Fowey History

Every great hotel has its fund of stories and The Fowey is no exception.  Rather than give you a potted version of a long history, we think it is much more interesting to learn the whole story, in chapters, if you like.  Naturally, Chapter one is the beginning, so once upon a time, way back in 1882.........

The first meeting of the Fowey Hotel Co. Ltd was held on the 10th April 1882 at offices in Fore street, Fowey. Four directors were elected: Dr Davis, William Gundry, Thomas Gundry, and George Bate. Dr Davis was elected chairman.
It was decided that they would build the hotel and they agreed to advertise for tenders to build in the Western Morning News and the Western Daily press.. The tenders were to be received by May 23rd. On June 6th 1882 the tenders were opened and a tender from John Finch and son to build at £3,500 was accepted.
The next day another meeting was held and a lease on the land for 99 years from William Gundry at a annual rent £20 agreed. It was also agreed that they would have the option to purchase the freehold within the first twenty years for £550.
Negotiations with Finch and son were difficult and on 21st June, the negotiations were ended.
A decision was taken that they would approach Thomas James Smith of St Austell. On 23rd June Mr Smith attended a Meeting with the Board and a contract to build the hotel for £3,938 was signed.

It was at this same time that the Great Western Railway was being extended to Fowey and at a meeting on 20th December 1882, a letter was read from the railway company offering to subscribe £1000 to the hotel company. The secretary was instructed to enquire if they expected a seat on the board.  Building proceeded and at a meeting on 7th July, 1883 Maple& Co of London were chosen to furnish the Hotel and a opening date of 23rd July was decided. This would be advertised in the local press.

The Hotel became very popular with guests arriving by the new Great Western Railway line. They were met at the station by the hotel's horse drawn bus which conveyed them and their baggage to the hotel.
The popularity continued but, as now, it was quieter in the winter months - so much so that at a board meeting on 2nd November, it was decided to consult the manager on the desirability of keeping the waiter on during the winter months.

On 7th September 1886, Mr W. Grundry proposed that the hotel be enlarged… This was agreed on 2nd October 1886. Additional capital of £5000 was to be raised and if this was more than sufficient for building, the directors were to use the extra to purchase the freehold site.

The extension was delayed until 16th October 1890 when a tender to build from Mr John Isbell was accepted.

On the 16th July 1891 the Fowey local paper reported that The Fowey's extension was nearing completion and would add twenty extra rooms as well as a fine new dining room.

The hotel was for the first time to be lit by electricity which would be a great improvement on the gas lighting. The electricity was to be supplied by what we would now call a generator, because at a board meeting on 5th July 1892 it was decided to seek tenders for the supply of oil for the electric light machine!