The Return of the Crowned Swan
The Swan, Thornbury
A missing piece of Thornbury’s history is being restored.
For generations, the swan displayed above The Swan in Thornbury wore a distinctive coronet and chain around its neck. This feature was more than decoration. It has historic heraldic links with the de Bohun and Stafford families, the Dukes of Buckingham and Thornbury Castle.
Over the years, the original Swan was replaced and, although the familiar Swan remained above the High Street, its historic coronet and chain were never reinstated. Local tradition also tells of an earlier Swan being removed as a prank during the wartime or National Service period, and we are continuing to research this fascinating part of its history.
The Swan's landlady Sandra Davies has commissioned a replacement coronet and chain, made locally especially for The Swan, and on Friday 13th November we will be officially returning this missing historic feature to its place.
We are planning a formal unveiling at 11.00am, with local representatives, historians and members of the community invited to attend.
The timing is particularly significant as 2026 also marks the 40th anniversary of Thornbury Museum, making this an especially fitting year to celebrate and preserve part of Thornbury’s heritage.
