Significance
The Midland Railway Company built the Midland Hotel as a northern mirror to London's St. Pancras Hotel, which was at the railway line's southern terminus. Manchester was a center of trade in the early 19th century and the hotel catered to the wealthy business community.
Construction
Charles Trubshaw was the main architect for the northern end of Midland's railway; he designed several stations and the Midland Hotel. Construction started in 1893, and was completed in 1903.
Famous Ties
Charles Stewart Rolls and Frederick Henry Royce met at the Midland Hotel on May 4, 1904. This was the beginning of their collaboration, which produced the eponymous high-end cars.
WWII
The Midland Hotel was one of only a few buildings to survive the December 22, 1940 bombing of Manchester. U.S. Intelligence reports suggested that Adolf Hitler planned to set up camp in the hotel.
Ownership
Over the years the Midland Hotel has bounced from owner to owner. Today is it owned by the Q-Hotels chain.
Article Written By Melissa Warner
Melissa Warner is a freelance writer and editor in Milwaukee, Wis. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "The Irish American Post" and "The London Student." Warner received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communication from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.
