Pub history · No.13 of 18 · Ironbridge
Elephant Crossing
1829 | Queen's Head Vaults, an elephant and several identities — formerly the Queen's Head Vaults
Another modern name with a much older story.
The premises at 29 High Street date their pub history to 1829, when they operated as the Queen's Head Vaults, connected with the Queen's Head further down the street.
Then comes the elephant.
On 15 May 1932, a travelling circus paraded an elephant across the Iron Bridge.
The stunt was intended to demonstrate very publicly that the famous old bridge remained strong enough to take the weight.
The building itself subsequently went through several identities.
Many will remember it as The Old Wine Bar.
Later came It's All About Me, then The Cavern, before the premises reopened as Elephant Crossing in 2022.
So the elephant isn't a piece of random modern branding.
It's a nod to one of Ironbridge's strangest stories.
How we know this date
- Tradition1829 is the date traditionally given for the premises at 29 High Street operating as the Queen's Head Vaults, connected with the Queen's Head further down the street.
- DocumentedThe premises were certainly operating as a pub by the late 20th century: CAMRA records include a photograph of the bar taken in October 1989.Source: CAMRA WhatPub
This is a working date. If you have a document or photograph that changes it, we'd genuinely like to see it.
On 15 May 1932, a travelling circus paraded an elephant across the Iron Bridge.
Then
Now
The Crossing — by Elephant & Co. · Ironbridge
Can you help with Elephant Crossing?
We're still researching this pub. Old photographs, licences, newspaper cuttings, brewery documents or family memories all help — and if you have evidence that changes our date, we'd genuinely like to see it.
Stay in the loop
Get the week's events by email
One short email each week: live music, events and new history features from the Gorge. No spam, unsubscribe any time.