Hidden history of Belford pub exposed

The failed rendering on the village’s Black Swan Hotel was removed to reveal the original brickwork for the first time in generations.

This caused great discussion on the village’s Facebook group on the nature of the bricks being much longer and thinner than modern ones. There was hope that the brickwork might someday be exposed again and left uncovered. Unfortunately, the bricks would have needed extensive work so the rendering was reapplied.

The work also revealed three original false windows at the top of the building.

Photographs from 1932 exist of the rendering on the building, but there are many others from the Victorian period of the hotel with a brick face.

The grade II-listed property, which dates back to the early 19th century, is undergoing a major refurbishment under new owners.