ONE small step for man led to one big change for a Herefordshire pub in the wake of the 1969 moon landing.

The historic event had captured the imaginations of many, including people thousands of miles away in Herefordshire.

Hereford Times:

Ross-on-Wye's then-250-year-old New Inn became a public house for the space age in October 1969 when it was officially renamed The Eagle after the craft which took the American astronauts to the moon.

The new sign was unveiled by local carpenter Tony Gwilliam, of Springfield Road, who had suggested the new name to brewery Whitbread Flowers in a competition.

Hereford Times:

The sign depicted the Apollo 11 badge consisting of an eagle with an olive branch alighting on the moon, as worn by the three astronauts, on one side, and a representation of the lunar module "Eagle" on the other.

Hereford Times:

The pub, which had been recently renovated at the time of its name change, had been known as the New Inn since around 1716.


Want to stay up to date with all the latest news for your local area? It's easy, just sign up for our free weekly email newsletter here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.


And the changes would not just take place on the outside, with its three internal rooms renamed the Armstrong lounge, the Aldrin bar, and the Collins counter.

A special letter from the United States Embassy had been obtained giving consent for the use of the Apollo theme, while lunar surface photographs were on display in the lounge.

But visitors to Ross now will see little to revive memories of that day, with the American eagle on the sign now replaced by a cousin of the golden variety.