NEW HOTEL AT LYTHAM
On Monday last, the first stone of this intended erection was laid by
Mrs. Clifton, of Lytham Hall, in the presence of hundreds of spectators. The ceremony
appeared to create great interest and a most respectable and numerous assemblage from Lytham
and the neighbourhood, was present to witness it. Several carriages and other elegant
vehicles were on the ground.
At one o'clock, the hour appointed for laying the stone, Mrs. Clifton
arrived in her carriage and four and was enthusiastically greeted by the company. The site of
this new building is on the beach leading towards the river from the Commercial Inn. Four
beautiful union jacks were hoisted on the site and band of music continued playing at
intervals during the morning.
After a few minutes delay in making the necessary preparations, Mrs.
C. was presented by Mr. Latham, of this town, the architect of the erection, with a silver
trowel, which, our informant says she handled “in a
very professional kind, of manner."— The trowel bore the following inscription,
…”Presented to Mrs, Clifton, by Mr. J. Latham, as a token of respect from the contractors, on
the occasion of laying the foundation stone of the new hotel, Lytham.—April 15th, 1839.";
Previous to the stone being lowered on the basement stone, a plate containing dates, &c.,
was inserted in the latter, immediately after which the other parts of the ceremony were
proceeded with.
It was understood that intelligence reached the ground of Mr.
Clifton’s indisposition, who was at the time in London, for his amiable lady, who appeared to
experience great delight in the ceremonials of the morning, drove off, without returning to
the hall, direct to the North Union Railway, en route, to London.
After all the operations with regard to laying the stone were
completed, the directors, contractors, and a large party of gentlemen sat down to an
excellent dinner, at Mrs. Rimmer's, the Clifton's Arms Hotel. A number of toasts, &c.,
were drunk, and the evening was spent with great conviviality, success to the new hotel being
toasted " o'er and o'er again."
The hotel will, when completed, be a most splendid, substantial, and
elegant structure.
|
