The owners of a historic pub called The Silent Woman have been accused of going ‘woke’ after changing its century-old name, which was inspired by Thomas Hardy. The venue has been known as The Silent Woman Inn since the 1920s, after the famous author referred to it as ‘The Quiet Lady’ in his 1878 novel The Return of the Native.
But owners Hall & Woodhouse have announced it will be renamed The Angel when it reopens next month in Wareham, Dorset, following a £250,000 refit. They have already removed artwork on the front of the pub of a beheaded woman which had written below it ‘since the woman is quiet, let no man breed a riot’. The painting was thought to reference a local legend where a talkative landlady had her tongue cut out by smugglers after revealing their secrets.
Hall & Woodhouse say The Angel was the pub’s original name dating back 400 years and the change is to ‘breathe new life into it while staying true to its rich history and heritage’.
However, some regulars have slammed the decision, including one ‘feminist’ customer who said she took no offence at its former name.
Jane Bull said: “I travelled miles to come and drink in this pub just because of its name.
“I am a feminist and did not find the historical reference offensive. So sad.”
Peter Hector said: “I have lived in the area for nearly 70 years and it’s always been the Silent Woman and I agree seems very woke to change it to The Angel just because some silly a**e is offended.”
Other locals said they would continue to refer to the pub as The Silent Woman as it has been known that way for as long as they could remember.
Robert Lee said: “I think it’s sad they are changing the name. It’s always a talking point every time we go by and I hope they haven’t taken its charm away from the inside.
Elly Kerslake added: “It will always be The Silent Woman to locals.”
The Silent Woman, now also a wedding venue, was historically a popular haunt for travelling priests and travellers in Wareham Forest sheltering from the cold.
Celebrating the pub’s history, Hall and Woodhouse put on the pub website: “Until the 1920s the pub was known as The Angel, but after Thomas Hardy referred to it as ‘the Quiet Lady’ in his novel ‘The Return of the Native’, the pub changed its name to ‘the Silent Woman’.”
Hall and Woodhouse business development partner Izzy Hersom said: “We are excited to announce that The Silent Woman is being renamed to The Angel, a return to its original name dating back over 400 years.
“This change is part of our vision to breathe new life into the pub while staying true to its rich history and heritage – it’s a character property situated in an area popular with locals, diners and holidaymakers, has an attractive patio and great garden areas, but it is dated.
“While we are refreshing the pub with a major investment, we’re also committed to maintaining its traditional charm to ensure the historic character of the building is preserved.
“The name The Angel perfectly captures this balance – we think it symbolises a rebirth, yet still honours the pub’s original essence.”