User:Matty2B/Bellisconce

Bellisconce is the term used to describe the three-quarter height portion wall and bar surround dividing the 'public' and 'lounge' bars in British public houses.

History

Following the widespread adoption of the island bar, first introduced by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in the Swindon station pub (see public house - pub architecture) there was a need to divide the space around the counter between the more refined (and female allowing) lounge bar, and the less salubrious (and male only) public bar. As window taxes were still in force there was a need to maximise the light available in the pub, so rather than create completely separate rooms partitions were developed. At three quarter ceiling height they provided enough of a divide between the different bars, crucially dampening the sounds of cursing from the public bar that would be distasteful to female ears in the lounge, yet allowed enough light to pass between the rooms for windows (usually in the public bar) to remain blocked up. The bellisconce was born.

Variations

Some of the finest bellisconces are those that feature a sizeable hallway between the lounge and public bars, with a serving hatch to the bar, where off-sales can be made. The Royal Oak in Borough has a particularly fine example (not be confused with Mark) There are ecclesiastical tones to many bellisconces. This is due to many being constructed at a time when the most skilled carpenters did most of their work for the Church; with public houses paying less, and providing carpenters with a relatively free hand in design, most carpenters used bellisconce work as a proving ground for their skills before the move to the Church (see also West Ham united youth team for this principle in footballing terms).