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Brown’s Hotel was founded in 1837 by James Brown, who married Sarah Willis in 1832 at St George’s, Hanover Square. But was it? And was he the real James Brown?
This talk follows the fascinating trail of research into the families who owned London’s oldest luxury hotel for more than two-thirds of its existence. The research – which included marriage records, birth certificates, passenger lists and wills – had more red herrings and false leads than a whodunnit by frequent guest Agatha Christie. It led to the discovery of the real James Brown and the family grave lying forgotten in Kensal Green Cemetery – and even an unknown daughter, Mary. It followed the Ford family from Dorset farmers to hotel royalty. Over the decades Brown’s Hotel has welcomed everyone from Rudyard Kipling and Mark Twain, two American presidents, Mahatma Gandhi and exiled royals.
December 2025
Andy Williamson is an historian and author of Brown’s Hotel: A Family Affair, the official history of London’s oldest luxury hotel. He has written about everything from ocean liners, gentlemen’s clubs and fine dining to cars, travel and the Thomas Cook family of pioneering travel agents. He is a leading expert on historic hotels and the golden age of travel, popping up with words of wisdom on radio and TV, including documentaries The World’s Most Expensive Hotels and Jay Blades: The West End Through Time. Find out more about the Hotel History Expert - Hotel History Expert – Bringing the past to life
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