<<<The history we are allowing some folk to take from us is criminal.>>>

Indeed so, Den.

The 'Friars Oak' near me was named after a fallen tree seat in the grounds of a medieval monastery, now an 'Executive starter homes' housing development. Six years ago it was renamed 'The Pilgrim Goose' when taken over by one of the big chains About 2 years later it was changed back to the Friar's Oak following pressure from the local community.

From my local paper:

Traditional pubs across Sussex have been given new names by brewers in a bid to draw in different crowds.

The Volunteer pub in Church Street, Brighton, which took its name from a nearby infantry barracks, was renamed the Mash Tun in 1996.

The George Beard in Gloucester Road, Brighton, was originally called The Eagle after a nearby iron foundry.

In Dec 2000 a Bill was put before Parliament that required local planning authority approval to change a pub name and would enable the local community to have its say before the name could be changed.
https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199900/cmbills/035/2000035.htm#1