The Swan Inn

Cockermouth, Cumbria. Local church records mention a "Swan Inn" as early as 1668, and consisted of three adjoining cottages. Licensing and brewing records note the tavern operating continuously since at least 1743. The building long had connections to nearby All Saints Church, with the right hand side of the property originally serving as a hospice or "poor house" for poor windows and unmarried women. Some of the low timber beams are marked with "anti-witch marks" carved into the wood to

ward off evil spirits. For over a century the pub was synonymous with the famous local Jennings Brewery. Jennings purchased the pub in 1889 and operated it as a tied house. Ownership was transferred to Marston's in 2007.

I had a great conversation with owners Paula and Tim, not only getting information about the pub and Cockermouth, but also other things to see and do in this part of the Lake District. I asked about the cornets and bugle hanging on the wall, and Paula informed me that the pub was the favorite hang of the Cockermouth Mechanics Brass Band. Unfortunately they did not have a performance while we were in town.

A quirky old pub, there are many sitting areas surrounding the uniquely shaped little bar. I grabbed a Cumberland Ale from Jennings and sat down to enjoy stories told by Paula and Tim. A great start to my Cockermouth crawl.