Barrington Arms

When the photo with the text about the 'Monkey in the window so locals would know there was beer available' was posted on the Bygone Bedlington Facebook site the following comments were posted :-

Gloria Lawrie :- Sorry think that was a false story. I researched the origin of the name several years ago for a relative and descendant of 'Monkey Lizzie' and came to the conclusion it was called 'The Monkey' because their beer was supplied by the Harlepool Brewery. Hartlepool famous for hanging the monkey thinking it was a french man.

Gloria Lawrie :- Would be good if the story could be proved true! My relative has Monkey Lizzie's ring given to her by soldiers that frequented the pub after her husband's death. If you are interested I researched the pubs and ale houses of Bedlington for the History Society about six years ago. I thought our research was going to Woodhorn?

Gloria Lawrie Should add  - Eggy1948 - that Elizabeth Wilson (Monkey Lizzie) had the pub during the first world war. So it already had the nickname a long time before your uncle was born. Another story was that she was given a monkey as a present but couldn't find any truth in that one either.