The former Stamford Hotel reveals bygone past during refurbishment of grand St Mary's Street building
Artefacts and momentoes found during building work at the former Stamford Hotel have uncovered a tantalising glimpse into the past.
Major work is being carried out by owners Sutherland Walk Developments, based in Stamford, to convert the 19th Century building, in St Mary’s Street, from shops to a house and three flats.
Items uncovered from beneath old floorboards include a Queen Victoria era face cream pot, and silver spoons with the initial S engraved, marking it as the property of Stamford Hotel.
Even the litter of bygone days has curiosity value - old cigarette packets, matchboxes and a faded receipt from the Duke’s Head Hotel in King’s Lynn.
There are torn pages from old newspapers and posters, including one from 1863 advertising a horse racing meet, while another promotes Great Northern Railway’s Easter excursions for 1913.
Pictures taken inside have also revealed glimpses of its former glory, including an ornate mural which has surfaced through cracks in plasterwork, and a circular ceiling window revealing the hotel’s domed roof.
The artefacts have been passed on to the man who oversees the Frank Newbon’s History of Stamford Facebook page.
He hopes the items will one day go on display to the public.
“We are trying to get the museum open again in the town so every time I get something I stow it away,” said ‘Frank Newbon’, who remains anonymous to retain an air of mystique.
“All sorts of bits and bobs have been found - there is some cracking stuff.
“They have lifted two floors and the top floor is still to be done so there may be more to come.”
The building’s £40,000 construction began in 1810 for Sir Gerard Noel Noel, of Exton, an MP for Rutland for more than 40 years.
Its original purpose was as a political headquarters for local members of the Whig party, but it came to be used as a hotel during the 19th century.
The palatial surroundings included a billiards room, ballroom and a banqueting hall with balcony.
Yet when it came up for auction in 1919, it fetched just £4,450 - a fraction of its original cost - and has been used for retail space since 1983.
As part of the work, the Lady Justice statue which normally sits on top of the building, has been removed for refurbishment.
