The Hotel was first named “The Crown and Crossed Swords” by the German settlers who came to the area in the 1680’s to forge blades and pursue sword-making, enticed by the rich supply of iron ore found across this area of North West Durham. Specialist sword-makers were the Ohlig family (later known as OLEY). The sword-makers produced 37 kinds of blades, including rapiers, scimitars and cutlasses. Shotley swords were said to be so flexible that the tip could bend back to the hilt without snapping and would spring back to straightness. Previously named the Sword Inn, legend has it that Robert Oley was involved in a wager with several of his peers to make the best sword possible, and was duly declared the winner. He was awarded a crown, and the Sword Inn was renamed The Crown and Crossed Swords in his honour.