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Notes regarding the Great Fire of Hungerford, c.1566
(From notes by Norman Hidden)
There were in Hungerford a number of properties called Chantry properties and these had been leased by the Crown to one Henry Edes. A court case in 1569 revealed that he had covenanted in his lease " to build, make up, and re-edify certain burnt and decayed houses and tenements" among the chantry properties. "Decayed" as always means in need of rebuilding or repair, from whatever cause ~ in this case by burning. After much search I was able to find the original draft lease, dated 8th July 1566; and to it had been added, in a different hand, — the Court Official's rather than the scribe's — the following postscript: "Memo: there is six of the tenements belonging to these chantries burnt". And the lease made Henry Edes responsible for the rebuilding or repair, at his own cost, of the houses which were "of late burnt."

The effect of this is to alter our chart somewhat, for although I do not know which six of the chantry's twenty odd stock of houses were those which were burnt, I do know their respective positions or situations. Clearly those affected by fire were most likely to be in the northern half of the town, that is, above present day Church Street and Park Street. In fact on the west side of the High Street there were only three such properties, and two of them were right in the path of the fire. The next chantry property on the west side is - or was - about 9 or 10 doors up, roughly the site of present day no. 13/14 High Street.

On the east side of High Street there were no chantry properties at all until you come to the site of present day nos. l18 (Lloyds Bank), 117 (The Three Swans), 115 (Emma Jane Boutique). Of these, we suspected already from the court case to which I referred earlier that the property on the site of the present Three Swans had been a fire victim. That being so, it is likely that the chantry houses on either side of it also were consumed. We now have, therefore, our six probable burnt chantry houses, which Henry Edes ought to have rebuilt, or repaired (but probably didn't).

See also:
- The Great Fire of Hungerford, 1566

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1573 (NH) In the 1573 town survey we are told that there was one tenement, garden and backside, with a close of pasture called Culver House Close adjoining to the tenement, held by William Butler, from Henry Edes who was farmer of the former chantry rents, at a quit rent of 8d.

1591 (NH) The 1591 survey reveals George Hedache (a local fish merchant) as tenant and adds the information that the close of pasture called Culver House Close contains three acres, quit rent 8d. The area of the Close (always somewhat approximate in these surveys) makes it clear that the Close can hardly be "Culver Acre".

1609 (NH) In 1609 the tenant is Francis Mason (tenement and Close together) and the quit rent 10d. The Close is still called Culver House Close, and the separate Culver Acre, now quite detached from the property, is held by John Burch, quit rent 2d.
- It should be noted that the tenement itself is not called Culver House, though the Close is known as Culver House Close. In 1552 the tenement is leased "and nine dovecotes", after which one hears no more of its function. It is probable (as an early Minister's Account (SC6/749/21) for the manor of Hungerford Inglefield may suggest) that the dovecotes had fallen into disrepair.

