Although I'd admit to being in there far too often, the other day whilst out on a run, I ran past the Three Merry Lads and, as you do whilst you're pushing the miles away, I started to wonder where precisely the pub got its name from.

Firstly, it's a very interesting and memorable name. There certainly isn't another pub with the same name in Sheffield, and I'd bet there aren't many others in England. (This is no Red Lion or Wheatsheaf!)

I've been going to this pub since I was a kid, used to sit in the car whilst my parents had the luxury of going inside. I didn't mind, quite enjoyed those evenings. Bass Shandy and a packet of salt and vinegar: bliss.

So the name. The drawing on the sign outside shows three youngsters playing about (around an old water trough IIRC) but I thought about the adjective 'merry' and thought this must mean drunk merry, not kids-playing-in-water merry. So the drawing gives the wrong impression.

Then, the fact that it is lads. Not young pre-teen boys. Weren't the guys who served in the First World War and who trained nearby called The Sheffield Lads? So, the Merry Lads could be atributed to them?

Then, the number 3 and I've no idea. Some kind of trinity? (Blood, sweat and tears maybe?)

So, does anyone have a clue as to why this pub is called The Three Merry Lads?

Or have I been doing too much mileage on my runs?

This was originally a farm house known as White Low, which was built about 1810 by the Marsden family. They had 3 sons who were known locally as the 3 merry lads.

The Three Merry Lads opened around 1833 as a beer house in a converted cow shed on the farm. The Redmires dams were being built at the time and several beer houses opened in the area to take advantage of the thirsty navvies. The dams were completed in 1854 and the trade would have dropped off with the farming business once again taking priority. An army training camp was opened in 1914 to prepare soldiers for the trenches, and once again trade would have flourished.

Spot on drolnhoj. The three lads were Richard, George and Benjamin. When their father died he left the pub to all his children to draw lots for it, but Richard bought out the others' shares and became landlord. To answer the last question, I should cut down on the mileage , Ousetunes:thumbsup:

i'm guessing you are talking about The three Merry Lads Pub at lodge moor???

i'm sure there's one with same name on Prince Of Wales Road Just past Parkway Roundabout heading towards Darnall its on your Right?

Someone confirm or correct me please!

Thats the Three Feathers I think

yes now you mention it Saxon i think it is

I knew it was Three something??
thats good news maybe i'm not an alchoholic??????

Originally posted by algy
To answer the last question, I should cut down on the mileage , Ousetunes:thumbsup:


Funnily enough, I often contemplate doing just that as I'm running past the Three Merry Lads! (Call it a day, go get yourself a pint of cider.)

Thanks to all who have replied; maybe I'll have to start running with an ipod to prevent my brain going into overdrive!!