Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Swan Porch. Melton Mowbray
This Grade II Listed building was once the Swan Inn with the Grapes Pub (not in this picture), on right, being the tap room for the Inn before it closed in 1825.
The building was made famous by the antics of the Marquis of Waterford and his cronies who, after getting rather drunk at the Croxton Park Races in the early hours of Thursday 6th April 1837, proceeded to daub the doors and windows in Melton's Sherrard Street, Burton Street and Market Place a bright red. The Marquis's final act was to be hoisted up on to the Swan Porch to paint the swan. After a serious fire on 18 September 1985 major renovations to the Swan Porch were carried out and the original effigy of the Swan was restored and can still be seen today. It is said that during the restoration of the Swan the "Marquis" Red Paint was revealed although he is white today! This story is said to be the origin of the saying "Painting the town red".
Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire
Swan Porch. Melton Mowbray
This Grade II Listed building was once the Swan Inn with the Grapes Pub (not in this picture), on right, being the tap room for the Inn before it closed in 1825.
The building was made famous by the antics of the Marquis of Waterford and his cronies who, after getting rather drunk at the Croxton Park Races in the early hours of Thursday 6th April 1837, proceeded to daub the doors and windows in Melton's Sherrard Street, Burton Street and Market Place a bright red. The Marquis's final act was to be hoisted up on to the Swan Porch to paint the swan. After a serious fire on 18 September 1985 major renovations to the Swan Porch were carried out and the original effigy of the Swan was restored and can still be seen today. It is said that during the restoration of the Swan the "Marquis" Red Paint was revealed although he is white today! This story is said to be the origin of the saying "Painting the town red".