The Ingham Swan began its life as a coaching inn around 600 years ago.

Eastern Daily Press: The Ingham Swan on September 1, 1990. Picture: Archant Library.The Ingham Swan on September 1, 1990. Picture: Archant Library. (Image: Archant)

Since then it has been attacked by a king, and has been defended stoically by its local parish council.

The first mention the history books recorded of Ingham is in the Domesday Book of 1086, even though in those days it was called Hincham, meaning seated in a meadow.

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The Ingham Swan's building was constructed much later, in the 14th Century, when it was built next door to the Holy Trinity Church, and was part of the Ingham Priory.

Eastern Daily Press: The Ingham Swan in 1990. Picture: Archant LibraryThe Ingham Swan in 1990. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant)

In the 16th century it had a close shave with destruction, after King Henry VIII destroyed the prior, leaving the inn building as the largest remaining fragment of the former sanctuary.

Since then the building has seen happier times, after Michelin star winning Chef Patron Daniel Smith took over the reins with business partner Gregory Adjemian in 2010.

Eastern Daily Press: The Ingham Swan a few years later, in 1992. Picture: Archant LibraryThe Ingham Swan a few years later, in 1992. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Ingham Swan interior in May 2000. Picture: Archant LibraryThe Ingham Swan interior in May 2000. Picture: Archant Library (Image: Archant)