What sort of "castle" was originally meant in the name "Elephant and Castle"?

ing

Apparently not the Infanta de Castile, who was not even an infanta! Seems the original pub (c1760) was a converted smithy's which was called the Elephant and Castle because of associations with the Cutlers' Company (a craft guild). In turn, the Cutlers made knives etc (my family were edge tool makers around that time, but in Birmingham, and then they went into glass - just thought you might like to know!). The elephant is a link to the ivory knife handles used by the Cutlers. So where does the castle come from? Apparently a reference to the 'howdah', the fancy seat atop the elephant upon which riders parked themselves. Much more interesting than what I originally thought, which was something to do with chess! Thanks for posting this question, Flem-ish, it was interesting to look up. Oct 02 05, 1:35 AM

Flem-ish

Howdah indeed. The seat - usually fitted with a canopy and a railing - which is placed on the back of an elephant. Kind of Indian version of the European "sedan chair". Oct 02 05, 6:53 AM