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Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel Historical Archives

Discover the fascinating history behind Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel. From its Established in the 14th century as the Bull Inn; the current building is largely 18th-century Georgian. origins to its role in local heritage.

Building Age: Established in the 14th century as the Bull Inn; the current building is largely 18th-century Georgian.
Original Purpose: Originally a coaching inn on the vital London-Dover road, serving travelers, stagecoach passengers, and providing stabling for horses.
Architecture: The hotel exhibits a Georgian coaching inn architectural style, characterised by its brick facade, sash windows, and multiple gables. While much renovated over the centuries to incorporate modern amenities, the interior still retains some period charm, including wooden beams and original fireplaces in certain areas. The building represents a blend of historical character, reflecting its long history, and basic modern inn accommodations, typical of its current operational status.
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Historic
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Historical Themes

Historical Significance

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel is an important historical inn with a rich past. It was notably visited by Queen Victoria in 1836, which led to the addition of 'Royal' to its name. The famed engineer Richard Trevithick, a pioneer of steam locomotion, also lived and tragically died at the inn in 1833. Having served as a lodging spot since medieval times, it was one of the primary stagecoach stopovers in Kent, playing a crucial role in the region's transport and social history for centuries.

Royal Victoria & Bull history

1 article in this theme

Historical Article

Royal Victoria & Bull: A Chronicle of Dartford's Haunted Inn

2 min read 8 key events 6 topics

The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel's ghostly legacy is woven from centuries of history, from its medieval origins as a coaching inn to visits by royalty and the death of notable figures like Richard Trevithick. This historical overview explores how events such as Victorian-era deaths (like Winifred's), wartime use, and various renovations have contributed to its reputation as one of Kent's most actively haunted inns.

Timeline Preview:

14th Century The Bull Inn (original name) is established as a coaching inn in Dartford.
1833 Engineer Richard Trevithick lives and dies at the inn.
1836 Queen Victoria visits the inn, leading to the addition of 'Royal' to its name.
+5 more events...
Royal Victoria & Bull history Dartford haunted inn Winifred ghost origin Richard Trevithick Kent coaching inn history Victorian haunting
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