1612 (NH) After the enfeoffment of the manor in 1612 the system of quit rent rolls results in a different approach to the properties. There is little detail and the names of lands and houses change. The name Culver House / Close disappears, but that of Culver Acre continues.
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1613 (NH) A law suit in 1613 (PRO: C2/ James I/ M20/9) gives some interesting information concerning this property. The premises had been leased for twenty one years to George Hedige (or Hedache) in a 'repairing' lease at a yearly rental of 17s. Hedige (who appears as the occupier in the 1591 town survey) assigned the remainder of his lease to Francis Mason, a feltmaker.  The building was dilapidated (like many 'chantry' properties). Indeed, according to Mason it was "ruinous, rotten, in great decay and uninhabitable". Mason, however, agreed with Nicholas Curteys, farmer of the Holy Trinity Chantry rents, that he would rebuild and repair the premises if Curteys would provide the timber. This Curteys did, some 20 tons "at least".
- At this point the stories differ. Mason claims that he spent £160 on the building, to make it "fit and convenient for their habitations and useful and profitable for their trades," so that the building was now "in good repair and stronglie builte and withal very comely for habitation". But now that the 21-year lease was either expiring or had expired Curteys would only renew the lease on payment of a large sum and at an increased rent. (The rent of 17/- in or about 1591 compares with 18/- in 1548, so Curteys' action may be understandable). However, Curteys claims that although he supplied the timber Mason had asked for, the rebuilding had been left incomplete for the last eight or nine years. He claims that Mason had begun the reparations by constructing a frame of fabric of the timber; at the same time he pulled down the greater part of the building including, it would seem, the tile roof together with one double chimney stack. And there, half begun and more than half unfinished, the house stood, the frame "without doors and uncovered and so subject to the rain and weather for these many years". What Mason had made snug and watertight was "a little room for his trade and kept it thatched to the hazard and danger of all other the inhabitants and neighbours, their habitations being once heretofore (as this defendant hath crediblie heard) set on fire and in great danger of consuming by means thereof." It seems clear, reading between the lines, that the house was a large one and that Mason was content to leave some rooms unrepaired perhaps at the rear while he concentrated on improving others such as the business premises, no doubt at the front. All Curteys could do was to wait until the lease expired and then drive Mason out. Mason claimed he had nowhere to go, that he had used all his savings in repair of the building, and that, if evicted, it would be to "the utter undoing of his wife and children, exposing them and theirs to be relieved by the parish". Curteys claimed that he and his wife, being now elderly, wished to live in the dwelling "it being the chief house among other their tenements in Hungerford".
- Although this looks like a ploy to secure possession from their tenants, the claim makes clear that Culver House was or had been a property of some size and distinction, perhaps ranking alongside, or next to, its near neighbour, the manor house known as The Swan (=121 HS, "Manor House").
- Curteys was a well-to-do man and he held the farm of both the chantries, some 22 houses, of which this was "the chief". The story is fascinating both for the light it throws on the nature of the building itself and on the relationship of landlord and tenant: nearly 400 years old, it could doubtless find many a modern parallel without too much difficulty! In fact 16 tons of timber were obtained for the repair of this building from the Duchy of Lancaster (DL42/98/folios 329,330) -"one tenement containing 16 field of housing, and a cote, which will occupie 16 tons of timber". The certificate is dated 40 Elizabeth but the timber may not have been cut until 1602 (Berks CRO H/M10).
- The early reference to dovecotes indicates that before belonging to Holy Trinity the property was originally the lord's, since only the lord of the manor was entitled to a dovecote. Presumably, therefore, the property was one of those bequeathed by Robert de Hungerford to the chantry of the Holy Trinity.
- Culver Acre in the occupation of John Burch in 1609 was part of a block of property (two tenements quit rent 8d, one close in Stocken Street quit rent 2d, and Culver Acre quit rent 2d) purchased or acquired by Sir Edward Hungerford Kt, possibly from one Pottenger (probably William of that name (Wilts CRO 442/1). These had been held in 1573 by Thomas Alden, as a tenement and close of pasture and two acres arable, one in the Everlong and one in the Breach,   His predecessor had been John Harrold (1552) who held a tenement and one acre, quit rent 8d.
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1645 (NH) One small piece of evidence of the early use of its name occurs in the parish register which records the burial on 20 October of "Oliver, an ostler at the Three Swanns."

