their regular surroundings. 

As such a wealth of history surrounds the public house they can be seen as a useful focal point in tracing the lives of others. As the environment around them changes they often stay the same.