History of the Swan

The Swan at Clewer stands on the site of a medieval coaching inn which used to serve travellers as they journeyed from Maidenhead to Windsor.

The Mill Lane site was once the main road between the two towns, prior to the advent of the A308 and was an important stopping place for travellers not only east to west, but also, in early times, north to south as the principal crossing point before Windsor bride was built at Clewer.

The Swan – the current building dates from the 18th Century – provided ale and food and simple accommodation, together with a coaching service, with new horses for travellers.

The stables still stand at the back of the pub, while a tunnel from the pub yard to the church is still believed to be intact, although the entrance was filled in in 1990.

Until the 19th century, the inn was used as the local coroner’s court, with a brisk trade in bodies from the river. The mortuary was at the rear of the inn, and the landlord, Charlie, was part-time mortician.