The Wild Boar
Article date: 06 Jul 2011
Stacey Galbraith is pictured at The Wild Boar, Wetherspoon’s new pub in Houghton-le-Spring.
The name of the pub refers to the signs on the A690, welcoming visitors to the ‘ancient town of Houghton-le-Spring’, which feature a wild boar against an oak tree, taken from the Gilpin family crest.
Bernard Gilpin, known as ‘Apostle of the North’ was rector of the parish church of St Michael’s for 25 years, from 1557. Every Sunday, he provided food and roasted an ox for the people of the town, still commemorated each October in the Houghton Feast.
The pub features several pieces of modern artwork, including a sculpture of a boar made from spoons.