While officially in Anzac Parade, Wanganui's iconic Red Lion Inn is inextricably linked with Taylor St's history.
In fact, the pub was built even before the street was officially formed, and named after the Reverend Richard Taylor of Putiki.
Rev Taylor was great mates with Putiki's chief Hoani Hipango and accompanied the
kaumatua to England, where he met Queen Victoria.
Late historian Athol Kirk wrote in his book Streets of Wanganui that Durie Hill was earlier known as Red Lion Hill after the name of the hostelry at the foot of the hill.
The district at the foot of the hill was initially called Campbelltown in honour of Captain Moses Campbell, but later altered to Taylorville before the arrival of Major David Stark Durie.
Taylor St is a no-exit roadway, although a walkway leads to the top of Durie Hill where, confusingly, another Taylor St exists.
The Red Lion Inn, that sits on the corner of the lower Taylor St and Anzac Parade, was the focal point of the district from the outset.
Originally built in 1859, the pub was the departure point for Cobb and Co coaches until the city bridge was built in 1870.
Then tragedy struck in 1874, when a fire started in the stables at the rear of the pub and destroyed the original structure.
It was rebuilt the same year and then pulled down in 1935 under a works scheme.
The Red Lion Inn III was constructed that same year and still stands today.
Current custodians, Anne Hanna, her brother Alan ("Shorty") Belton and his wife Dinky, quite rightly say "The Red", as it is affectionately known, has taken on a persona of its own.
"History tells us the inn has been a home away from home to many for generations," Shorty said.
"A couple from Melbourne were walking past just the other day and popped in saying 'what a welcoming building'.
"That says it all, really."
In fact Anne, Dinky and Alan love the place so much they have owned it twice.
The trio entertained patrons from 1996 to 2000 when they sold, buying the establishment back again in October 2009.
"It was like coming home," Shorty said.
