A traditional public house sign that dominates a busy road junction in London has been highlighted as one of dozens of historic structures to have won official protection in 2018, Historic England said Thursday.

The Cock Sign stands at a prominent location at the junction of Sutton High Street and Carshalton Road in London and dates to around 1907. Although the old pub has been demolished, the original sign survives.

Historic England has also recognised a group of sculptures of the legendary characters of Robin Hood and his Merry Men, to commemorate a visit to Nottingham in 1949 by Queen Elizabeth II three years before she became the monarch in 1952.

The sculptures stand in an outer ditch of Nottingham Castle, the setting of one of the most popular tales of Robin Hood, one of the most legendary characters in English history.

Duncan Wilson, CEO of Historic England, said: "We ensure that England's most significant places are protected and 2018 has seen some remarkable ones added to the list.

"From an old lifeboat house in Essex to a former railway station in Otterington to the Cock sign in Sutton high street, our fascinating history and heritage is celebrated through listing. We encourage people to understand and enjoy the wonderful range of historic places on their own doorsteps and by listing them we are protecting them for future generations."

Heritage minister Michael Ellis: "Our historic buildings and places help us to make sense of our past and to understand the world we live in today. Protecting our heritage ensures that future generations can enjoy, and learn about, our rich history."