Unicorn

Above drawing circa 1690, kindly sent by Rory Kehoe. Exactly when and why the 17th century "Unicorn Inn" changed its name to the "Duke of York" isn't yet known but it's likely to have been some time in the 1690s. As for why though, is a total mystery. Prior to 1700, the previous holder of the Dukedom of York had been James Stuart, second son of Charles II who, in 1685, became James II. Never a popular King, in November 1688 William of Orange landed an army in the S.W. of England, heralding the commencement of what became known as the Glorious Revolution. In response, King James' assembled and army, which marched from London to Wiltshire, encamping on top of Salisbury Plain. However, he was forced to retreat, when many of his soldiers defected to the Protestant army of the soon-to-be King William III. Was the "Unicorn" name change to the "Duke of York" in support of the deposed James II, or a dig at him? Was James the Grand of Duke of York who marched his men to the top of the hill and marched them down again? The nursery rhyme jury remains out on this question!