Postcards are unique record of hotels and pubs of last century

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Thursday, November 20, 2008
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This is Exeter

WHO remembers the old Globe Hotel on Exeter's Cathedral Green or the Dicken's Bar at what was the Turk's Head next to the Guildhall in High Street?

If you can say yes you will be happy to know they are featured in the fifth book in the Postcards from Exeter series which records many of the hotels and pubs that were to be found in Exeter and the surrounding areas during the 1900s. They have been selected by St Thomas amateur historian and writer, Christine Trigger.

Some have undergone a change of use or been given a different name. A few were destroyed by enemy bombs in the Second World War, some demolished or forced to close for other reasons.

No doubt older Exonians will remember with affection the magnificent Deller's Cafe, not strictly a hotel or pub but really impossible to omit.

Christine said: "We must record our gratitude to those who made a photographic record and published postcards of these places where people could obtain overnight accommodation or visit just to buy a drink.

"In this digital age, people are now able to print their own photographs. Communications are made by email and text messages, not by purchasing a postcard with a local view and writing on it to send to friends, relations or businesses.

"Future generations of Exonians will have only a limited photographic record of Exeter and not have the pleasure of collecting picture postcards of their city as it appears in the 21st century."

Among the hotels featured in the book is the Bude Hotel which had the given address of 105 Paris Street but in fact stood at the junction of High Street and Paris Street.

It was a family and commercial hotel, often referred to as Norman's Hotel after its owner. It later became Ferris's but still kept the name of the Bude Bar and Cafe. It was demolished on May 4 1942 in an air raid.

Also featured is the City Hotel in Queen Street. It was one of many Temperance Hotels in Exeter.

The Temperance Movement advocated moderation of alcohol intake and alcohol-free hotels were made available where abstainers could stay.

In 1936 the City Hotel still occupied 44-46 Queen Street, but ceased trading there after the war.

Exeter's Historic Hotels and Pubs is published by Precious Moments and priced £7.99.

It is available at Joel Segal's bookshop, Topsham, or on 01392 276077.

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