Pub is shortlisted for top historic landmark award
The Beckenham pub, where DAVID BOWIE used to perform, has been shortlisted in a search for hostelry features that people would most like to see preserved.
The Rat and Parrot, formerly the Three Tuns, in Beckenham High Street is one of ten finalists in BBC History Magazine doomsday project. The project is a nationwide search for historic landmarks local people think should be saved for future generations, recorded in some way or simply given the recognition they deserve. The pub, which hosted David Bowie’s Beckenham Arts Lab back in 1969, will appear in the March issue of the magazine and those nominating the pub will receive a selection of history books published by BBC Worldwide.
If the Rat and Parrot wins the competition, it will be the subject of a special feature and the magazine, together with the nominator, will work out the best way of making sure the pubs fame is preserved.
Also nominated are No Place Field burial grounds, Plymouth, Roggs Delicatessen, Whitechapel, London, and a recording of recollections of a Devon boyhood.
The shortlist of 10 was chosen by a panel of five judges including archaeologist and broadcaster Julian Richards and BBC History Magazine editor Greg Neale.
Everyone taking part in the project will receive a years free subscription to the magazine.
Update: The Rat & Parrot (formerly known as the Three Tuns) came second – and is featured on page 46-47 of the March edition of the BBC History magazine, now in the shops.
The winners and all the entries will also be posted up on our website at www.bbcworldwide.com/historymag by the end of this week.
Thanks, Paul!