The Swan Inn was first built in the late 14th century, but records truly began in 1536, when royal couriers would stop for a change of horses at The Swan Inn on their way from London to the south coast. For centuries, it was an important coaching inn, becoming a local landmark.

With the 19th-century transport revolution — most importantly the introduction of railways and smoother, ‘macadamised’ roads — came a whole new influx of visitors.

Fittleworth, where The Swan Inn is located, is known for being one of the prettiest villages in the South Downs. As its reputation spread, Victorian artists streamed to the village to paint the surrounding landscapes. The Swan Inn became something of an artists’ haunt.

The leading artists of the late eighteenth, nineteenth and early twentieth centuries — from J.M.W. Turner to John Constable — would stay at The Swan Inn whenever they were in the area, often paying for their food and lodgings with artwork, which still lines the panelling of the dining room.

Much of The Swan Inn’s more recent history is known through the Visitors Books, which are overflowing with artists’ signatures, often accompanied by a quick sketch or hasty watercolour. While some have ended up in the village archives, we still have the most recent on site, which can be viewed 
in the dining room.

Today, The Swan Inn has been lovingly restored to encompass the pub bar, the 46-cover panelled dining room, The Barn — bookable for private events— and 12 ensuite bedrooms.