The White Swan was built in the 1600s, financed by a wealthy landowner. In its early years, the building was used as a cider brewery – with the garden set aside as an orchard to grow the apples. It wasn’t long before the premises started the selling the produce as well as making it - and a pub was born.

The location of the pub meant it backed on to an old pond, used to ‘duck’ witches in years gone by. Spectators would gather to witness the ducking, then head to the pub for refreshment and merriment.

There’s more recent history to discover in Whitchurch too. Just over the road from the pub, you’ll find The Firs – a secret location used to develop weapons for World War II. It’s known locally as “Winston Churchill’s Toyshop”…