1645-1661 (NH) It may also be noted that although the commission of inquiry refers to Thomas Strangeways as the landlord in occupation "then" (1645) and "now" (1661). Strangeways had been admitted to the local Hocktide Court as vintner in 1632. We also know that he was presented by the church wardens in 1635 "for keeping ill order in his house on a Sunday in June last in time of divine service; and also Nicholas Burch for being then there with other company". This sort of charge was one typically made by Puritans at this time and implies that the inn was open to tipplers who preferred its pleasures to that of attending church on the Sabbath, (Wilts R.O: Ch/Wdns Presentments D5/28 bundle 35 f.23). The name of the "house" is not given; but Nicholas Burch was a beer brewer and son in law of Thomas Smith whose benefaction had led to the commission of inquiry (PCC will of Thos. Smith 1645). It seems possible therefore that Burch may have held the main lease of the premises and had subleased them to Strangeways to use as an inn. Although admitted to the Hocktide Court as a tradesdman in 1632, Strangeways never appears in the list of freeholders, so he most probably held the premises on rental. Strangeways (or Stranguage, his name had many variant spellings) married a local girl Edith Allen in 1642 and died in 1669. (Par. Reg,), Nicholas Burch paid his relief or entry fee to the Hocktide Court in respect of "lands late Thomas Smith's" in 1649, but whether these lands included the Three Swans is not stated.

1661 (NH) An early definite reference to the real Three Swans occurs in an inquisition or commission of inquiry held in 1661 (C93/25/14 and C93/35/8) concerning lands given for the maintenance of a school in Hungerford. The report of this commission states that Thomas Smith the elder, gent, by an indenture dated 15 March 1645 gave 40 shillings per annum by way of a rent charge to enable 2 poor boys to attend a school in Hungerford "then lately erected." The rent charge was from "an inn on the east side of the High Street called the Three Swans, then and now in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Strangeways, vintner."

1663/64 (NH) Hearth Tax returns 1663/4 Thomas Strangeways has 8 hearths, a very large number, indicating the premises in this case were in use as an inn. Only a gentleman's mansion might be expected otherwise to have as many.
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1670 (NH) That the Three Swans was held on a long lease rather than as a freehold is indicated by a deed Hussey - Elwes (Wilts R.O. Burdett papers) dated 11 May 1670 in which the Three Swans is named as a former 'chantry' property "now" [i.e. since the death of Thomas Strangeways] "in the occupation of John Bradford". The phrase "former Chantry property" means that, prior to the dissolution of chantries in the reign of Henry VIII, the property belonged either to the Chantry of the Holy Trinity or to the Chantry of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

1674 (NH) See Feet of Fine: William Bell from Thomas Jennings (26 Charles II Easter). Also see Bell) C93/35/ dated 1674.

1674 (NH) By 1674, however, the inn was described as in the occupation and tenure of William Bell (C93/35/6).

In 1668 William Bell was a substantial enough tradesman to issue his own token coins and a half-penny token bearing his name was struck at the Bear, another of his commercial undertakings. It is William Bell who appears in the town quit rent roll for that year (Berks R.O.) and in the Hocktide Court lists of freesuitors between 1680 and 1700. It seems likely that Bell purchased the leasehold since in 1674 a Foot of Fine records his purchase from Thomas Jennings et al of 1 messuage, 1 curtilage, 1 garden and 1 orchard in Hungerford and Sandon Fee (Feet of Fine, Berks, CP25/2/626/26 Chas II. Trin, ). This purchase is reflected in the town Quit Rent Roll of 1676 when Bell's name first appears as a commoner or freeholder for his house and close at a quit rent of l0d. Both the close attached to the house and the size of the quit rent suggests that the purchase correpsonds to the Three Swans property.

1674 (NH) An inquisition (C93/35/8) gives William Bell as now occupation and tenure of The Three Swans.

1676 (NH) At the same time the former Culver House and its adjoining Close had by 1676 passed to William Bell.
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1676 (NH) In the 1676 quit rent roll one may identify the property as that held by William Bell who paid quit rent for his house and close 10d.

1676  (NH) Culver Acre is leased, as a separate entry, by Jonathan Read, quit rent 2d, along with a separate tenement called the Brewhouse (now 129 HS), quit rent 8d, In 1753 James Shipton has the Brewhouse (8d), an Upper house (ie. higher up on the south side) and Malthouse (6d), and Culver Acre (2d). In 1774 James Shipton (probably the son) has the Brewhouse; Widow Westall the Upper house and malthouse, also Culver Acre. From Widow Westall these had passed before 1795 to Thomas Watson; before 1805 Culver Acre had been taken over by the Canal Company, who remained the proprietors of it at the time of the 1836 quit rent roll.

