The Royal Eagle Hotel and its Historical Legacy

If you’re a history buff then you will be in your element in London. Londinium, the City of London, was established by the Romans around four years after the invasion of “Engla land” (later Anglia and then England) in 43 AD. The city was further developed during the Middle Ages and went on to survive two major wars before the Swinging Sixties brought an explosion of colour and counterculture.

As the Royal Eagle Hotel London is located in the historically significant district of Paddington, let’s zoom in on the local heritage. 

Paddington’s Early History

The area that we now know as Paddington was originally a patch of marshland used for agricultural pursuits. The name has Saxon origins and is often associated with the Old English name “Padda’s tun” or “Padda’s farm.” Therefore, there was likely a farmstead owned by someone named Padda when the name was designated. 

St. Mary’s Church is an ancient parish church in the area with a history dating back to the 12th century. 

Paddington in the 1800s

The modern development of Paddington started in the early 19th century. The construction of the Grand Junction Canal (now part of the Grand Union Canal) and the Great Western Railway transformed the neighbourhood and put Paddington on the map. These systems enabled Paddington to play a vital role in the transportation of goods during the coming industrial era.

Paddington Station itself is the emblem of this West End neighbourhood. Designed by the renowned architect Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the station opened in 1854. The carefully maintained iron and glass roof are prime examples of Victorian railway architecture. As it’s probable that this railway station will be your point of arrival before checking in at the Royal Eagle Hotel London, do spare a minute to appreciate the architecture.

Industrial Revolution and Victorian Era

During the years of 1760 to 1840, Paddington underwent major industrial and residential development as per the Industrial Revolution. This is when lots of terraced houses were built to accommodate the booming population.

The Industrial Revolution overlaps somewhat with the Victorian era which is associated with the reign of Queen Victoria between 1837 and 1901. At this time, the terraced architecture took a turn for the grand. Elegant terraced houses were assembled alongside stuccoed mansions. Many of these buildings are protected as part of the area’s heritage. The Royal Eagle Hotel London is a fine example of this architectural heyday. 

Paddington Bear

Paddington is the fictional home of Paddington Bear, a much-loved children’s character created by author Michael Bond. The bear arrives from Peru at Paddington Station where he is adopted by the Brown family. His tale was in fact inspired by the evacuation of children from London to the countryside during the Second World War. Children departed the capital with a label around their necks and all their possessions in a suitcase, not knowing if they would ever see their families again. 

It’s possible to spot the “home” of Paddington at 32 Windsor Gardens on a walk from Royal Eagle Hotel London.

Nowadays, multicultural Paddington is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including art galleries and restaurants.

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