The story of the York can be identified and related in three different stages - the buying, the repairs and upkeep and the final sale. Because of the final outcome of the sale and the legal implications attached to that end it is, by necessity, important that I keep all comments regarding the York confined to the first two sections, that is, the buying and the upkeep of the property and until there is no threat of any legal action being taken the full story cannot be told. Perhaps in years to come it will be told with all the highlights, warts and all, I am certain that it will be a fascinating story. This book however is a complete story in its own right.
The York is an imposing Victorian building with magnificent panoramic views overlooking the sandy beaches of the sea front of the Bristol Channel, with the Winter Gardens and the Grand Pier being adjacent attractions. The front entrance of Number one is actually at the side of the building and the keystone of the arch over the entrance indcates the building was erected in 1887, the main superstructure being built using local sand and fine Bath Stone.
PURCHASE OF THE YORK HOTEL
WESTON SUPER MARE
Grand Lodge meeting March 1962
A special report in the following terms was submitted for consideration by Grand Lodge.
At the meeting of Grand Lodge held on September 2nd, 1961, Grand Lodge Executive requested deferment of further consideration of renovation and re equipment at “Corfield”, Weston Super Mare, pending their investigation re alternative accommodation. One of the main reasons for this deferment was the receipt of a letter from Mr. W. H. King, the Architect who had met Grand Lodge Executive members at Weston Super Mare and who in August had produced a revised plan of renovations and alterations accompanied by the following comment: “The extra cost of this work over my earlier estimate of £30,000 would not be more than £2,000 but if your Executive decide in the future to proceed with this project, more precise estimates can be drawn up after considering your exact requirements”.
Grand Lodge Executive were and still are of the opinion that to spend £32,000 on a property which originally cost £23,000 (contents included) and now stands in G.L. Balance Sheet at a capital value of slightly less than £14,000 for the building and slightly less than £2,000 for the furniture is not a proposal which can be justified by common sense.
Since that date Grand Lodge Executive have been actively examining other possibilities and they are now satisfied that a property is available in Weston Super Mare which would meet the whole of the present and future requirements of the Order for male convalescence in the southern half of the country, and which is also served by through trains from the north. The property is illustrated at the head of this report and comprises the York Hotel, immediately adjacent to the Winter Gardens on the sea front.
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