Genealogy Chat

It is the above hotels centeniry this year and i work there. I have been asked by my boss if i can find any documents relating to it from around the time it opened. i have already got the 1901 census return for the area where the hotel now stands. i was just wondering if any one had any ideas where i could look for documents.

Just a thought, Have you tried Google or how about old newspapers. Sorry I am not very helpful but, wanted you to know people do read your messages. Good luck, your boss must be very proud of you. Sally.

Kevin, The company website says this: "The hotel takes its name from Josias Berners who purchased the land on which it stands in 1645 for just £970. Originally built in 1835 as five classic houses, the properties were converted to a hotel at the turn of the 20th Century in the Edwardian era. The original ceilings of the marble-clad lobby and the restaurant are Grade II listed. In the past the area was known as 'the Latin Quarter' and then as 'Fitzrovia', where famous artists, writers and poets lived and worked. It was rumoured that Edward VII entertained his mistress, Lillie Langtry, at the hotel. In the early 1900s, the Berners played host to the works of Carl Faberge, whose jewel-encrusted eggs are renowned throughout the world. It was the first time his exquisite designs had been seen in public in London " Perhaps you can find something on the original 5 houses and their occupants in the various London censuses. Crista

Hello Crista Please could you put up the Company web address? Cheers Shirley

Hi Shirley, http://www.jjwhotels(.)com/thebernershotel/aboutus.htm Crista

Hi Crista Thank You. Shirley

if parts of the hotel are listed then I'm sure the local authority should have some info on the history of it. The London Metropolitan Archives may be able to assist you with information about the area. Also local papers from the time (best bet is the British Library Newspaper Archive at colindale) may have had announcement , adverts or covered the opening.