1677 (NH) In April 1677 depositions in a Chancery suit Wither v Elwes (C22/840/1) were taken "at the dwelling house of Mr. Bell commonly known by the name or sign of the Three Swans." This use for the holding of a judicial commission testifies to the good standing and comfort of the premises, and a clear indication that it was a leading inn in the town. The inn must also have been a staging point for the mail coaches that passed through the town; thus in 1699 the DCV Admons of Isaac Ball (presumably sent from Salisbury?) contains the the following inscription on its cover: "memo: to send the wills by John of the West to be left with William Bell at the Three Swans in Hungerford." Another aspect of its importance and its popularity may be seen from the references to it in the Constable's accounts. "Paid expenses at the Three Swans when the deed of feoffment was signed: £1." (1690, John Seagar, Constable). "Paid for expenses at the Three Swans about quartering of soldiers: 2 shillings" (1693, Edward Lucas, Constable). [Contemporaneous with these were similar payments to the Swan, the White Hart, and the Bear. As only a few pages have been searched in the Constable's Accounts it is possible there may be further entries.]

1684/5 (NH) The Churchwarden's Accounts also reveal similar payments for expenses, e.g. 1684/5 "Spent with the quarriers at ye Three Swans: 4d." Presumably the stone quarriers who may have been providing stones for church repairs.
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1702 (NH) William Bell died in 1702. In 1710 Sarah Bell widow deposes in a court case (E134/9Anne/Trin3). In his will (D & C Windsor) William leaves property to his brother Francis and to his mother Sarah. We know that Sarah carried on the business at the Three Swans, and at least two more law court commissions were held there in 1710 and 1711 during the period of her management (E134 Berks/Anne 9/Trin 3). In his will Bell also mentioned his sister Mary, and this sister married Robert Ellett (or Elliot). In 1715 she and her husband, described as an innholder, were sworn to administer her mother Sarah's estate. An inventory taken at the time gives an excellent idea of the rooms, facilities, and stores held in the inn at that date:

See: Inventory of Sarah Bell, 1714

1716 (NH) On the death of Sarah Bell her daughter Mary and Mary's husband Robert Elliott seem to have taken over the running of the inn, and almost immediately Robert took out an insurance with the Sun Fire Insurance Company in 1716. Fire insurance in areas outside London did not begin until early in the 18th century, the Sun commencing its business in the provinces in 1712. In 1719 on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of February depositions were taken "at the house of Robert Elliott commonly known as the Three Swans." Another Commission to take declarations of witnesses in a Chancery case was held in the Three Swans during Elliot's landlordship in 1724 (C17/1345/5).

1725 (NH) In 1725, the year preceding his death, Robert Elliot senior arranged a mortgage on the premises with Edward Hanson and Robert Mandrel1 as mortgagees. He sold a 500 year lease to Hanson and Maundrell of "all that messuage or common inn called the Three Swans with brewhouse, barn, stables, buildings, yards and gardens and that close of meadow there containing 2 acres lying between the gardens belonging to the inn on the west and the common field called the Everlong on the east." (Berks R,0. D/ELm/T3, abstract of title 1834). The property thereby remained with his family, as described in his will. Mortgages of the kind then in use were intended to continue indefinitely, i.e. with payment of the interest but without repayment of the capital. In this way provided the interest was paid the mortgage acted as a loan to the mortgagor and as an investment for the mortgagee. If the mortgagor failed over a period to pay his interest or the mortgagee for any other reason wished to get his money back, the mortgagee could seek to assign the mortgage to someone else. Thus Hanson and Mandrell assigned their rights as mortgagee to Alexander Thistlethwayte in 1728 (see below) with the property still in the name of Robert Elliot's widow Mary. In 1734 (see below) Thistlethwayte having died, his executors made an assignment of the mortgage to Joseph Shipton.
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1725/6 (NH) In his DCW will dated 11 January 1725/6 Robert Elliott innholder leaves to his wife Mary during her life (and then to her son Robert) the "freehold messuage or common inn called the Three Swans wherein I now dwell with its brewhouse, barn, stables, outhouses, and with meadow ground adjoining," to be charged with £200 payable to his son William within one year of Mary's death. [He also had another inn or alehouse in Charnham Street which was called the Black Swan, in the possession of Thomas Nobes, which he left to his wife Mary and after her death to his son William. Probate was granted 6 June 1726].

