Discover The Ship Hotel’s incredible history

Many thanks for the images - Postcards Then and Now: Weybridge, Surrey, The Ship Hotel c1935 - Sepia Saturday

If you’re looking for history, then we’ve got it by the gallon here at the Ship Hotel in Weybridge. With nearly four hundred years having passed since the original foundations of our hotel were laid, let’s take a look at some of the key events this iconic building has witnessed over the centuries.

Back in the 18th century, long before Tripadvisor and Google Reviews existed, people relied on the minutes of recent ‘petty sessions’ to see what local inns could offer. These sessions were held in a county court, where a magistrate presided over everything from dealing with local pickpockets, and those accused of public bawdiness, to approving licences to sell alcohol. In our case, we’re recorded as having ‘Good stabling for six horses, and five bedrooms.’

It was to these humble quarters that weary merchants would stop off during journeys along the Wey Navigation Canal. Built in the 17th Century, this was a critical trade route between Surrey and the thriving metropolis of London. Many of the horses that stayed in our stables would have spent their days pulling heavily laden barges packed to the brim with timber. This was a much in demand material at the time, thanks to the reconstruction efforts that followed the Great Fire of London.

The industrial revolution breathes new life into the Ship.

As times changed, so did the Ship Hotel. London became accessible by train in the 18th century, and that meant merchants no longer used the canal. Fortunately, we were attracting a different clientele, this time much closer to home.

The 1890s saw sweeping changes for Weybridge, with many new estates and houses springing up to support a growing population. Weybridge was way ahead of everyone else in the country too, becoming the first town in England to be completely lit by electricity… that was, until residents complained about the overhead powerlines. The council quietly moved over to gas just a few years later.

This is when the Ship really established itself as the hub of the growing community. A place to take off your hat, enjoy an ale, and escape the soot and smog of the big smoke.

The landlord at the time, Robert Eldridge - a gregarious and well-loved man by all accounts - ran the place for nearly two decades. In that time, he enjoyed a roaring trade with travellers and locals alike.

The Ship races into the modern era.

At the turn of the 20th century, the world’s first motor racing circuit, Brooklands, was built, and Weybridge became firmly established as the home of this exciting new sport.

The Ship became a popular destination for a new breed of tourists, right up to when Brooklands become an aerodrome in during the early years of World War II.

With big plans on the horizon, the best is yet to come.

Fast forward to today, and times are changing once again. Weybridge is now an in-demand destination for holidaymakers from all over the country – and world – thanks to the incredible range of attractions on our doorstep, and easy access to London.

As The Ship Hotel has undergone a huge refurbishment and welcomes a whole new generation of visitors and locals will get to experience a first-class luxury hotel experience, with designed dining rooms, function rooms, and of course guest rooms where comfort and elegance come as standard.

It’s safe to say the incredible story of the Ship Hotel will continue for a long time, and we’re confident the best is yet to come.

Join us at The Ship. Plan your visit here.