The Castle Hotel

The black and white façade starkly contrasts with the tapestry of flowers
outside the Castle.It's chequered past is etched within the very fabric of the
walls, and oozes history and character. The Castle used to be a coaching
Inn, where horse and coach left for Cambridge and Ely every single day
except Sundays (of course) during the 1830's. One such company was
called the Red Rover, they departed from the Castle at 7.00pm on
it's way to London.

In 1860 the railway stepped forward as the front runner and the Castle used
to send an omnibus to the station in Downham to meet every train, (how kind
I hear you say), well yes it was. However, they stabled the horses of the train
travellers and made their money that way.The proprietor during the late
18th Century was called Thomas Harris, and when the poor
Law amendment act of 1834 decided that each town would take care of it's
own poor, by providing them with housing food and work. It was decided that
the union Workhouse would be built in Downham market. Mr Plestow was
duly elected as chairman of the Union Guardians. This particular group of
people actually decided where the workhouse would be built. However, until
the building was finished Mr Harris (mine Host of the Castle) obliged
them by renting them a room for 6 months together with fuel for the fire
candles and even warm stabling for their horses, all for £10.00

The Castle has had a few proprietors over the years, some of those include:
Thomas Harris in the 18th century. He was then succeeded by his widow
Mary Anne.The early part of the 20th century John Henry Richards was in
residence. Not forgetting the current proprietors Howard and Helen, who
have joined the long list of many who make their mark in owning the Castle
Hotel.

I am sure the Castle will be here for several more hundreds of years and is
well worth a visit.