Leeds Liverpool canal

After the heavy rain today an evening drive was in order. Called for a drink at "The Ship" Lathom commonly known as "the blood tub" on the Leeds Liverpool canal.The Blood Tub
The Ship on Wheat Lane (once ‘Wet Lane’) in the ancient parish of Lathom is a local icon; known throughout West Lancashire as the ‘Blood Tub’ or just plain ‘The Tub’. It was first a Public House at 4 Wheat Lane, expanding into numbers 6 and 8 in the 19th century, and latterly extended further in 1993. The rather macabre ‘Blood Tub’ appellation comes with a choice of two legends - each supported by some compelling evidence!

Legend One:

As a ‘navigation’ pub for workers on the canals and nearby ‘graving dock’ and then as a watering hole for competing canal boat crews, a certain amount of fisticuffs amongst the would-be clientele was not unusual. The feisty landlady refused to serve the bloodied combatants, insisting they first clean up in a water filled half-butt outside her proud establishment. This became known as the ‘Blood Tub’, a name that ultimately was transferred onto the pub itself.

Legend Two:

An early landlady was a famed producer of black puddings. She sourced her ingredients, particularly pigs blood, from her farmer customers. The deals were largely barters, exchanging jugs of blood, which were emptied into a barrel, for ale; which was then carried off in the same jugs - hopefully thoroughly swilled! The barrel of blood was known as the Blood Tub, again the name being adopted for the pub.