Reproduced courtesy of Francis Frith.

Very close to Frenchay, Winterbourne is mentioned in the Domesday Book, with the following information: In SVINHEVE HD.erant T.R.E.ad firma.XXXVI.hidae in

BETVNE.cu.II.membris Wapelei 7 Wintreborne.

In dnio erant.v.car.7 XLI.uills.7 XXIX.bord.cu.XLV.car.

Ibi.XVIII.ferui.cu.I.molino.

Hoc M T.R.E.reddeb firma uni noctis.7.m fimilit facit.

For those not fluent in the language of the time, this can be translated as:

In SWINEHEAD Hundred
in the time of King Edward there were in the revenue 36 hides in BITTON,
with its two members, WAPLEY and WINTERBOURNE.
In lordship there were 5 ploughs; 41 villagers and 29 smallholders with 45 ploughs.
18 slaves with 1 mill.
In the time of King Edward this manor paid one night's revenue; now it does likewise

Things have changed a bit round here since then, but traditional British values remain predominant at the Swan where you are assured of a warm welcome, great food served in a friendly atmosphere and a wide range of beers, wines and spirits for you to enjoy. Soft drinks and coffee are always available and there is a children's menu for the younger diners in your party.

Talking of parties, the Swan is a great place to hold one, why not bring your friends and family here for celebrations. That way, you can leave the cooking, and more importantly the clearing up to us.

Residents of Winterbourne can keep up to date with our regular and special events by taking a look at the calendar page.

Photo from Featured Project near
The Swan's place in Old West history
When the Swan was built in 1758, the Old West as we now know it was still very much a thing of the future. England, France, Spain and other countries were still fighting for territory in the newly discovered Americas. Not to mention the indigenous population, who were feeling most aggrieved by the whole issue.

This engraving is of the Forbes Expedition in the year of 1758, in which a young George Washington took part as an officer. The objective was to take Fort Du Quesne from the French.

As British influence grew in the new nation, the lifestyle of the Old West evolved into the one that we all remember now with great food, great camaraderie and great stories. Join us in the Smokehouse Saloon to re-live at least a part of those times.