The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1915-08-29
FAMOUS HOTEL
NOW HOSPITAL
THE STAR AND GARTER HOTEL
IS PRESENTED QUEEN FOR
USE BY THE RED CROSS.
q AssocIATEp PREss.


London, Aug. 2s.-The Star and
Garter Hotel at Richmond on The
Thames, which has just been purchas-
ed by the real estate men of Great
Britain and presented to the Queen as
a Red Cross Hospital for disabled
soldiers, is probably the most famous
hcsei in England.
For something over $50 years there
has been hosiery Of this name on
the brow of Richmond Hill, presenting
the finest view Of the winding drive
that is obtainable anywhere within a
days journey of London. The view
from the windows of the Star and
Garter has inspired poetry from,
Wordsworth to Maurice as a picture
which
Bursts in food of glory on the
view,
Still bright. still varied and forever
new"
An auctioneer's advertisement
printed 80 years ago described the
property as follows: 'These truly de-
sirable and valuable premises, the
Star and Garter on Richmond Hill, the
fayorite spot for centuries past of
princes, and the admiration and re-
sort of the first nobility and taste in
Europe; replete with every requisite
convenience for the reception of all
ranks in the public line, possessing
the most extensive and delightful
views of the Thames, the whole form
ing one of the most enchanting pic
lures in Great Britain"
One of the notable occasions of the
big hotel was q breakfast served on
June 10, 1914. at which were pres
ent the Prince Regent of England, the
Emperor of Russia, the Duchess of
Oldenburg, and the King of Prussia,
with his sons and nephews. The COM
pany, which also included Generals
Butcher and Platoff, had journeyed
out from London by coach.
Queen Victoria was frequent WISH
tor to the hotel, particularly during
the earlier years of her reign, and
there were few of her royal contem-
poraries who did not at one time or
another partake of its hospitality dur
ing the decade preceding the fire of
1870, which destroyed the greater part
of the luxurious building.
Within two years it was rebuilt in
even more magnificent fashion, and
for the next few years was at the
zenith of popular favor. King Ed
ward, while Prince of Wales, was of
ten seen there. The cook was excel
lent, the wines unimpeachable, and the
cost heavy enough to keep away the
''rnob." Given fine pair of horses,
it was delightful drive of just the
right distance from Hyde Park corner,
the center of fashionable London, on
a fine summer evening. Not only
were the smartest of private dinners
given there, but the great city COM
panies held their banquets in the
spacious pavilion, and statesmen and
celebrities of every degree met be-
meath its roof.
But with the dawning of the pres
emit century the attractions of the
Star and Garter waned. It is the
conventional thing to say that the COM
ing of the automobile killed its popu-
larity. Other causes contributed. The
road, instead of running through
pleasant open country, was rapidly
becoming an artery of heavy omnibus
and trarncar traffic. The era of the
fashionable restaurant in town had
begun, and it was no longer necessary
tc go so far afeld for good luncheon
or dinner. Ten years ago, the hotel
closed its doors. There have since
been rumors from time to time as
to reopening it palatial boarding
house or rebuilding it into block of
luxurious flats, but none of the
scheme came to maturity.
In it's new use as permanent hos
uital for officers, it will preserve for
a work of national usefulness site of
rare beauty. The hotel is almost COM
pletely surrounded by park lands,
which have been gradually acquired
by the London County Council to give
the public easy access to the banks
of the Thames.