The History of the Brazen Head

Much of history has been written with a pub as the backdrop. The first Irish Public House or ‘pub” ever recorded was in Dublin in 1198. The Brazen Head.

Legend indicates that soldiers, keeping watch over the only bridge spanning the head to Liffey, would warm their hands at night around burning barrels called braziers.

From miles away locals could see, what soon came to be known as, The Brazen Head.

And what is so often the case, pubs are the meeting place and muse for musicians, poets, politicians and rebels. The United Irishmen planned the 1798 Rebellion, James Joyce penned Ulysses and Van Morrison wrote Brown Eyed Girl all within the historical walls of The Brazen Head.

Inspired by the tradition of Ireland’s The Brazen Head, we pay homage to these greats with Toronto’s BRAZEN HEAD and our own heritage and traditions.

Similar to the historical pub in Ireland, this building, during World War I, was involved in Toronto’s war effort when the Inglis company built over 100,000 Bren Guns. Countless bombs were manufactured in the surrounding buildings.

What remains of the artillery factory was found years ago but in 2006, during the restoration of the building, a member of the construction team discovered what is thought to be an underground passage running from The Women’s Reformatory (now Lamport Stadium), under Brazen Head through to the waterfront near St. Lawrence Market.

Whatever the circumstances of these legends & stories we are proud that among us today there are still scholars, poets, musicians (and even the occasional rebel) who’ll come to Brazen Head to celebrate great food, drink, music but most importantly friendships.

From North to South and East to West, Ireland and it’s contributions to pub history and culture is celebrated and to those within these walls- Welcome.

Cead Mile Failte!