A Glimpse into the Past: The Rich History of the Raven Hotel
The Raven Hotel in Droitwich was more than just a place to stay; it was a living piece of history. Long before it became the hotel we know today, the building and its grounds were steeped in the town's rich past, a story that stretches back centuries.
The site itself is significant, believed to be the birthplace of St. Richard de Wyche in the late 12th century. The original building, the Manor House of Wyche, was a victim of a great fire that ravaged the town in the 13th century. However, it was rebuilt in the early 16th century and became known as St. Andrew's House. This new structure would later host a royal guest, King Charles I, who is said to have stayed there for three days during the English Civil War.
The building's transformation into a hotel began in 1879 when it was acquired by John Corbett, the man credited with developing Droitwich as a popular spa town. Corbett, known as "The Salt King," undertook a massive restoration and enlargement of the property. When it reopened in 1897, he renamed it "The Raven Hotel," a nod to his Norman family name, which translates to "raven" in French. The hotel was an instant success, a luxurious and bustling establishment that quickly became a central part of Droitwich life.
Throughout the 20th century, the Raven Hotel remained a beloved and well-known landmark. It was a place where generations of locals worked and where countless visitors created lasting memories. Its historical and architectural importance was officially recognized in 1951 when it was designated a Grade II listed building, ensuring that its fascinating story would be preserved for future generations.
Interesting Facts of The building
- Birthplace of a Saint: The site of the Raven and surrounding area is believed to be the birthplace of St. Richard de Wyche, the Bishop of Chichester, who was born around 1197.
- The Manor of Wyche: The original building on the site was the old Manor House of Wyche.
- The building itself was a Grade ll Listed structure, with parts going back to the 15th and 16th century.
- The Manor House, like many of the town building's were destroyed in the great fire of Droitwich around 1290. Eventually it was rebuilt in the early 16th century and became known as St. Andrews House.
- Legend has it that King Charles l stayed at the house for three days in May 1645 whilst on his way to the siege of Leicester during the English Civil War.
- In 1879, John Corbett known as the Salt King and had a high profile in the development of Droitwich purchased the building, he commissioned the restoration and enlarged the building. The work was completed in 1897, and became the most luxurious hotel in the area. He named it 'The Raven Hotel' as a gesture of respect to his Norman forebears, as the French version of his name 'corbeau' means 'raven'.
- The hotel featured a stained glass window that is was thought to have come from the old Exchequer House in the town, displaying the armorial bearings of families who held the rights to extract salt, including the Corbetts.
- Whilst l was researching the Sanders /Shakespeare family, l came across a beautiful stained glass window on the front building which showed the Wintour's family of Huddington who where conspirator's of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
- The Raven Hotel was officially listed as a Grade ll building on October 24, 1951, in recognition of its special architectural and historic interest, and one of the most landmark in Droitwich.
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Raven Hotel, Droitwich Spa from St. Andrew's Brine Bath's