1725 (NH) An indenture of 1725 exists in Berkshire R.O. (D/Elm/T3) and this reference to Robert Ellis, the innholder of the 3 Swans is an early use of the name "The Three Swans" in connection with this site. The deed is incorporated in an abstract of the title of John Pearce to the house and to the close [Jn. Pearce is given as owner of the property in the quit rent rolls of 1774 and 1775. His will is dated 1803]. By 1753 the messuage was being occupied by William Elliot.

Further records regarding Three Swans Close, (land bounded by Cow Lane (to the south), modern Station Road (to the east), and the "gardens" of Robinson's, Dolton's and the Three Swans to the west):

1725 (NH BRO - D/ELM T3). A newly erected messuage in Cow Lane – see abstract of John Pearce's title to the land and premises 10 Jan 1725 which refers to a cottage or tenement or garden lately erected in the close of meadow, then or lately occupied as 2 tenements, being on the north side of Cow Lane, being part of the south east corner of the close of meadow, the 2 tenements occupied by Richard Dear or his undertenants and then by Mills.
- Abstract of Mr John Pearce to a new erected cottage on north side of Cow Lane. For Thomas Mills, the purchaser (Ryley, Hungerford). Jn Pearce, of Horningsham, Wilts, Esq., son and devisee in last Will and Testament of John pearce late of Standen Hussey, to a piece of land whereon hath lately been erected a messuage, now 2 tenements, formerly part of a close  adjoining and belonging to the 3 Swans Inn.
- [This property is shown on the 1819 Enclosure Award map lying opposite the junction of modern Fairview Road with Park Street]
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10 Jan 1725 (NH) Indenture of release (mortgage) between: (1) Robert Elliot of Hungerford, innholder; (2) Edward Hanson of Chisbury, Wilts, gent, and Robert Mandrell of Compton Basset. Robert Elliot sold to Hanson and Mandrell for £100 "all that messuage or common inn called 3 Swanns with brewhouse, barn, Stable, buildings yards and gardens and that close of meadow there contining 2 acres lying between the  gardens belonging to said inn on west and common field, Everlong on east. To hold for 500 years. Rent 1 peppercorn.

11 Jan 1725 (NH) R. Elliot by will gave premises to wife, Mary for term of her natural life and after her death to son, Robert, sum of £200 being payable to son William (says this is a PCC will, but we have will of a Robert Elliot for DCWindsor) 6 Jan 1726.

1 Aug 1726 (NH) Indenture between (1) Edward Hanson and Robert Mandrell, (2) Mary Elliott, widow; (3) Edward Hanson, son of above Edward Hanson. Saying that because of 1725 indenture, £102 now due to Hanson and Mandrell. And Edward Hansen the son paid this for Mary Elliott.

3 Mar 1728 (NH) Indenture between (1) Edward Hanson, son; (2) Mary Elliot; (3) Alexander Thistlethwayte, gent. There was then due to Edward Hanson, son, £105+. Paid by Alex Thistlethwayte for Mary Elliot.

