This is an attractive inn built on the French Row. It may have been named after French troops being quartered here in 1217. On the other hand, it could have been after the imprisonment at St Albans of the King of France, captured at the Poitiers in 1356. It is an ancient pub name and occurs in the royal arms of France. When Edward 3rd assumed the title, King of France, the device was incorporated into the English coat of arms. For the most part, it exhibits ghostly manifestations. these include poltergeists with the sounds of footsteps and keys rattling. Employees have felt the presence of someone watching them and there are accounts of a face with staring eyes appearing in a mirror.