York, Nicknamed the "Bird and Baby", it dates to the early 17th century as a three story timber framed building with a jettied front. It was originally owned by University College, then St. Johns College, Leeds Brewery, and Camerons Brewery. The first record of the pubs name is from 1684 and is said to be derived either from the legend of Ganymede being abducted by the eagle of Zeus, or from the crest of the Earl of Derby with a story of a noble born baby found in an eagle's nest. In the 1930s and 1940s the literary group the Inklings (including J.R.R. Tolkein and C.S. Lewis) met in the pub, and in the mid-1960s the Rolling Stones signed their names in lipstick on the wall of the top floor. Several rooms surround the central bar downstairs and. there is a covered seating area outside in the back. I sat next to the front windows enjoying a Best Bitter from Leeds Brewery, watching York walk by.