Welcome to our traditional country inn!
First used as a coaching inn back in the 17th Century, the Griffin Inn and it’s out buildings can be dated back to the early 1400′s where a farmhouse stood on grounds owned by the Danvers family. The Danvers’ (or D’Anvers as it was back then) came to own the grounds of the entire village by 1509, ground they had owned for the best part of 300 years by the time it was relinquished in 1796!
Swithland, taken to mean land that has been cleared by burning (a term usually used to describe once wooded areas), is situated at the heart of the beautiful Charnwood Forest. This small, idyllic country village and surrounding area is a fine setting for a country walk, bike ride or a relaxing drive as you pass through to one of the local attractions:
Beacon Hill – Second highest point in Leicestershire, and rumour has it, looking eastwards, that it is the highest point before you reach Russia!
Old John and Bradgate Park – Once owned by the family of Lady Jane Grey, full of history and very popular for rare and interesting flora and fauna all year round.
The Great Central Railway – A remarkably kept traditional steam railway passing over Swithland Reservoir and stopping at local stations in Quorn and Rothley while it travels between Loughborough and Leicester.
These, among others, make this part of rural Leicestershire a great attraction for new visitors and a joy for local residents. The village of Swithland lends its name to the nearby reservoir and woods. Swithland Reservoir has become a well established nature reserve attratching visitors from far and wide. Swithland Wood, while consisting mainly of Oak is also home to Elder, ash, birch and lime trees and was once a part of the ancient Charnwood Forest.
The wood also plays host to rare wildlife, noted for its unique butterflies, moths and birds, as well as plants like Adder’s Tongue, Saw-Wort and Betony. Although, this is not the reason that the 146 acre Swithland Wood made a name for itself locally. Within the wood are two large quarries from which came the famous Swithland slate. Examples of this are common on local roof tops and in church yards around Leicestershire and although these quarries are now water-filled and, indeed, inactive they were the source of industry from as far back as the Thirteenth Century, although there is evidence of mining as far back as Roman times for use on the roofs of important villas. Quarrying here ceased in 1887 as demand for the cheaper, lighter and thinner Welsh slate for building Leicestershire houses drove Swithland’s quarrymen out of business.
Today however, Swithland slate is in high demand and any that becomes available is quickly snapped up. Maybe it is because of this, that the people of Swithland have dedicated a plaque outside the local Memorial Hall in commemoration of the hard-working men and women that put Swithland on the map. Examples of the hardwearing local slate can be found in the local churchyard in the form of headstones dating as far back as Dorathie Hall’s passing in 1673 and a curious tomb from 1753 built half in, and half out of the church grounds, so that a Mr Joseph Danvers could have his favourite dog buried with him when he died (the dog on unconsecrated ground)! The church itself is named after St. Leonard (invoked by prisoners of war due to his work in Eleventh Century France) and was originally constructed in the 1300’s, whereas its namesake primary school, also in the village, is a Victorian construction dating back to the 1840’s. This building also sports the local choice roof tile; Swithland slate. Apart from the post box, probably the only other public amenity in the village is the traditional country Inn opposite it, and what a place!
So why not come and enjoy a piece of history. Revel in the peaceful surroundings, drink (but not too much), eat (too much!) and maybe walk it off in the beautiful English countryside surroundings!
