Crown Spa Hotel
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The Crown Spa Hotel (formerly the Crown Hotel) is a hotel in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England. This is Scarborough's first purpose built Hotel opened on 10 June 1845.
EVENTS FROM 1841 TO 1845
In 1841 a railway link between York and Scarborough was being talked of and a Scarborough Archetect John Gibson felt that the area above the popular Spa building could be developed. He designed and laid the foundations of an ‘hotel’. (this was a new name derived from the word ‘hostel’ which would serve the same purpose but would be bigger and finer than the traditional inns). John Gibson passed the construction of this hotel to the newly formed South Cliff Building Company. When John Fairgray Sharpin came to visit Scarborough in 1845 he was charmed at first sight, not only with the town, but with a building which had just been completed and was to ready to let. It was the Crown Hotel.
At that time the South Cliff had little more than the sea and bay views and its close proximity to the Spa Saloon to attract the "well to do" visitor. Early pictures by local artisits show that There was scarcely another house on the South side of Scarborough everything was left to nature. The cliffs washed at the base by the sea were bare, windswept and unvisited. The Crown Hotel on its terrace is shown to stand remote from the rest of the town in these early pictures which can be viewd at the local Rotundra Museum in Scarborough.
The following advert was placed on 1 June1845 in the Times announcing the opening of this new hotel. "CROWN HOTEL, ESPLANADE. Contiguous to the SALOON, SPA, & CLIFF BRIDGE PLEASURE GARDENS, SCARBORO’. J.F SHARPIN respectfully informs the Nobility and Gentry that he has entered upon the above new anti extensive Establishment, which he is having fitted up in a superior manner with entirely new furniture, and purposes being ready for the reception of Visitors on the 10th of June next. The situation the Hotel is exceedingly beautiful, embracing from the rooms, balcony, and adjoining pleasure grouinds extensive view of the Ocean and the romantic scenery of the Eastern Coast. The number of apartments exceeds 120, consisting of various suites of dining, sitting, and lodging rooms, including a magnificent Drawing room, sixty feet long. The interior arrangements are very complete, and have been formed with the object of giving (as much as would be consistent with a public establishment,) the convenience and comfort of a private residence. Hot, Cold, and Shower Baths have been fitted on the most approved plan, and can be had on the shortest notice, are easy of access and will be available also to the Visitors of the adjoining neighborhood. The Stabling is adapted for 60 horses, the lock-up houses for 40 carriages, and the minor accommodations of the court-yard are in equal ratio. With these advantages, for a moderate rate of charge, and attentive services, .J. F. S. hopes to obtain the honor of a degree of patronage commensurate with the magnitude and costly nature of his arrangements. Scarborough, June the 1st"'
Sharpin was evidently a young man with foresight. Looking at the situation of the hotel in relation to the towns romantic setting he assessed Scarborough’s potential as a first class sea-side resort and he imagined the area around the Crown not as it was; but how it could be. Accordingly he decided that if he could manage the hotel well, it would be a success. He took a 12 year lease on the premises. He was just 24 years old. Sharpin believed in the maxim: He who in the world would rise must read the news and advertise. Advertise he did, and it was carried out in a systematic way on an elaborate scale. In every newspaper and publication of that day were the comforts and conveniences of Scarborough’s first hotel extolled in glowing but unexaggerated terms.
From the Crown’s inception it was made abundantly clear that it would cater mainly for family parties. Sharpin knew the close-knit social structure of the wealthy at that time and he set out woo them to his hotel. Most rich families travelled with an entourage which might include eligible daughters, young children with nannies and servants and they would gather where they would most likely to meet friends of their own standing.
EVENTS FROM 1845 TO 1857
. In June 1847 a Sharpin advertisement declared that: “This beautifully situated and extensive establishment commanding an uninterrupted view of the sea is now ready for the reception of families.”
