Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1915-08-30
star And GARTER
|. HOTEL IS NOW A
/. RED CROSS HOSPITAL
ASSOCIATED Press Correspondence

ASSOCIATED Press Correspondence
London, Aug. 15.-The Star and
Garter Hotel at Richmond on the
Thames. which has just been pur-
chased by the real estate men Of Great
Britain and presented to the Queen
as Red Cross Hospital for disabled
officers, is probably the most famous
hotel in England.
For something over $50 years there
has been a hosiery Of this name on
the brow Of Richmond Hill, presenting
the finest view Of the winding river
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 picture
which
Bursts in a flood of glory on the
view,
Still bright, still varied and forever
new"
An auctioneer's advertisement
printed 1870 years ago described the
property as follows: These truly de-
sirable and valuable premises, the
Star and Garter on Richmond Hill,
the favorite 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 forming one
of the most enchanting pictures in
Great Britain"
One Of the notable occasions of the
big hotel was a breakfast served on
June 10, 1914. at which were present
the Prince Regent of England, the
Emperor Of Russia, the Duchess Of
Oldenburg. and the King of Prussia,
with his sons and nephews. The
company. which also included Gem
erals Butcher and Platoff. had jour-
neyed out from London by coach.
Queen Victoria was frequent
visitor to the hotel, particularly dur
ing the earlier years of her reign, and
there were few of her royal con-
temporaries who did not at one time
or another partake of its hospitality
during 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
= ha n fpa
horses, it was a delightful drive of
just the right distance from Hyde
Park Corner, the center of fashion,
able London, on a fine summer eve
ming. Not only were the smartest or
private dinners given there. but the
great City Companies held their BAN
quets in the spacious pavilion, and
statesmen and celebrities Of every de-
gree met beneath it's roof.
But with the dawning Of the pres
-ent century the attractions of the Star
and Garter waned. 1t is the conven-
tional thing to say that the coming
of the automobile killed its popular
ity. Other causes contributed. The
road, instead Of running through
pleasant open country. was rapidly
becoming al Va -ASo's
and tramcar traffic. The era OF the
fashionable restaurant in town had
begun, and it was no longer necessary
to go 80 far afield for good luncheon
or dinner. Ten years ago. the hotel
closed it's doors. There have since
been rumors from time to time as to
reopening it as a palatial boarding
house or rebuilding 1t into a block OF
luxurious flats, but none Of the scheme
came to maturity.
| In its new use as permanent hos
pital for officers. it will preserve for
work Of national usefulness site OF
rare beauty The hotel is almost
completely surrounded by park lands,
which have been gradually acquired
bv the London County Council to give
the public easy access to the banks
of the Thames.