Living History

Someone researching her family tree has emailed me having discovered that she is related to Mrs Maria Garrod who was proprietoress of the Three Cups Hotel when J.R.R. Tolkien stayed there in 1906. I was very pleased to receive this information and it is nice to know that this weblog is attracting attention to the historical associations of the Three Cups Hotel. Who knows what other fascinating facts might come to light if the Three Cups Hotel were open to the public and being promoted for its cultural connections. If anyone would like to know more about Maria Garrod (nee Chedd), I can put them in touch with her great niece.

The image shows Mrs. Garrod inside the hotel, scanned from the 1902 Mates Guide.

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More than old fossils

The BBC News web site is running a series about British seaside resorts reinventing themselves. One of the articles mentions Lyme Regis in terms of visitors attracted by fossil hunting. Culture is mentioned but only with reference to St Ives. It is time for Lyme Regis to promote itself as one of the oldest seaside resorts with a great deal to offer the cultural tourist. See also "Buildings that bless the seaside". The Three Cups Hotel is surely one of those. How much better it would be if visitors could see the interior of this lovely old hotel.

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