A Cock and Bull Story

Road into Stony Stratford

Once upon a time, in 18^th and 19^th century England, weary travellers would gather in the inns of Stony Stratford for a pint and to share the news of the day. At the time, Stony Stratford was an important stopover point for coaches travelling the Roman-built Watling Road between London and northern Britain. Coach travellers were the main source of news from remote parts of the country.

Bridge across the River Ouse

You know how it goes. A few pints in and tongues loosen, tall tales get taller. Storytellers compete to come up with the oddest, the strangest, the most outlandish stories. As the town’s web site tells it, the town’s two main coaching inns developed a rivalry as well, vying to be known as the best place to hear a good story. As it happened, these inns were named The Cock and The Bull. 

Bull Hotel, Stony Stratford

And this, the Stony Stratford Cock and Bull Society insists, is how the phrase ‘Cock and Bull story’ originated.

There are other stories claiming a different origin for the phrase 'Cock and Bull story' but this is Stony's story and they're sticking to it.

In honour of this proud story telling heritage, Stony Stratford holds an annual literary festival every January. The festival includes bardic trials that end with the selection of the town’s poet for the year. This year’s bard is Phil Chippendale.

But the story-telling and the drinking go on. This Friday and Saturday from noon to 11 p.m. both days, Stony Stratford is hosting the 11^th Cock and Bull Real Beer Festival. You’ll find it at York House Centre on London Road (MK11 1JQ for your sat nav). Entry is free and the music is live, if you are interested in attending. 

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