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Pub Preservation
by Mark Hoile,
North London CAMRA
Pub Preservation Officer
Wrestlers, Highgate
Situated a few minutes from the centre of Highgate village a pub has stood on this site since 1547. A row of shops existed until the 1960s when new houses were built, leaving just the pub and a nearby restaurant (Indian), which was formerly a grocery store.
The pub itself was rebuilt in 1921, but retains a fireplace believed to date from a period prior to the rebuild. The predominantly dark panelled interior with its eclectic mix of antique pictures adds to the atmosphere of historic Highgate. The ancient ceremony of 'swearing on the horns' which dates back to 1623 takes place twice yearly in March and August. The Wrestlers itself contains various references to this, with a pair of 'horns' mounted over the fireplace, and an apparently old and as yet undated picture which is believed to depict a scene showing the ceremony taking place at the Wrestlers over a century ago.
Two plaques above the vast wood-burning hearth detail the ceremonial procedures:
- 'Enter the landlord dressed in black gown and bands and wearing an etique functional wig, followed by the clerk of the court, also in appropriate costume and carrying the register book and the horns'.
From Robert Bell's Ballads and Songs of the Peasantry of England: Any person swearing the oath pays a fine, which goes to charity.
 
Readers are invited to contact the editor with any information that they may have regarding the origins of the fireplace (see picture) as little is known of its' history.
Currently owned by Punch Taverns, licensee since 1997 Martin Harley has produced a thriving community pub, known locally for good beer and home cooked Sunday dinners. With no intrusive music or television the pub provides a traditional venue to meet friends. NB. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 4pm–11pm, Sat 12pm–11pm, Sun 12pm–10.30pm.
Reproduced from the Full Pint, Issue 26.
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