It’s a good month to talk about the Lytton Arms. The actual Lytton Arms. The pub, when it reopens this month – if it continues to use the image of the Arms – will probably use a simplified version. The full version (as illustrated here) is, let’s face it, over the top for a modern logo. Not much of this elaborate detail survives when printed business card size.
I have seen a potential draft, and not only have all elements above the coronet been omitted, but also the two angels to the side. We have only recently discovered why the Lytton Arms is supported by angels. It appears to relate to an association to St Albans Cathedral. Our eagle-eyed Archivist Jill Campbell recently spotted the Lytton shield on the ceiling of the cathedral (see photo). This relates, apparently, to contributions made to the repair of the Cathedral’s roof in 1681–3 by the Lytton family. Those were the days when the Lytton family could afford to worry about other roofs than their own!
The angels may not be in the new sign, but they will, I trust, be looking over the new pub. And we, I trust, will join them as supporters of the new Lytton Arms!
Henry Lytton Cobbold
@HenryCobboldKH