Is this grand old building playing tricks on my eyes? The Royal Bell, once a bustling hotel and coaching inn, now stands quiet and stately. Don’t let its current stillness fool you. The Royal Bell has a history as vibrant as any London pub. Built in 1898, this grand dame replaced an even older inn, a favourite stop for travellers on their way to the coast. Imagine weary travellers, their carriages kicking up dust, eager for respite at The Royal Bell. The inn even earned its “Royal” title thanks to a certain Queen Victoria. It’s said that royal coaches would stop here to change horses, with stablehands donning scarlet uniforms for the occasion. You might even picture a young Elizabeth Bennet, a character from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice”, passing through these doors. The author herself mentions The Royal Bell, recommending it as a spot to switch horses. Sadly, today the grand ballroom, with its gallery and ornate fireplace, stands silent. But, close your eyes for a moment and imagine the echoes of laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the whirl of dancers. The Royal Bell may be still for now, but its fascinating stories continue to echo through time.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to