THE inn in Worcester where two future presidents of the United States of America dined and savoured a drink or two could soon have its own 'Presidents Plaque' to commemorate the historic visit.

John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both visited the Hop Pole Inn in Foregate in Worcester on April 8, 1786. Adams of Massachusetts and Jefferson of Virginia were both later to become presidents of the United States - Adams in 1797 (the second president in US history) and Jefferson in 1801 (the third president in US history, succeeding Adams).

Now the visit will be honoured by a plaque, courtesy of the Worcester Civic Society. The plague itself has been designed by Vincent Kirk of KKE Architects, based in Worcester. Guidance has come from Adrian Gregson, the county archives collection manager at the Hive, and James Dinn, the city archaeologist.

The aluminium plaque itself will cost around £900 and feature the Battle of Worcester Society flag, the Worcester Civic Society logo, the US flag (as it was then) and embossed pictures of the presidents in profile.

The cost reflects the fact that the plaque will feature embossed images and colour designs as well as the now famous quote about the significance of Fort Royal Hill in Worcester as the ground where 'Liberty was fought for'.

The men called in at Worcester en route from Stourbridge via Bromsgrove and the gardens at Hagley to Woodstock, near Oxford. They were on a six day tour of some English gardens and Civil War sites before their return to London.

David Saunders of Worcester Civic Society said: "On their way they called in to Worcester and dined at the Hop Pole Inn on Foregate. The building still exists but has changed somewhat over the years."

He added: "They are probably the most significant foreign visitors to have ever visited the city of Worcester. To have two future presidents of the United States visiting on the same day, drinking cider and enjoying anchovies for breakfast doesn't often happen."

During the visit John Adams made his famous speech on Fort Royal Hill: "Do Englishmen so soon forget the Ground where Liberty was fought for? All England should come in Pilgrimage to this Hill once a year."

The visit of the two future presidents came to light in 2004 (detailed in the Worcester News at the time) after a previously unpublished diary entry was discovered by academic Dr Alice Hiller.

Adams declared the site, off Wyld's Lane, "holy ground" and said English people should make a yearly pilgrimage there.

The project, which the civic society hopes will be completed by this spring, is one of a number being pursued at the moment, including a plan to have plaques installed to mark the positions of the city's eight medieval gates.

They hope to involve the US community in Worcester and possibly even the US Government in the unveiling ceremony.

If you can provide help with sponsorship please contact David Saunders via email on davidsaunders66@gmail.com or civic society chairman Phil Douce on phildouce68@gmail.com