The Bedford Swan Hotel stands on the site of an old Coaching Inn, which features in records dating back to 1507, although it is likely it's earlier roots date back to Plantagenet times.
Nearly all coaches running through Bedford between London and the North would make base at the Coaching Inn, and was often a stop off for the noble and gentry folk. It is known that the judges sentencing John Bunyan, author of Pilgrims Progress, assembled at the inn prior to condemning Bunyan to 12 years in the County Gaol.
The elegant building you see today was constructed in 1792, by architect Henry Holland, after he designed alterations to the 5th Duke of Bedford's great house, Woburn Abbey. The hotel still retains the beautiful staircase bought from Houghton House, Ampthill. The principal rooms of the Bedford Swan Hotel maintain a Georgian flavour, which is complemented with many examples of fine antique furniture and notable paintings of academy standard.
The hotel was one of Paten and Co's first steps in to becoming Hoteliers, in 1916, following the company's 18 year success as Wine Merchants, Beer Bottlers and Publicans.
Today the Swan Hotel remains part of the privately owned Paten Hotels group.
For further information on Paten Hotels visit the Group Site
The Bedford Swan Hotel is owned and operated by Paten & Co a Limited company, number 227473, registered in England and Wales with the registered office at The Maltings, Aldermans Drive, Peterborough, PE3 6AS.