Pub Landlord Faces Investigation Over Giant St George’s Cross

A pub landlord in Pewsey, Wiltshire, is under investigation by local authorities after an anonymous complaint regarding a large St George’s Cross painted on his establishment. Jerry Kunkler, the owner of the Moonrakers Inn, painted the red cross on the pub’s exterior in 2016 and repainted it in 2022 to coincide with the World Cup in Qatar. The complaint alleged that the decoration gave the pub the appearance of “the headquarters of the National Front.”

The Moonrakers Inn, located at 57 High Street, is a Grade II listed building within the Pewsey Conservation Area. As such, any external changes may require Listed Building Consent, particularly when there is a change of paint colour. According to Adrian Foster, cabinet member for planning at Wiltshire Council, the council is investigating the matter in accordance with its planning enforcement policy.

Kunkler, who has been the landlord of the Moonrakers Inn since 1981 and is Wiltshire’s longest-serving councillor, expressed surprise over the complaint. He stated, “We painted it for the first time in 2016 for the Euros. In 2022, we painted it up again for the World Cup in Qatar because I am patriotic. I thought I was going to bring the support here – it is a sports bar.”

The landlord emphasized that the pub has always been family-friendly and inclusive, despite its strong support for English sporting events. Kunkler noted that he regularly promotes events like the Six Nations games, indicating his commitment to maintaining a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons.

The controversy surrounding the St George’s Cross has sparked discussions about national symbols and their interpretations in public spaces. Kunkler believes that his intention has always been to showcase support for English sports, rather than to align with any political movements. He remarked, “There has been all this hoo-ha about St George’s Crosses flying around the United Kingdom. But because of the length of time this has been out there, it has never been anything to do with that.”

The Moonrakers Inn has a rich cultural history, having served as inspiration for the award-winning play Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth. Kunkler has decorated the pub for various occasions, including St George’s Day and royal events, indicating his deep-rooted connection to local traditions. He shared a personal anecdote about meeting the Queen in 2012, reinforcing his identity as a traditional English pub landlord.

As the investigation continues, Kunkler acknowledges the need to comply with any planning regulations. He stated, “It was a bit strange to get that sort of email, but I am going to have to apply the correct way.” The outcome will determine how the Moonrakers Inn continues to express its support for English sporting events amid the ongoing discussions about national identity and representation in public spaces.