In August 1851 Sharpin was proud to report his success to the newspapers in the following editorial: "SCARBOROUGH,—CROWN HOTEL, ESPLANADE. CONTIGUOUS TO THE SPA, SALOON. AND CLIFF BRIDGE PLEASURE GROUNDS. The eminence which Scarborough has attained as the great fashionable resort in the North of England excited among the wealthy inhabitants an anxious desire to afford accommodation suitable to the high rank and increasing number of its visitors. From this spirit of improvement arose the Crown Hotel—a large and splendid edifice, containing great architectural beauty, with the most commodious arrangements, and the furniture corresponding in every respect with the superior character of the building. The number of rooms exceed 150, consisting of various suites of apartments with a magnificent Public, Drawing and Dining Room, in which, during the season, a series of Private Balls are held by the Visitors staying at the Hotel. The site to unrivalled—the Hotel rises majestically amid the splendid mansions and tastefully designed villas, gardens, gay walks, and sylvan shades the diversified and highly picturesque scenery of the South Cliff. The prospect from the rooms, balcony, and adjacent pleasure grounds, embraces in front the wide expanse the Ocean; to the right the romantic scenery of the eastern Coast terminating in the bold promtory of Flamborough Head; and to the left, the town and Castle of Scarborough, its port and its Shipping, and the sands with their every-varying scene of life and graity. Families will find the above extensive Establishment most agreeably situated, commanding a splendid view of the Ocean, and combining every comfort and convenience. N.B.—Table d-Hote at Five o’clock. BILLARDS AND BATH ROOMS IN THE HOUSE. STABLING FOR SIXTY HORSES. An OMNUBUS AND CABS AT THE RAILWAY STATION. Mr. J.F. SHARPIN, Proprietor"
The power of advertising not only served the Crown well, it encouraged more and more people to come and see the town which received so much attention in the press. In 1845, the same year that Sharpin signed the lease for his hotel, the York and Scarborough railway opened offering new adventurous and more affordable transport. Then gradually as the railways extended their services some visitors to the Crown were also choosing to travel by train. It seems a strange anomaly that while there was stabling for 60 horses and housing for carriages at the rear of the hotel, an omnibus was driven sedately to the railway station when trains were due, to collect guests and their luggage. Also a letter bag was taken from the hotel each afternoon half an hour before the Post Office was due to close. How delicately poised was that era between the old order and the new, and how complicated, administration must have been then, as it is today, to strike a happy balance in a rapidly changing world. Despite minor difficulties the Crown flourished. Wealthy guests came in their thousands from London, Liverpool, The Crown Hotel, Cheltenham, New York, Paris, Vienna and Australia. They came from castles, halls, palaces and chateaux. Rich industrialists came and so did titled lords and ladies, archbishops came and even royalty. It was fashionable at that time to print a visitors list in the local paper.
The Crown prooved so busy that an extension was needed; one vital amenity was required, the Crown had at the time no ballroom. John Sharpin realised that having attracted fashionable visitors it was up to him to provide a special room where they could entertain. He planned this addition, a ballroom was opened in 1847 and was subsequently used by visitors for their private dances.
The next advertisement for the Crown announced that — “The new ballroom has rendered the House in every respect complete” Sharpin’s vision had become reality. The Crown — the first hotel to be built in Scarborough with the new name "Hotel" was a success.
