Black Swan Inn, York

Walking into the Black Swan, it's clear why it's deemed the quintessential spot in York for local beers. Located on Peasholme Green, the Black Swan occupies a site that once held a significant medieval residence where various Lord Mayors of York and MPs lived. The original structure was built in 1417 but was rebuilt in 1560 and then significantly modified in 1670, including new brickwork and interior changes.

By the late 18th century, the building had been transformed into a pub. Remarkably, many features from the 1670 overhaul remain, such as large fireplaces, expansive staircases, roasting pits, and uniquely angled windows found in the entrance hall, the Smoke Room, and an upstairs room decorated with a trompe l'oeil painting. The front of the pub still showcases the timber-framed center from 1560, with a jettied first floor. Next to it, there's a brick and timber extension from 1670 and a 1940-built extension on the other side, with another 1670 wing at the back.

In the 1930s, the Tadcaster Tower Brewery took over and refurbished the pub to maintain its historical essence. Bass later acquired it, and in 1954, the pub was designated a Grade II listed building.

There鈥檚 a local legend that an underground passage connects the Black Swan to Saint Cuthbert's Church. The pub is rumored to be haunted by several ghosts. Since 1978, it has been the venue for a folk music club and, since 2003, has also hosted an annual folk festival.

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Sight Name: Black Swan Inn
Sight Location: York, England (See walking tours in York)
Sight Type: Food/Drink
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

York's Historical Pubs Tour

Walking Tours in York, England

Create Your Own Walk in York

Creating your own self-guided walk in York is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

York's Historical Pubs Tour

Yorkshire is a haven for real ale enthusiasts and York does live up to this reputation. Many of local pubs are as old as churches, having served their clients for centuries.

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York City Wall Tour

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The surviving portion of the town wall 鈥� 3.4km (2 miles) 鈥� is longer than anywhere else in England. Built mostly in the 13th century (of magnesian limestone, and set upon earthen... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles

York Introduction Walking Tour

Established by the ancient Romans in 71 AD, the city of York breathes history. It first appeared as a walled settlement when the Ninth Legion of Rome conquered the local tribe known as the Brigantes. The town became the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and later of the kingdoms of Deira, Northumbria and J贸rv铆k, emerging as a major river port and part of the extensive trading... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

York's Old Town

A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, York has played a central role throughout much of England鈥榮 history. Despite its small size, Old Town York boasts a wealth of colorful heritage that draws tourists in droves from all over the world.

The maze of historic streets 鈥� too narrow for vehicles, and therefore solely pedestrian 鈥� are packed with attractions fairly close to one... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles

York's Historical Architecture

Being home to some of the best preserved historic architecture in England, York screams history and is undoubtedly the must-go destination for anyone keen on the country鈥檚 past. While the more recent history has also characterized York, it is the abundance of the ancient sites retained in their variety 鈥� from Medieval times to the Georgian and Victorian eras, and more 鈥� that makes the city... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
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