Originally Posted by
corporate-wage-slave
To summarize, the building was originally put up by a builder, Henry Staines, in 1877, who lived in one (northern) part of the current hotel, so number 63 Great Eastern Street, with the rest of the building (no. 61) used as a warehouse / showroom for cabinet makers, originally Mr. Richards and John Boswell, then Hart and Co by 1895.
Thanks for compiling the building's history, couldn't find time to read all those documents (do have a valid excuse for the moment). Very pleased you summarized it.
This is the kind of area I prefer to stay: a gentrified neighborhood, maintaining its old looks, popular with locals - no tourist (not too many in any case). Brick and mortar
stores turned restaurants and bars. Be busy all day anywhere in town, but have a simple or astonishing meal and a craft beer in a pub or so near the hotel.