Standing at the bar in The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, I couldn’t help but imagine the conversations that echoed through these halls over a century ago. Back in 1871, when this grand building was first constructed, Barrow-in-Furness was a hive of maritime activity. The town boasted the largest steelworks in the world and was a major shipbuilding centre. Imagine shipbuilders discussing the latest innovations over a pint, or captains toasting successful voyages on the high seas. Maybe even a wealthy inventor or two celebrated a breakthrough that would change the course of maritime history right here at this very bar. The hotel’s history adds a real charm to the atmosphere, whispering tales of a bygone era.
And what a history it is! Picture this: the year is 1874, and this grand Gothic Revival building, with its striking red brick façade, ornate windows, and elegant cast-iron balustrades, has just opened its doors. Barrow-in-Furness is a hub of industry, a town teeming with shipbuilders, engineers, and entrepreneurs, all drawn to the world’s largest steelworks and one of the most important shipyards in the country. The aroma of coal smoke and sea salt mingles in the air, carried on the breeze from the nearby shipyard. Inside the hotel, laughter and conversation rise
to meet the intricately carved cornices and the impressive staircase that ascends through three floors beneath a coved ceiling. The mahogany-panelled stair hall whispers of Victorian elegance, while the grand staircase, with its turned balusters and bold newel posts, speaks of craftsmanship and attention to detail. Perhaps, in a cosy corner of this very bar, renowned author D.H. Lawrence found inspiration during his stay in 1914, as the world teetered on the brink of war. The echoes of history are woven into the very fabric of this place, adding a layer of
intrigue to every sip and every glance.
Built to be the town’s premier lodging, this Grade II listed masterpiece has witnessed Barrow-in-Furness transformation over the decades. Its prime location on Abbey Road, just a stone’s throw from the railway station (built in 1882, just two years after the hotel underwent an extension!), made it the place to be. Imagine arriving by steam train, soot swirling around your ankles as you enter the grand lobby, seeking respite in one of its comfortable rooms. While en suite facilities were a rarity in the hotel’s early days, with guests sharing bathrooms between six or seven bedrooms, today it boasts 42 en suite bedrooms, a testament to its modern comforts. The Duke has always drawn a diverse clientele, from local dignitaries and visiting businessmen to Hollywood stars like Charlie Chaplin and Cary Grant, all drawn to the allure of this industrial powerhouse. The early 20th century was a golden age for both the hotel and the town, their fates intertwined with the rhythmic clang of the shipyards and the prosperity it brought.
But time, like the tides, can shift fortunes. The post-war era brought economic hardship, and the Duke, much like the town itself, felt the sting of decline. The once-vibrant décor likely faded, the grand ballroom perhaps falling silent. Thankfully, recent renovations, including those undertaken by C2 Investment in 2006, have breathed new life into the Duke, restoring its elegance while preserving its unique character. Today, with its inviting Consort Bar and Grill, the spacious 300-capacity Regency Suite, and warm atmosphere, it stands as a testament to Barrow-in-Furness resilience, a place where the past seamlessly merges with the present.
Share your story:
Have you ever visited The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel? Did you feel a sense of history while you were there? Perhaps you’ve heard local stories about the hotel’s past. We’d love to hear from you! Get in touch at info@furness-whisper.uk or via our contact page.
A huge thank you to Cumbria Archives for providing the captivating photos used in this blog post and for their dedication to preserving Cumbria’s heritage. With their kind permission, these images help bring the story of Crows Nest to life. Image courtesy of Cumbria Archives #CumbriaArchivesPhotos #Cumbriahistory
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