500 Years of the Swan

The Swan has stood in the centre of Harleston, physically and emotionally, for 450 years. Given an 18th C face lift by a Yarmouth brewing family that had married very wisely, behind this smart façade lurks layers of architecture that can be peeled back to reveal how the use of the buildings have evolved.

Robin, the current owner will tell you all about the huge cattle fairs, when all deals were sealed with a drink amongst thirsty men who had walked with their beasts down from the lowlands of Scotland. He will also recreate the times when the grand room on the first floor was used for concerts and dances for the cream of the local society – and when the same room stood in for the County Court for less respectable members of society. Hear of the old mail coaches rattling below with barely half an hour to snatch a bite of food and use the (very basic) facilities.

Villains and heroes both have passed through the rooms of the Swan – including two ladies dragged before the magistrates in the 16thC for bad language.

After the talk, have a drink in the bar and check out the old spit mechanism and roasting jacks, still in place, recalling the days when the kitchen doubled as a warm bar, stand in the fireplace and gaze up the huge chimney with soot stains of hundreds of years of use.

Timings

Wednesday 16 September:

1430

Location & directions

The Swan Hotel, 19 The Thoroughfare, Harleston, Greater London, IP20 9AS

Contact on day:

Trevor Graham

Telephone number:

+447720400808

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Additional information

This event forms part of a town wide community programme involving local groups to celebrate Heritage Open Days.

Estimated duration:

1 hour(s) 15 minute(s)

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