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The Golden Lion Hotel Historical Archives

Discover the fascinating history behind The Golden Lion Hotel. From its 19th century (current building), site dates to 1728 as The Red Lion origins to its role in local heritage.

The Golden Lion Hotel

St Ives, Cambridgeshire

Building Age: 19th century (current building), site dates to 1728 as The Red Lion
Original Purpose: Coaching inn and tavern
Architecture: 19th-century coaching inn with Grade II listed features
1
Historical Articles
3
Total Read Time (mins)
1728
Est. Founded
1
Historical Themes

Historical Significance

The site has a long history of hospitality, with The Red Lion documented in 1728, renamed The Golden Lion in 1784. The current building dates to the 19th century when it became the town's premier coaching inn. Oliver Cromwell lived in St Ives from 1631-1636, though his connection to the current building is historical folklore rather than documented fact. The hotel underwent major renovation in 1853 with the installation of the iconic gilded lion statue.

Golden Lion Hotel history

1 article in this theme

Historical Article

A History of The Golden Lion Hotel

3 min read 8 key events 5 topics

From a humble 18th-century inn to a grand coaching establishment, the Golden Lion Hotel has been at the heart of St Ives for centuries. Discover the rich history of this iconic building, including its famous former owner, the comedian Eric Morecambe.

Timeline Preview:

1728 A town survey shows a small inn known as The Red Lion on the site.
1784 The inn is renamed The Golden Lion.
1830s The Golden Lion is transformed into the town's primary coaching inn.
+5 more events...
Golden Lion Hotel history St Ives history Cambridgeshire history coaching inn Eric Morecambe

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