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In 1800, the area of the eastern promenade in Sidmouth was still undeveloped rough land where, in the 18th century, ships had been built for coastal trades. It was here, on the corner site of Fore Street, opposite the Esplanade, that construction of Sidmouth’s first purpose-built hotel, the York, began in 1807. The concept of a hotel where people went to stay for extended periods was a new one in Regency times.

The York Hotel, as it was then called, quickly became popular and was the town’s premiere establishment for more than 90 years.

Lord Charles Wellesley, second son of the first Duke of Wellington, stayed at the York Hotel in the summer of 1854. However, the hotel’s most celebrated visitor was Edward, Prince of Wales – later Edward VII – who stayed in September 1856. As a result of this visit, the hotel could add ‘Royal’ to its name. When the Hook family bought the Royal York Hotel in 1970, the Royal York & Faulkner Hotel was created.

Source: www.royalyorkhotel.co.uk/about-us/history/.