1850's holiday lifstyle of a Crown guest in 1850 in the book, ‘Sojourn in Scarborough 1850’ (The Diary of Edward Baker) Published by The Old Hall Press 1984; The author writes: Saturday 14th “I left by the Scarborough, Bridlington and Hull Branch Railway, at a little after 1 o’clock for far famed Scarborough, 423 (Yorkshire) 45 miles, which I reached at a little after 4’clock; (fare 10/6) and took a fly to the Crown Hotel, situated on the South Cliff, which is the first Hotel here, with accommodation for nearly 200 people, they make up 160 beds, and stabling for 80 horses. I was very fortunate in meeting with good apartments. After fresh dressing, I went into the Grand Saloon or Drawing Room, and joined the public dinner table at 5 o’clock, about 80 sat down to it, and everything splendidly served up, more like grand dinner party, numerous men servants in livery and in plain clothes, belonging to the various families in the Hotel, assisted the waiters. Soon after 7 o’clock the gentlemen joined the Ladies in the Drawing Room, at 9 o’clock tea was served and the evening was spent in music, singing, cards, chess, draughts, etc., etc., about 80 to 100 were present, and some very aristocratic people here. I forgot to say that the Dining Hall is a fine room, hung entirely with choice paintings, and one end is the Music Gallery, etc., in this room the weekly Balls are given. I retired to bed soon after 11 o’clock. Sunday, the 15th After breakfasting at the public table at 9 o’clock, I started for the Old Church, St. Mary’s near to the Castle Hill, to the morning service, half past 10 o’clock, it was very crowded and the vicar gave a charity sermon for the schools belonging to the parish, the present vicar is the Revved DR Whiteside. On leaving the Church, I came upon Mr. & Mrs. Beale from the Manor House, Church Street, Stoke Newington, Middlesex, and walked backed with them, they are stopping at the Crown Hotel, but have private apartments. I took a long walk with them after luncheon, through some of the beautiful pleasure walks, and then left.them to join our public Dinner table at 5 o’clock; quite 100 sat down to it, and a splendid entertainment it was. After it was over, I went back to Beale’s private apartments, and took tea and spent the remainder of the evening with them; we separated about half past 10 o’clock. Monday, the 16th I paid an early visit to the Beales, and saw them depart a little after 9 o’clock for Derby. I went to the public table to Breakfast, and afterwards took a promenade with some of the gentlemen of the house; attended the Bands, one Band plays from ten till twelve o’clock, on the North Cliff, and the other from eleven till one o’clock, on the South Cliff, in the Subscription Room or Spa streets in the Town, and up to the Castle, where the Soldiers were going through their exercises, etc., after remaining till it was over, we returned to the Crown Hotel to luncheon at the public table at 1 o’clock. At 3 o’clock we attended Monsieur Jullien’s Conce, held at the Town Hall, some of the elite of his Band, and Miss Dolby, the vocalist, were the attractions it was full and fashionably attended, it lasted about 2 hours and a half. We joined the public Dinner Table on our return, about 80 present, and at 8 o’clock we again patronised Monsieur Jullien’s Concert, held in the same place and having the same attractions, it was crowded and fashionably attended, was over a little before 11 o’clock; we partook of tea etc, and retired to bed a little after 12 o’clock. Scarborough is one of the most beautiful spots I ever was at, and being the height of the Season is most gay, in the morning orders are given for Carriages, Saddle Horses, Boats or Sailing Vessels, etc., and numerous parties for each to join in our Hotel. One band on the North Cliff plays every morning from 10 till 12 o’clock, and the fine German Band, plays on the South Cliff, in the beautiful Subscription Room at 11 till 1 o’clock in the morning and again from 7 till 9 o’clock in the evening. The Theatre, Pay Concerts, etc. take place every evening besides weekly public Balls; It is one round of gaiety and fashionable meetings.” (N.B.1.) It is thought the reason for the reference to the Public Breakfast, Public Luncheon and Private Apartment is that some guests ate together in the dining room whilst others ate privately in their own room. (N.B.2.) The publishers printed this book exactly as it was written in the Diary."
