Eagle and Child Pub, Oxford

The Eagle and Child, affectionately known as "the Bird and Baby," is a storied pub in Saint Giles', Oxford. This pub boasts a significant historical connection to University College, being part of its endowment since the 17th century.

The building itself is small and narrow, steeped in historical claims. It is reputed to have served as the lodgings for the Chancellor of the Exchequer during the English Civil War (1642–49), when Oxford was a Royalist stronghold. Furthermore, the Eagle and Child served as a pay house for the Royalist army and was the site of pony auctions in its rear courtyard. However, these historical claims are subject to some skepticism due to inconsistencies with the earliest construction date of the pub, around 1650, and its location outside the city walls.

The pub's name, first recorded in 1684, is thought to originate from either the myth of Ganymede being abducted by Zeus's eagle, or from the crest of the Earl of Derby, tied to a tale of a noble-born baby named Oskatel found in an eagle's nest by Sir Thomas Lathom, later related by marriage to Sir John Stanley.

The Eagle and Child is not just notable for its architecture or history, but also for its literary significance. It is famously associated with the Inklings writers' group, which included renowned authors J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. The Eagle and Child is recognized as a Grade II listed building, a testament to its historical and architectural value.