History

The Swan Inn was founded in the middle ages by the monks of Thame who were locally renowned for their brewing exploits.

1382

Tetsworth marked on the earliest known map of England.

1447

Hermitage founded at Tetsworth to maintain and repair road.

1482

Innkeeper of The Swan was indicted for selling victuals at excessive prices.

1500's

John Bonyer was tenant of The Swan.

1580's

It is rumoured that Queen Elizabeth I stayed at The Swan. During the late 16th Century the Petty family were owners.

1600's

It was recorded that four armed men attacked a coach and opened strong boxes on the road at Tetsworth. The original parts of the existing building were built: a two storey 'L' shaped timber frame structure with three chimneys. During the 17th century the area around Tetsworth was well noted for the abundance of highwaymen and footpads and this was considered a particularly dangerous stretch of road between London and Oxford.

1643

During the Civil War, Major Gunter's cavalry was stationed at Tetsworth prior to the Battle of Chalgrove.

1644

King Charles I and Queen Henrietta Maria stationed themselves at Tetsworth from where they were able to set up headquarters in Oxford. The French Ambassador stayed at The Swan when his coach broke an axle on his way to Oxford.

1660's

Sir Charles Sedley owned The Swan and changed its name to 'The Sedley Arms'. He was a courtier of Charles II, playwright and noted for his debauchery which was chronicled by Pepys. The Swan was extensively remodelled adding the ballroom and providing a brick facade.

1718

The road became a turnpike.

1727

Dr Edmund Hailey stayed after visiting Oxford.

1832

Queen Victoria visited Oxford on 'Progression' with her Mother and visited The Swan on her return journey.

1840's

Due to the establishment of the railways and consequent decline of road traffic, part of The Swan was converted into a post office.

1879

The horse Sir Bevys, which was stabled at The Swan, won the Derby for Baronne Helene de Rothschild.

1950's

William (Wicked Willy) Palmer bought The Swan from Halls Brewery.

1960's

Jim Tuck and Frank Grierson were landlords.

1988

The Swan closed. Furniture and fixtures were stripped out and windows boarded up.

1995

On January 2nd The Swan at Tetsworth was launched as a quality Antiques Centre, Restaurant and Bar.