History
It has existed as a pub since 1738 and has been known as The Black Swan since 1776, although it may have been given this name earlier. [1]
However, the pub is more commonly known as The Dirty Duck. [2] [3] It is unclear where this name originates from. One reason could be that it was given this name by brewery families who played darts in the pub. [4] Another reason could be that actors nicknamed it The Dirty Duck. [1] It is the only pub in England which has a licence under its two names. [4]
According to the pub menu, the contemporary name, The Dirty Duck, was given to the establishment by American GIs, who were stationed across the river Avon, opposite this establishment, at a military camp during WW2.
The pub was originally three buildings dating from the 15th century before becoming a single property. [1] [5] One of the buildings became a pub in 1738. A house next door was integrated into the pub in 1866 and in 1937 the pub was extended into a third property. [1] The building has a Grade II listing, meaning it is of 'special interest'. [6]
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