The owners of a centuries-old village pub have been labelled "woke" after changing its long-held name.

The pub, located in the Dorset market town of Wareham, has announced it will be changing its name from "The Silent Woman" to "The Angel".

The local watering hole is currently undergoing a £250,000 renovation - and is set to operate under the new name when it opens its doors again next month.

Hall and Woodhouse, the company which owns the pub, have said the rebrand is part of a push to “breathe new life” into the "dated" pub.

The pub, located in the Dorset market town of Wareham, has announced it will be changing its name

But local patrons have fumed over the owners' decision, labelling it as "sad" and "very woke".

The pub was named The Silent Woman Inn back in the 1920s as a nod to Thomas Hardy's reference to the venue as The Quiet Lady in his 1878 novel The Return of the Native.

As part of the "woke" rebrand, owners have taken down the boozer's sign depicting a decapitated woman, which read: "Since the woman is quiet, let no man breed a riot.”

According to local legend, the name is also believed by some to refer to an incident where smugglers cut out the tongue of a chatty landlady who spilled their secrets to patrons.

Owners have taken down the boozer's sign, which depicts a decapitated woman

However, Hall and Woodhouse has said the move is a restoration to the pub's original name, which dates back 400 years.

The firm added that the decision to revert back “symbolises a rebirth yet still honours the pub’s original essence”.

Frequent visitor Jane Bull said she “travelled miles to come and drink in this pub just because of its name”, and that as "a feminist", she took no offence to the name as it was simply a "historical reference".

Long-time Wareham resident Peter Hector said it “seems very woke to change it to The Angel just because some silly a*** is offended”.

Locals have vowed to keep on calling the venue The Silent Woman after the rebrand.

Resident Peter Burroughs told Swanage News he felt “disappointed and sad” about the name change, adding that "it all feels a bit woke to me, a bit of an over-reaction".

Hall and Woodhouse business development partner Izzy Hersom said: “We are excited to announce that The Silent Woman is being renamed to The Angel – a return to its original name dating back over 400 years.

“This change is part of our vision to breathe new life into the pub while staying true to its rich history and heritage – it’s a character property, but it is dated.

“While we are refreshing the pub with a major investment, we’re also committed to maintaining its traditional charm to ensure the historic character of the building is preserved.

"The name The Angel perfectly captures this balance - we think it symbolises a rebirth, yet still honours the pub’s original essence.”

Wareham locals have affirmed that they will still be calling the venue The Silent Woman after the rebrand

The Silent Woman Inn first opened its doors more than 400 years ago, offering refuge to weary travellers and serving food and drink to travelling priests.

In addition to the name change, the pub's colour scheme is set to be altered in the renovations to give the historic building a more "refreshed" look.

Sitting on the edge of Wareham Forest, the pub is also used as a wedding venue and stop for holidaymakers staying in the nearby campsite.