DURHAM’S latest Mayor today (October 23) toasted an illustrious predecessor who was known as the city’s own Dick Whittington.
First citizen John Wilkinson pulled a pint at the John Duck pub in Claypath, which is named after a 17th Century Mayor.
Legend has it that John Duck arrived in the city penniless but ended up one of its richest men after a bird dropped a gold coin at his feet.
He wore the chains of office in 1680 and was later made Lord Duck of Haswell.
The pub opened in April as a haven for real ale drinkers after undergoing refurbishment and Les Thomson was the first VIP to visit.
Pub manager Andy Hughes said: “We named the pub after the mayor of the city from 1680 and it was a gesture from us to invite the mayor at the time, Les Thomson, when we first opened.
“As the mayor changes every year, we felt it right to invite the current holder of the office to see how we are progressing.”
Mr Hughes added: “We are very much a traditional pub in as much as we try and get our beers and real ales from local breweries."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here