Grand Hotel Whitehaven
The Grand Hotel held a commanding position in Whitehaven from its construction in 1846-47 until 1940.
Photo (1920s) from Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven (ref. PH 1217/1)
Originally known as the Lonsdale Hotel, it was built by the Earl of Lonsdale near Whitehaven railway station. It was subsequently called the Station Hotel before becoming the Grand Hotel.
Newspaper report on the hotel construction from the Cumberland Pacquet, held at Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven.
The Grand Hotel could be seen through the famous Bransty Arch.
Photo from 1920s from Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven (ref. PH 1566/1)
The hotel was built in the Lombardian style of architecture, designed by a Mr Barnes of London. It contained one the finest ballrooms in the north.
Photo (1906) from Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven (ref. YDX 366/37).
The 4 storey hotel had 80 rooms including a large public coffee room, convenient for travellers.
From Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven (ref. PH 1217/2)
The hotel was connected by a covered walkway to the railway station.
Photo (1906) from Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven (ref. YDX 366/37)
The Grand Hotel went through many changes of fortune and ownership. It was particularly badly affected by 1930s depression.
Sales particulars advertise auction of hotel in 1906, from Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven (ref. YDX 366/37)
Fire destroyed this great building on 21 January 1940.
The Whitehaven News report of the the fatality in the fire that destroyed the Grand Hotel, from Cumbria Archive and Local Studies Centre, Whitehaven.