Swan & Mitre, Bromley

This Grade II listed building dates back to the early 19th C with some parts, including the original stables, dating back to the early 18th C. Originally a low roofed inn, this was timber built with a later Georgian brick frontage and portico. Intended as a coach house, this was popular with waggoners and carters who stopped there on their way to the London markets with fish and farm produce. Between 1685 to 1784, this also served as a posting house, whilst a brewery was present at the rear of the premises. In 1839, a billiards room was added in a detached building to the rear of the inn, whilst a skittle alley was added in 1852. It is believed that the original name was just the "Swan" (this name was still used in reference during the 19th C, when this served as a commercial inn). The mitre appendage may have been added with the foundation of Bromley College opposite in 1666 by the Bishop of Rochester. The interior contains decorative mirrors which once adorned the dressing room of Marie Lloyd, the famous music hall artiste from the 1880s to the early 20th C. It is believed that the mirrors were donated after a performance at the inn. Seating was also donated from the Gaiety Theatre in London. (The pub sign previously showed a swan and bishop on stage as a reference to the Actress and Bishop joke ...). Along with the Bell (aka Royal Bell, currently closed) and the White Hart (now demolished), this was one of the three main coaching inns in Bromley during the town's growth during the 19th C. Its location at the junction of the main coaching road to London and the road to Beckenham contributed to its acclaim. (The top end of Beckenham Lane was once known as "Swan Hill", taking its name from the inn). Visitors also stayed here in the early 19th C in order to see the nationally renowned surgeon Dr James Scott, who resided nearby and specialised in the treatment of diseased joints and ulcers. In 1855, a huge collection of crutches were found in the loft of the inn that had belonged to his patients. In the late 19th C, this was a tied house belonging to Nalder & Collyers brewery of Croydon. Historic England states the following Grade II status information: "Early C19. 2 storeys and attic. 5 windows 2 dormers. Stuccoed. Cornice and parapet with raised panel in centre. Pilasters flank the front. The centre west bay projects. Windows with jalousies and glazing bars intact. Porch with pediment over."