NAMING THE MARLSTONE TAVERN

A more inclusive pub name

The Marlstone Tavern is named after the wonderful rich red stone that is synonymous with the north Oxfordshire region. Marl is a limestone rich in carbonate minerals, clay and also silt. When this material hardens in to rock it becomes known as Marlstone.

Marlstone is found in many places around the country.  In Dover it forms the base of the white cliffs and is the layer the Channel tunnel winds its way through.  The Marlstone that the tavern is made of, comes from the Banbury region, just outside the Cotswolds where the stone turns a lighter honey hue.

The pub was not always called the Marlstone Tavern; we renamed it in 2021 after we took over the reins. The pubs historical name has darker undertones not generally tolerated in today’s society. Originally called the Black Boy Inn, it has been said it was named after King Charles II. The monarch was known as the Black Boy, with his dark hair, eyes and complexion, almost certainly taken from his mother, Henrietta Maria’s European roots. But we came to a different conclusion. One look at the original pub signage, with its enslaved child shackled in chains told us all we needed to know. And so the first stamp on our new tavern was decided upon, the name must go.

The Marlstone Tavern is an inclusive venue for everybody to enjoy. We hope the symbolic gesture of changing the name, allows those who wish to come, to feel comfortable and most welcome.

Kathy & Anton
Proprietors of The Marlstone Tavern
Also known as The Pie Pub