The property thereby remained with his family, as described in his will. Thistlethwayte was a Hungerford attorney who died January 1732/3. He was Steward of the Manor of Hungerford 1698-1712. (There is no entry for the years 1713- 1715). His will refers to his kinsman Richard Bird of Cricklade, Wilts — hence the latter's appearance in the deed concerning the Three Swans in 1734, as part of the Thistlethwayte family interest.
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27/28 June 1734: Indentures of lease and release between (1) Richard Byrt, Sarah Thistlethwayte and Alex Thistlethwayte (executors of above Alexander Thistlethwayte, deceased); (2) Robert Elliot of Hungerford, yeoman, eldest son and heir of Richard Elliot, deceased. (3) John Robinson of Bartlett's Buildings, London, gent.; (4) William Elliot of Bishopstone, Wilts, yeoman, son of Robert Elliot, deceased. Robert Elliot, deceased in 1718 became bound to John Pearce, late of North Standen, yeoman, deceased, for £100. By deed poll in 1728 there was then due to Stephen Pearce, executor of Daniel Pocock who was executor of said John Pocock, for principal and interest, sum £49+ and Stephen Pearce transferred the Bond to Alexander Thistlethwayte. So then was due to executors of Alex Thistlethwayte £133-19-3d + the Bond £62, + costs of a suit upon an Ejectment brought by these executors, making whole sum £200. And they for payments by John Robinson and William Elliot and Robert Elliot sold premises to John Robinson [then a lot of jiggery pokery about recoveries]: Trin term 7 & 8 King Geo. II: Exemplification of Common Recovery (with livery and seizure) between William Elliot demandent, John Robinson, tenant, and Robert Elliot, vouchee of the premises.

22 Jan 1736 Indenture of Assignment between (1) Richard Byrt, Sarah Enstone of Windsor (late Thistlethwayte) and Alex Thistlethwayte; (2) William Elliot; (3) Joseph Shipton, gent. £250 owing to 1^st parties. Paid to them by Joseph Shipton. Joseph Shipton to be chief lord and the fee. [Joseph Shipton died 1752. James Shipton owned the brewhouse at 129 HS].

 The most striking feature of the assignment of mortgage in 1736 is that the deed includes the right of Joseph Shipton the mortgagee to be chief lord of the fee. [=Sandon Fee?] Whence does this arise?

 Subsequent assignments continue to include this right, viz to Thomas Kimber of Soley gent (1740); from Kimber to Stephen Pearce of N. Standen (1757). In 1774 an absolute purchase of the premises was made by John Pearce, thus wiping out the long standing mortgage, and at the same time removing the last residual rights of the Elliot family.
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The document D/ELm T3 now needs to be checked to see whether the 'lordship' right is specifically continued.

24/25 Mar 1740: Indenture of Lease and Release between (1) Joseph Shipton; (2) William Elliot; (3) Thomas Kimber of Soley, gent. Thomas Kimber now becomes "chief Lord".

26/27 Jun 1757: Indenture of Lease and Release between (1) Thomas Kimber; (2) Henry Burton Ellis of Hungerford, innholder and Henrietta Maria, his wife, widow of William Elliot; (3) Stephen Pearce of North Standen, yeoman. Stephen Pearce pays £290 and becomes holder.

30 Jun/1 Jul 1774: Indenture between (1) Stephen Pearse; (2) Harriet Elliot of Hungerford, milliner and Mary Elliot mantua maker, daughters and co-heirs of William Elliot and Henrietta Maria deceased; (3) John Pearce of Standen Hussey, gent. Absolute purchace of mortgaged premises for £400 by John Pearce out of which the £285+ must be paid by Harriet etc to Stephen Pearce.

8 May 1803 John Pearce, after devising various freehold estates to son Stephen, and other premises to Trustees in trust for Thomas Major, surgeon and Sarah, wife (one of John's daughter), gave and bequeathed to John Goodman of Oare, Wilts, and William Smith of Parsonage Farm in Hungerford, £2,300 to layout and invest the same. To daughter, Elizxabeth Pearce, £5,000 at 21 years [also other bequests…, e.g. daughter Ann, w/o Lieut Lauderdale of 15^th Light Dragoon: all annuities until son John should be 21. Residue of freehold, copyhold etc to John, his son. Proved PCC 10 Feb 1806.

