A SWINDON pub which shut down two years ago, ending a history stretching back to the mid-1800s, is to be turned into flats.

The Falcon Inn, Westcott Place, which once lay by the old Wilts and Berks Canal, has been bought by a local developer.

The pub was one of several being marketed by agents Christie and Co on behalf of a national corporate client.

The stone-built building, which was empty when it was put up for sale earlier this year, attracted interest from residents, developers and pub operators and the deal was completed in less than three months after 10 viewings from different potential buyers.

The pub is in a good location between the town centre and some of Swindon’s larger residential developments.

It has an open-plan main bar, a rear patio garden and a five-bedroom ed flat above.

Marcus Street, of Christie and Co’s Bristol office, said: “The sale of the Falcon Inn is representative of the freehold public house market at the moment.

“The unit was closed and realistically priced so it appealed to developers.

“It will be converted into residential flats, subject to planning permission.”

It was sold for an undisclosed sum.

The Falcon dates from about 1849 and was originally built by the Wilts and Berks Canal Company.

One of the longest serving early landlords at the Falcon was Robert Wattleworth, a former railway labourer, who was originally from the Isle of Man.

At the time of the 1861 census Robert, then aged 41, is listed as lodging with Thomas Howden at 14 Westcott Place.