This is a recording of a talk called From Vernacular to Palatial the Evolution of the Victorian Hotel which was recorded on 16th September 2025.
This talk compares Brown’s Hotel, which opened in London’s Mayfair district in 1832, to other luxury hotels in the capital to explain how the hotel as a building type was established, designed, equipped, managed, ritualised and developed. These hotels show how public buildings adapted in the Victorian age to new technology, starting life in the era of candlelight and carriages, and ending with electricity and the internal the combustion engine.
Andy Williamson, an historian and expert of the golden age of travel, is the author of Brown’s Hotel: A Family Affair, the definitive history of London’s oldest luxury hotel. He shares his knowledge of historic hotels on TV and radio.
After booking a ticket, you will be given access to the recording of the event. Please ignore the event date in the listings.
This event helps raise funds for The Victorian Society - the only charity dedicated to fighting for our Victorian and Edwardian heritage. Join us today and safeguard our unique cultural heritage for future generations! For further information, click here.
The Victorian Society is an IHBC recognised CPD provider.
Image: Mosaic in front of Browns Hotel