One of the popular adverts listing guests staying at the Crown Hotel Scarborough; I some how think you would'nt be able to do this today! Crown Hotel—Esplanade— The Countees Dawager of Meath Serricotts, Sussex; the Hon. John Brabazon, do the Hon Richard Brabazon, do F. Steiner, Esq., Hyndburn House, Accrington: Miss Steiner, do Mr. & Mrs. Steiner. do J Hartman Esq. & Mrs. do J. W. Simpson, Esq. Rearby, Leicestershire, Wm Gilstrop Esq. WinThorpe: Mrs. Gilstrop, do: Mr. & Mrs. Wm King, do: Mr. & Mrs. J.D. Lee, Wellworton; Mrs. Tracy Haye, Northampton: Mr. A.G. Barber, London: Miss Tringham, St John’s Wood Road, London: Miss Greenhill, London: Miss Willoughby, Hampton Gay: W.A. Shaw, Esq. & Mrs. Wycombe Lodge, London: James Alexander, Esq. & Mrs. Bradford: Louis Nathan, Esq. do; Capt A. R. Fuller, Bengal Artillery, London; Mrs. R. Bridge, do; Rev J. Robinson, Cambridge; Mrs. Robinson; the Misses Robinson; P. Arthur, Beck, Esq. Montgomeryshire; Capt Foster, March; A. Beaumont, Esq. London; H.W. Bainton, Esq. Beverley; Rear- Admiral Mainwaring, Whitmore Hall. Staffordshire; Sir George Broke, Brake Hall; Lady Broke, Miss Evans. W. Simpson, Esq. Kearsby; Major- Gen Clarke, Harrogate, Mrs. Clarke & Fam J. Stevens, Esq. Birmingham: E. Nathan. Esq. Manchester Egerton Jefferys, Esq.: H. Madox, Esq. London; Mr. & Miss E. Milliken, London; Mrs. Jasse, Great Grimsby; Mr. W. Smith, Redditch Hall; Julius H. Thompson, Esq. Enfield; Arthur Stephens- Esq. Hyde Park; Frederick Stephens, Esq.; Henry Finch, Esq. Redheath; Mr.& Mrs. Cobley, Edgbaston, Birmingham; Miss Brooke, Grimsby; Col C. Down. Harrogate: F. Clerke. Esq. London; E. Howarth, Esq.; J. Eddison, Esq. London; Mrs. Eddison; The Misses Eddison; Edward Myddleton, Esq. Myddleton Hall; George Dawes, Esq. Melton Mowbray; Mrs. Bates, Joshua Bates, Esq. London; Edward Atkinson, Esq. Grange Hall, Kirkham; Mrs. Atkinson; the Misses Atkinson; Mrs. & Miss Reillton; G. Gott, Esq. & Mrs. Armley House, Leeds; J Parker, Esq. & Mrs. London; Misses Parker; W. Eskrigge, Esq. & Mrs. London; F. Schofield, Esq. Woodfield; Misses Schofield: F. Hensdall, Esq. Hull: W Chambers, Esq. London: J. Asser, Esq. Berkeley Thompson, Esq. & Mrs. London; J. Garlick, Esq. Sydney, K. Birmingham, Esq. Leeds: F. Evans, Esq. Manchester. Sharpin leaves the Crown
In his original advertisements John Sharpin recommended visitors to attend musical concerts at the Spa Saloon. There was easy access from the hotel. (Today if one crosses the road from the Crown, the original ornamental arch is still to be seen which is the entrance to the path through the gardens leading to the new much grander Spa building.) When the lease of the Crown expired in 1857, John Sharpin was obliged to sell its entire contents which must have been a sad and nostalgic experience. It is significant to note that the auction of the beautiful furnishings and fittings so well chosen 12 years previously, took 4 weeks to complete. At the same time Sharpin must have been proud and jubilant. The success of the Crown marked the expansion of the Esplanade and of the whole area.
Blakey the historian sums up the subsequent development — Crown Hotel “The Erection of the Crown Hotel maybe said to have marked the inauguration of the new and beautiful suburb of Scarborough known to modem residents and visitors as the South Cliff with its stately buildings and magnificent sea-views.”
and of the Esplanade. “The elegant quarter of South Cliff— a semi-aristocratic preserve.”
John Sharpin now opted for a new lifestyle. Four years earlier he had become a member of the Town Council, been elected mayor of Scarborough and was thought at the age of 31 to be the youngest mayor in England. He had bought two houses in Huntriss Row (now a busy section of the town centre), demolished them and built his Assembly Rooms. From there, he arranged a rapid succession of exhibitions, lectures, musical performances and readings for the benefit of residents and visitors. (This is now the Pizza Hut and can be identified by a blue plaque announcing that Charles Dickens was a reader there.)
John Sharpin. When John Sharpin died at his home in York Place Scarborough in 1898 at 76 years old, his obituary stated that he was a highly respected resident of Scarborough town. To many he was much more. He was a pioneer in advertising and had excellent business principles which brought the Crown to the position of eminence it has occupied ever since. He was a publicity agent for Scarborough; his advertising introduced its splendours and beauties to the thousands of visitors who return to enjoy them year after year.
