Drinking Gallery

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by William McLaren

King Arthur welcomes the Green Knight into the Banqueting Hall and invites him to dismount and eat with the company. Everyone is amazed to see the unexpected visitor, holding a bunch of holly in one hand and a large green axe in the other. The Green Knight turns down Arthur's invitation, instead issuing a challenge, that if anyone there is brave enough to exchange blows with him, he will give them his battleaxe

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans

Rejected by the Inventions Board IX - Heath Robinson

The Pilsener Pump for tapping the enemy's beer; another hilariously convoluted contraption to foil the enemy during World War I from William Heath Robinson. Naturally, the Germans were sitting comfortably smoking pipes and drinking tankards of beer. In fact, the German army had fewer rations than the British. Please note: Credit must appear as Courtesy of the Estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evan"

© Courtesy of the estate of Mrs J.C.Robinson/Pollinger Ltd/ILN/Mary Evans Picture Library

The Salvation Army Riots at Worthing, Sussex

These images show the Skeleton Army, opponents of the Salvation Army organised by those interested in Sunday drinking, rioting against one of the Salvation Army's religious Sunday processions. The members of the Salvation Army escaped into Montague Hall and hid there for the rest of the day. 1. Attack on Mr. G. Head's house and shop. 2. The Townhall 3. The Police Station 4. The mob attacking the Salvation Army Barracks. Date: 1884

© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans