500+ Years of History

I'm excited to share some interesting information. We recently found an early and previously unknown plan of the Swan Hotel, Hastings among a bundle of lease documents. It dates from around 1812 and almost certainly hasn’t been seen for 200 years.

The Swan was used as a cavalry barracks during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), which explains the number of stables.

The wall highlighted is the rear wall of my cellar.

We discovered distinct chisel marks beneath layers of grime on the back wall of our cellar. These marks were made by a mason at least 500 years ago.

Our research indicates an exciting connection between the Swan Hotel, Henry VIII and the dissolution of the monasteries. We also discovered a fascinating stone staircase in the cellar of a nearby property. The style suggests the site may have ecclesiastical origins.

From April we’ll open the cellars to paid subscribers.