A village near Glastonbury has been unofficially renamed 'Banksyville' after the elusive street artist reportedly invested in a local pub, where residents affectionately call him 'Dave'. The artist's identity came under fresh scrutiny following a Reuters investigation suggesting he changed his name from Robin Gunningham to David Jones. However, locals in Pilton, Somerset, claim he is well known as the primary benefactor behind the Crown Pilton Pub's major restoration, with Glastonbury founder Michael Eavis and Coldplay frontman Chris Martin also contributing to the refurbishment.
The Crown Pilton Pub Transformation
The historic pub, located just a stone's throw from Glastonbury Festival's Worthy Farm, underwent a £1,000,000 renovation in 2022. Current landlords Owain Powell and Rowena Draper took over operations a year earlier. Neighbors allege the investment was bankrolled by a celebrity trio, with Banksy at the center. One anonymous neighbor stated: 'Oh, Banksy owns it. We call him Dave. He owns it secretly with Michael Eavis and Chris Martin from Coldplay. They stay unnamed.' The neighbor added: 'My son worked there. Owain's actually the manager. It used to be a scruffy pub, sold soup before the festival, but then it had that investment, and now it's a listed building.'
Local Rumors and Speculation
A local taxi driver claimed to have picked up Banksy on multiple occasions: 'Rumour has it Banksy owns that pub. My friends tell me they reckon Banksy's one of the guys I drive around sometimes, they know the guy's wife. They say they're going to ask her one day, but that's pointless, even if it was they won't say.' However, a staff member dismissed the claims as 'a vicious rumour,' adding: 'I own it, and I'm not Banksy! It's good for business, though, it brings people in.' Another resident believed Banksy was involved in village investments alongside Eavis: 'Eavis has put loads into Pilton, it's great. You can tell because it gets stuff that other places don't – there's a pothole just outside the pub, it'll get fixed before anywhere else.'
Historical Context
The pub dates back to the 17th century and overlooks Pilton, a village with a population of 1,100 that swells to 250,000 during the Glastonbury Festival. The speculation has drawn attention to the village, with some residents embracing the mystery while others remain skeptical.
