Imagine a beloved pub with a unique, century-old secret. A loyal dog's tale, forever preserved in taxidermy, graces the walls of a local watering hole.
The Turks Head pub in Tynemouth has a fascinating resident - Wandering Willie, a sheepdog who has been a local legend for over 145 years. But here's the twist: Willie is taxidermied, proudly displayed in the pub's wall, earning the venue its nickname, 'The Stuffed Dog'.
According: to general manager Nigel Meadows, Willie's story began when he was left behind by his shepherd owner. Sent to gather the flock, Willie was forgotten when the shepherd, assuming all sheep were accounted for, moved on. Willie, loyal to the core, stayed behind, waiting for his master's return.
And this is where the tale takes a dark turn. A local ferry master took pity on the lonely dog, but when Willie passed away in 1880, he was 'stuffed and mounted' at the pub, becoming an iconic fixture.
'The pub with the dead dog in the wall' is how Mr. Meadows describes it. Starting as a glass collector 17 years ago, he admits the display seemed odd at first. But soon, like all staff, he became captivated by Willie's story.
A tale of loyalty and resilience unfolds. In 1873, Willie and his master drove a flock through South Shields, but the sheep scattered due to the town's commotion. Returning to the marketplace, Willie found his shepherd had left without him. He waited, growling at anyone who approached, surviving on scraps.
A controversial decision was made. A ferry master, believing it was a mercy, attempted to drown Willie in the River Tyne. But Willie swam ashore, full of new life, and was adopted by another ferry master, herding passengers daily.
Willie's fame isn't confined to Tynemouth. Mr. Meadows says, 'Wandering Willie is well-known across the world.' Locals traveling abroad are often asked about the pub with the dead dog. It's a story that captivates and divides opinions.
What do you think? Is Willie's display a fascinating piece of history or a controversial practice? The tale of Wandering Willie is sure to spark debate, leaving us with the question: Should we preserve the past, no matter how unusual, or let some traditions fade away?
