Is this a story about love; or is it about losing yourself to love. .?

On Tuesday 6^th August 1907, a dreadful tragedy occurred at the Albion Hotel near Millbay Train station.  

For some time Mr and Mrs MacLoughlin had been separated, due to Mr MacLoughlin’s love of whiskey; not allowed to live as a single women Mrs Macloughlin could only leave her husband if she was to be provided with a live in place of employment. In February 1907, Mary Ann MacLoughlin gained this employment as a live in housekeeper at the Albion Hotel, here she was happy and loved her new found freedom and profession, working amongst people she now called her friends.

William MacLoughlin remained in the family home in Compton with his two young children, the elder two siblings were in employment at nearby farms in both Tavistock and Callington.

On this dry, clear Tuesday in August something came about William; an uncontrollable urge to claim his wife once again. He strode in, uninvited to the hotel and found his way to the still-room.

Into the still-room William marched; with alcohol on his breath and passion in his heart.  He waited, crouched in silence in the corner of the room waiting for Mary Ann to arrive.  

With the sound of a gun firing, Mathew, the page boy, ran to the still-room from the lobby; through the archway and down the narrow stairs with only a dim light to guide his way. He could hear nothing but deep breaths and felt a cold chill in the air. With his heart pounding, Mathew discovered the tragedy, his colleague Mary Ann on the floor and the stranger with the smoking gun standing near her limp body.

He screamed and sobbed and then saw William proceed to shoot himself.

A letter was found on the man when the police came,  in it he wrote in affectionate terms to his wife; promising he would find a way to give up the drink and that they would have a future together, somehow, someway, sometime.

Could this really be true..?

June 1922 At The Albion Hotel...

On June 14th, 1922 at the Albion Hotel (the hotel to the rear of the Continental Hotel when it was two separate dwellings) a new and exciting appliance was introduced to the people of Plymouth! 

Just placed on the market the Ardente Acoustique was recommended by Doctors and used by Royalty. This small, light, portable and 'quite inconspicuous' devise; 'leaving the hands free with no heavy battery' was demonstrated, with tests given and without consultative fees at the hotel.

An article found from the British Newspaper Archives, written in the Western Morning News in May 1922.

Reports say that there were people waiting along the street to gain entry, with people saying it was 'a miracle, I can hear even a whisper'. 

Sound for many was a revelation that day in Plymouth, and all from the platform of the Albion Hotel! 

Our History Tells A Beautiful Tale...

Once two hotels; the Albion and the Continental Hotel, they were once owned by Mr George Fowler.  No matter who the owners have been throughout history, these hotels were always striving to offer the city the very best in accommodation,  banqueting and leisure.

In February 1936 the construction was completed for the 'new, spacious banqueting and ball-room, equipped in the most up-to-date fashion at the Continental Hotel, Plymouth'. The largest banqueting room in the city and for miles around at the time, capable of seating 350 people!

This ballroom also offered the largest clear space for ballroom dancing in Plymouth, with up to four dances a week being held for the community.

Also home to the first sprung floor in a hotel in Plymouth, overlaid with fine maple wood set on springs, the evenings spent gliding around the ballroom were moments that created memories that would last a lifetime. 

Costing over £17,000, this ballroom had air purifiers, hot and cold running water and the ‘finest ladies powder rooms’ in Plymouth!  That investment equates to over £850,000 in today’s money!

These hidden gems of our history create the rhythm you feel in there today, one of life and wonder, future and possibilities, fun and laughter. If this ballroom could talk, it would tell many a fabulous tale!

We want to keep these memories alive; do you remember a time in our ballroom, have you heard other peoples memories that you can share with us?  We want to mark it's 80th birthday in style and would love to hear from anyone who can help us build a bank of memories!

Email: elinor.eaton@newcontinenetal.co.uk with your memories or the memories of others. We can't wait to hear from you. 

Leaner Living; Nutrition Seminar

For many years now, nutrition has become the most important lens for looking after your body and its health and well-being; and although we all know our bodies are our temples; do we really know how to fuel them in the right way..?

No matter what your level of fitness or your knowledge of nutrition, the ‘Leaner Living’ seminar, presented by James Buckingham of PFP Exeter, is the perfect no-nonsense guide. Aimed at anyone looking to lose weight, become ‘leaner’ and increase their physical well-being and health.

Being held at the New Continental Hotel on Saturday 10^th October, this is the perfect chance to join like-minded individuals all looking to gain from James’ knowledge and experience. Tickets are just £10 and availability is already limited.

So hurry, join us between 09:45 and 12:00 in the Green Room at the New Continental Hotel and be at the hottest Nutrition Seminar in town!

For more information or to book your space, call Adam on 07957877974