The Bell-in-Hand

Established in 1795, the Bell-in-Hand has long been a gathering place in the heart of Boston. Its first owner, Jimmy Wilson, was the city's last known town crier, known for ringing his bell to share the news of the day with a booming voice and engaging wit, and he named the tavern in honor of that role. Its earliest sign was a wooden carving of a bell held by a town crier's hand, a symbol recognizable even to people who could not read, and it was passed on to Jimmy by Sam Adams, who had also been a town crier and malthouse owner; a version of the original carving is at the Old State House. Among the tavern's early patrons were well-known patriots including Sam Adams, Paul Revere, and Daniel Webster. Over the years it drew Bostonians for lively conversation and hearty ale, once served in two pewter mugs, one for the froth and one for the ale. Only ale and porter were served until 1919, with hard liquor introduced much later. Last call was once at 9:00 p.m., and the last round was always on the house. Prohibition closed the tavern from 1920 to 1933, the only time in its history that it was shut, and women were not permitted entry until the late 1960s. Today it continues as one of Boston's favorite watering holes in a building dating to 1844, with a bar top even older.

Cambridge, Massachusetts · United States