New owners, new style
In 1857 a local body of businessmen, Scarborough Crown Hotel (Limited) took over control of the hotel. An advertisement soon appeared which would seem to reflect a change of policy at the Crown. Business must move with the times if it is to succeed, then as now.
“Mr. Thomas Winn, wine, Spirit and Porter merchant announces the opening of his Crown Hotel Vaults where Burton Pale India Ales in the highest state of perfection are London and Dublin Porter.” without problems: On the 17th November 1859 this notice appeared in the Scarborough Gazette reporting expansion and increasing business, asking for share investors in the Company: SCARBOROUGH CROWN HOTEL COMPANY (LIMITED) Nominal Capital £20,000 in 2,000 Shares of £10 each. DIRECTIONS Robert Tindall, Bsq, Chairman George F. Brown, Esq. John Hart, Esq John B. Baker, Esq. Thomas Wardell Esq. James Tindall, Esq. Robt Williamson, Esq. R.H. Tindall, Esq. Saml B. Jackson, Esq. The commanding position and capabilities of the Crown Hotel, alternate on the South Cliff. Scarborough are too well known to need description. The premises have been leased for a term of seven years, of which about four years are not unexpected, to a respectable tenant at the annual rent of £950. The whole of the premises, including Coach- Houses, Stables, Yards &c, have been purchased by the Company, on terms which offer material advantages present and prospective to investors. Not withstanding the extensive accommodation at present afforded, the increased demand, during the last few occasions has been such as to call for a understandable extension of the Building, and with that object, an adjoining parcel of ground, available for the purpose has also been comprised in the purchase made by the Company. At the sum of £18,000 only will be required for the completion of the purchase, and the expenses of forming the Company purposed at present to lease only 1,800 shares of £10 each, leaving 200 shares, representing £2,000 to be allotted when the enlargement of the Hotel may be agreed upon." Many facts may be adduced in proof of the eligible nature of the property, and as one, it may be observed that since the establishment of the Hotel in the year 1845, the rental has increased on the renewal of each lease, the present rental being £950 per annum, as against £780 for the previous seven years. And it is anticipated that with the marked premises for the locality of the Esplanade, and the contemplated addictions to the existing accommodations, a very large increase in the present rent may be modified. Applications for the reminder of the shares undisputed of, and for further per called to be made to Mr. J.J.P. Moody. The Company NO.55. St Thomas Street, Scarborough, 10th Nov 1859 and: “Mr. John Chambers has leased the Crown Livery Stables which are spacious, well ventilated and very healthful premises contiguous to Mr. Winn’s Crown Hotel. There is a lock-up house for 30 carriages plus a large reservoir of soft water.”
References
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1. "Scarborough 150 Years of Hosptaility" by Basics Plus Scarborough; 72 page paperback book sold in local area.
2. Crown Hotel guests ledgers dating from 1845 to present.
3. Newspaper cuttings in the "Hotel history box" a box with various cuttings from the local newspaper dating back to 1845.
4. "Then and Now Scarborough" by Colin Waters NPI Media Group (1 Jul 2005) ISBN-13: 978-0752436180.
5. History of Scarborough by Jack Binns Blackthorn Press (1 Dec 2003) ISBN-13: 978-0954630003.
6."Francis Friths Around Scarborough" by Dennis Needham Publisher: Frith Book Company Ltd. (18 Nov 1999)ISBN-13: 978-1859371046.
7. "Scarborough Hospital and Dispensary: The First Fifty Years 1852-1902" by Mr. & Mrs. Baylis and Peter Jackson Publisher: Anne Bayliss (May 2006) ISBN-13: 978-0950640563
8. "Max Payne's Scarborough" by Max Payne Publisher: Dennis Print & Publishing (1998) ISBN-13: 978-0952767831
9. "Life in Regency Scarborough" by Prudence Bebb Publisher: William Sessions Limited (Jun 1997)ISBN-13: 978-1850721949
10. "Architects and Civil Engineers of Nineteenth Century Scarborough" by Anne Bayliss Publisher: Anne Bayliss (30 Jul 2001) ISBN-13: 978-0950640549
11. *The Scarborough Evening News
12. Scarborough library and information centre Vernon Road Local History section