SWAN - HEMPNALL

John Nash, kept the Swan Inn for some 36 years.
He died January 1820 aged 84 and his obituary recorded that he had also been clerk of the parish for 56 years and at the age of 40 weighed 24 stones and was sole overseer of the poor.

On Tuesday 14th February 1854, police-constable Pike obtained a search warrant and found a pie containing Cochin China fowl and in William Forster's bed-room a peck measure with the feathers of a fowl.
(Outcome of this possible crime yet to be established.)

Lot No. 36 in the sale of the Geldeston Brewery Wednesday 1st April 1858.
Purchased by Youngs for £350.

Licence renewal deferred Tuesday 9th February 1909, to be considered on 23rd February.

It was reported to the magistrates Tuesday 23rd February 1909 that the house did good outside trade but was difficult for the authorities to supervise since there was no proper fencing at the back; also it did not provide the best stabling accommodation in Hempnall. According to the report, there was no living room in the house and the family lived in the scullery. The landlord was a farm labourer and worked for Mr. Bussey, so apparently the house was not kept by him. It was a house used by low-class company.
The trade in 1908 was 147½ barrels, 217 dozen of bottled beer and 87 gallons of spirits.
It was confirmed by Mr. Bussey that Francis only worked for him two days per week, as a handyman.