The phrase “cock and bull story” is believed to have originated in Stony Stratford — now part of the MK borough. The story of two rival coaching inns and a famous expression.
Every time someone dismisses a far-fetched story as a “cock and bull”, they’re unknowingly referencing a small market town that is now part of Milton Keynes. The phrase is widely believed to have originated in Stony Stratford.
The Two Rival Pubs
Stony Stratford’s high street was once a major coaching stop on the road between London and the north. Two of its most prominent inns — The Cock and The Bull — stood almost opposite each other, and their customers were notorious for trading increasingly exaggerated tales and gossip as coaches passed through.
The rival stories exchanged between patrons of the two pubs became so legendary that “a cock and bull story” entered common usage as a phrase meaning an absurd or unbelievable tale.
Visiting Stony Stratford Today
Stony Stratford is one of the most charming corners of the MK borough — a genuinely historic market town with independent shops, cafes, pubs and a beautiful high street that has changed little in character over the centuries. Both The Cock and The Bull still exist as pubs today.
It’s well worth an afternoon visit, especially if you enjoy history, good food and a proper old-fashioned English market town atmosphere.
This is part of our Discover MK series — facts, history and hidden stories about Milton Keynes.
