There are a few other inns not mentioned by name, or merely alluded to in passing, which, together with those we have dealt with, make _Nicholas Nickleby_ almost as interesting from this point of view as _Pickwick Papers_. CHAPTER V BARNABY RUDGE THE MAYPOLE, CHIGWELL Of all the inns with which Dickens's books abound there is none that plays so important a part in any of his stories as the Maypole at Chigwell does in _Barnaby Rudge_. Other inns are just the scene of an incident or two, or are associated with certain characters or groups of characters; the Maypole is the actual pivot upon which the whole story of _Barnaby Rudge_ revolves. It is associated in some way with every character that figures prominently in the narrative, and scene after scene is enacted either in it or near by. The story begins with a picturesque description of the inn and its frequenters, and ends with a delightful pen-picture of young Joe Willet comfortably settled there with Dolly as his wife, and a happy family growing up around them. For these reasons it may therefore be said to be the most important of all the Dickensian inns. It is also one of the few hostels Dickens describes in detail, and perhaps the only one he admittedly gave a fanciful name to, for its real name is the King's Head. Ever since it has been an inn it has been so called, and is known by that name to-day, although it is never referred to in conversation or print without the corroborative appendage of "The Maypole of _Barnaby Rudge_," nor does the sign-board omit this important fact. There are the remains of an inn near by at Chigwell Row, boasting the sign of the Maypole, and this may have suggested the name to Dickens, but that is all it can claim: the King's Head is the inn and Chigwell is the place chosen by Dickens for the centre of some of the chief scenes in his story, and the few fanciful touches he gives to it and its surroundings are nothing but the licence allowed a novelist for rounding off and completing the details necessary for the presentment of his ideal. As long as the King's Head exists, therefore, it will always remain famous as "the Maypole of _Barnaby Rudge_," and reflect pleasant memories to all who know the book.