The White Swan Inn, Coaching inn and Grade II* listed building in Monmouth, Wales
The White Swan Inn is a three-story building with a white stucco facade and a central bow window featuring triple sash windows on each level. Today it functions as mixed-use space containing offices, retail shops, a coffee house, and a bistro-café accessible from both Priory Street and Church Street.
The building was first established in 1709 as the Swan and Falcon and underwent major reconstruction in 1839 under architect George Vaughan Maddox during Priory Street's redevelopment. This 1839 renovation shaped its current appearance and made it a key landmark during Monmouth's urban transformation.
The name references Mary de Bohun, mother of Henry V who was born in nearby Monmouth Castle, and her family's use of the swan in their coat of arms. This heraldic connection is woven into the building's identity even today.
The building sits at the junction of Priory Street and Church Street, making it accessible from multiple directions in the town center. Entry is straightforward as the ground floor remains open to the public during standard business hours for its shops and cafes.
During the Chartist Trials of 1840, the 12th Lancers cavalry unit was stationed within the building, creating considerable tension among local residents. This military occupation represents a notable moment when the inn served purposes far beyond hospitality.
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