The Grand Hotel - Scarborough's Victorian Masterwork. Talk and tour of hotel Stewart MacDonald - The Grand Hotel Scarborough

Since settling in Scarborough some 40 years ago Stewart MacDonald has often marvelled at the scale and magnificence of The Grand Hotel, thinking that the building, minus the cliff top views, would be quite at home in the heart of Paris. In his illustrated talk he will provide an overview of the hotel's story, whilst staff at The Grand will organise small-group tours of less well-known areas of the building.

The talk will explore the mid-Victorian backdrop to the construction of the hotel, the original proposals for a hotel on the cliff and their realisation in the building work between 1862 and 1867. Such an ambitious building project was not without its difficulties.

During the process there were local resentments, delays and strikes, whilst the initial Cliff Hotel Company went bust. There was also a human cost in the injuries and lives lost amongst the workers who built the hotel. The story also includes the role of the brilliant young architect from Hull Cuthbert Broderick, whose short career was crowned by his masterpiece in Scarborough. whereupon, mysteriously, he abandoned his work as an architect.

After its opening, Scarborough's Grand was seen as one of the very best hotels in Europe and its ornate architecture, opulent interiors and lavish facilities attracted the custom of well-to-do professionals, rich West Yorkshire businessmen and members of the country's gentry and aristocracy. It has become impossible, of course, to imagine Scarborough without the imposing presence of the Grand.

A native Glaswegian, Stewart MacDonald taught History at Scarborough Sixth Form College for 30 years. As a published historian, his earlier work included a biography of the 16th century Emperor Charles V (1500-1558) for Hodder & Stoughton.

His highly regarded volume 'Scarborough At War - The Impact of The Second World War on Scarborough' (2021) drew praise from the eminent historian Professor Sir Ian Kershaw. Mr. MacDonald assists with the running of both Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre and Scarborough Archaeological & Historical Society, and has been involved in delivering a number of local heritage projects.

He also volunteers for the HelpHub (formerly Advocacy Alliance), an organisation which advocates for people in Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale who find it difficult to speak up for themselves.

Book your tickets here or pay on the door.

This event is part of the Scarborough 400 celebrations and is generously supported by The Grand Hotel..