the Swan

Names

  • the Swan
  • Swan Inn
  • the Swane
  • le Swanne

Street/Area/District

  • Holborn

Maps & Views

Descriptions

from A Dictionary of London, by Henry Harben (1918)

the Swan

North out of Holborn at Holborn Bridge, in Farringdon Ward Without (Lockie, 1816).

First mention: "The Swane at Holborne bridge in parish of St. Sepulchre, near the Spurrers house," 1 Eliz. (Lond. I. p.m. I. 188). "Swan Inn" (Hatton, 1708). "Swan Yard" in Horwood, 1799.

Site now covered by Holborn Viaduct and its approaches.

from A Survey of the Cities of London and Westminster, by John Strype (1720)

[Swan Inn.] And whereas the Way or Passage of Holborn Bridge is now too strait and incommodious for the many Carriages and Passengers daily using and frequenting the same; and is therefore necessary to be enlarged: Be it therefore enacted, That it shall and may be lawful for the Lord Maior, Aldermen, and Commoners of the City of London, so to enlarge and make wider the same, as that the said Way and Passage may run in a Level Line, from a certain Timber House on the North Side thereof, commonly called or known by the Name or Sign of the Cock; unto the Front of the Buildings of a certain Inn, called the Swan Inn, situate on the North Side of Holborn Hill, as aforesaid.

…

Betwixt this [King's Arms] Inn and Swan Inn, is Hand and Crown Alley, very small.

from London Signs, by Bryant Lillywhite (1972)

14266 "le Swanne" parish of St. Sepulchre "at Holborn Bridge" 1545–58.

"The Swan near to Holborn Bridge" Inn. 1637–1840s variously described as "Swan at Holborn Bridge"; "north of Holborn Bridge"; "Swan inn on the N. side of Snow Hill, close by Holbourn bridge". See Black Swan Holborn Bridge No. 3483. White Swan No. 16508.