13/14 ?? 1812: (1) Trustees of J. pearce; (2) Ann Pearce, widow; (3) Thomas Major and Sarah, John Lidderdale and Ann, Henry Smith and wife Elizabeth (another daughter); (4) Some of above; (5) Stephen Pearce of Sherfield Court in Sherville cum Loden, hants (eldest son and heir of J.P.); (6) Jn Pearce of Hungerford; (7) George Ryley. Various people above have died. Now rest bargain and sell to George Ryley the 3 Swans etc to the use of John Pearce.
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Mich Term 53 Geo III (=1813): Fine between George Ryley, plaintiff and John Goodman, John Butcher, Francis Lovelock, John pearce and Stephen Pearce, deforciants of tenement, messuage, 10 lofts, 10 cottages, 3 water mills, 10 barns, 10 stables, 15 gardens, 15 orchards, 100 acres land, 20 acres meadow, 20 acres pasture, free fishing and common etc in Hungerford and Letcomb Regis. *NB The ground on which the messuages and premises hath been erected and also the garden adjoining as fenced off from remaining part of premises was taken from south east corner of said Close of Meadow belonging to 3 Swanns Inn.

1834 (NH D/ELmT6) Abstract of title by Thos. Mills to a freehold messuage or tenements, yeard, garden, and premises in Cow Lane to be sold to John Willis esq. This sale in 1834 included a messuage or inn and brewhouse and barn, stables, buildings, gardens and a close of meadow.

1727 (NH) In November 1727 the will of Benjamin Dennis of Hungerford who died at Ham in Wiltshire was sent "per Oxford carrier to be left at the Three Swans," once again showing that the inn had an important place in the stage coach routes of its day. (Archd. Wilts).

1729 (NH) But in 1729 depositions were taken "at the house of Edward Glasse, innholder, called the Three Swans" who was aged 50 or upwards.

1731 (NH) Similarly in 1731 hearings took place "at the house of Thomas Lyddiatt at the sign of the Three Swans". [Thomas Liddiard was Constable in 1732, died 1748.]

1743 (NH) In 1743, however, we still find the Elliot name associated with the Three Swans. In that year William "innholder of the Three Swans" takes out or renews insurance with the Sun Fire Insurance Co. (vol.66). The building is then described as timber built and tiled. Innholder normally implies ownership; as distinct from innkeeper which implies management.

1753-61 (QR) William Elliott for his house and Close, q.r. 10d.
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1767 (NH) During these various changes of ownership the inn continued its successful career. It still remained a centre for legal inquisitions. Thus in 1767 (?) on 14 November depositions were taken (E112/ Berks/ Geo III/ Mich 5 —CHECK reference & year date) "at the house of Joseph Lawrence known as the Three Swans".

1771 (NH) In 1771 24 May (E112/Berks/Geo III/'Trin 10 - Bundle 1369, case no.43)  Joseph Lawrence is still the innkeeper.

1774-90 (QR) John Pearce for the Three Swans and Close, q.r. 10d.

1777-81 (CL) Edward Bear
1781 (CL) Edward Bear
1783 Royal Exchange Assurance No. 85450 13 Jan 1783. Edward Bear insures his household furniture in his dwelling house brick and tiled known by the sign of ..?.. (Is this the Three Swans?).
1788 Edward Bear buried

1792 (BD) D. Bear - Innkeeper - Three Swans

1795 (QRR) John Pearce

1796 (UD) Deborah Bear, innkeeper

1795-1804 (QR)John Pearce for the Three Swans and Close, q.r. 10d.

See also:
- 117 High Street - Post 1800
- The Bear
- Token Coinage
- Inventory of Sarah Bell, 1714

Updated: 25.7.2010

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