Note 307 — Chapter IV · SURNAMES OF OCCUPATION (COUNTRY).
Reading edition
An old tavern-sign in Cheshire bore the following inscription:—
‘Good bear sold here,
Our own Bruin.’
The book which records this quotes from the Congleton Town Register: ‘1599.—Paid the bearward, 4s. 4d.’ ‘1601.—Gave the bearward at the great cock-fight, 6s. 8d.’ (Cheshire Ballads, p. 259.)