This was built in c1791 as a toll-house on the site of The Swan Inn which dated from the 15th century. In the late 18th century this inn was demolished to make way for a new bridge linking Staines to Egham and replacing an earlier wooden bridge. The bridge was made from stone, but soon developed cracks. It was replaced by a metal bridge, but this also failed. By 1808 the Government admitted defeat and reverted to using the old wooden bridge, which luckily had not yet been demolished. The abutment of one of the two failed bridge remains as part of the river wall.
When the present Staines Bridge was opened in 1832 it was obvious the toll-house would no longer be used for its original use and was sold. Today it still stands as a private residence. Also, soon after 1791 a new Swan Inn was built 50 yards upstream from the site of the older inn. This now still exists as The Swan Hotel.
This is on the route of the London Green Belt Way.
TQ0371 : Ye Olde Bridge Cottage, The Hythe
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