The Swan Inn, Radcot, England, late nineteenth-century

The Swan Inn was where the story begins. It drew patrons who enjoyed storytelling and stories were passed down there over centuries. It had three rooms for patrons and lodging for the owners and pilgrims. The Swan was likely the oldest inn on this area of the Thames and was located in Radcot across from the Radcot Bridge. It was passed down through generations of women and was under Margot’s ownership at this time. On the night of a winter solstice, Daunt had a large facial would and was carrying the girl in his arms. In the storehouse, Rita discovered the girl was, in fact, alive. The Swan’s patrons shared what they witnessed, and this story became widespread, retold countless times in the Swan. The Swan was inundated with patrons who wanted to hear the story and witness the setting...