The Eagle Pub

     Mark has decided that the Eagle Pub, where Watson & Crick announced their discovery of the structure of DNA, is his "go-to" place.  This used to be a coaching inn around the 1600's, where coaches would arrive.  They make a delicious steak and ale pie, which Mark compliments with a pint of Eagle DNA beer.  This pub is worth visiting for another important reason.  In World War II, RAF and USA airmen would spend their last hours at the Eagle, leaving their names written on the ceiliing with candle or Zippo lighters' smoke to announce they were once there before flying off to war. They were pretty young -- maybe 18 to 25 years old -- and their chances of coming back alive were slim.  The Eagle Pub has photos of returning airmen from that era and recent reunions as old men -- which are wonderful to see because clearly they made it.  Current airmen from the RAF and US have been contributing their decals, which the Eagle has been posting in its "RAF Room."  My photos below include views of the ceilings with their names -- the owners have made sure that the names were never erased and are sealed forever. 



The Eagle Pub's courtyard area where coaches used to arrive





The ceilings of airmen's names before they flew off to battle



 



You can see some of the decals by more modern airmen





Brass plaque commemorating the DNA discovery
and announcement in the Pub



Photo of Watson & Crick on the Cambridge grounds



There is a table here where W&C used to sit every day