Building record IPS 1994 - The Swan PH, King Street, Ipswich

Grade II listed building since 1972. A C17 timber-framed and plastered building with C18 and later alterations. The 1st storey bears the monogram S above I M and the date 1767, probably the date it was plastered. 2 storeys. 4 window range, C18 casements, 3-lights with transomes. The window at the west end is a paired window of 6 lights. The centre lights only are hinged, with iron frames. The ground storey has a late C19 bar front of 3 windows and 2 doorways, one doulbe and one single, with rectangular fanlights, united by a moulded wood cornice, probably of earlier date. The windows ahve framed risers with brick nogging above an earlier stepped brick plinth. At the west end there is a recessed doorway and a wide double-hung sash window with vertical glazing bars, a moulded frame and panelled shutters. The west gable has the ends of some purlins and wall braces visible. Roof tiled, with C19 ornamental crest tiles and a wood eaves cornice (S1).

Timber-framed building survey of Ipswich: 1997 Appraisal and investigation of historic structure ahead of development. The building is timber framed, with a central stack and an off-centre rear wing. Only on the first floor does the original plan survive because it has been altered and rebuilt, but there would have been a central chimney stack with a lobby-entrance at the front, and a stair at the back. The traditional character of the 17th or early 18th century framed building has largely been lost or modified on the ground floor, though the ceiling beams appear to reflect the original layout. The fitst floor has more visible primary timber frame, though the plan has been modified, while the attic probably retains its original character. The 19th century additions to the street frontage are out of character with the rest of the original building but are clearly part of the fabric and multi-period character (S2, S3).