A letter to the Francis Hotel

Francis Hotel, Bath, is launching 'A Letter to the Francis Hotel' - a new storytelling project celebrating the people, memories, and moments that have shaped the historic hotel and city. 

Francis Hotel is calling on Bathonians, local businesses, historians, artists, notable figures, and past employees, as well as past visitors now living in all four corners of the globe, to share the tales that have shaped their own connection to the Francis Hotel and the city of Bath. Stories might be humorous, nostalgic or deeply personal, offering a unique insight into Bath, and the Francis Hotel, through the people who have lived, worked, visited, wed, dined, and spent time here.

The Francis Hotel’s own history is deeply intertwined with that of Bath. The buildings that now form the hotel were designed by celebrated architect John Wood the Elder, the visionary behind Queen Square and one of the key figures responsible for shaping Georgian Bath. Wood even created No. 9 Queen Square, now the front door to the Francis Hotel, his own home. It is one of countless stories woven into the fabric of the hotel and the wider city. 

Among the first stories to emerge are remarkable connections spanning generations. The Francis Hotel doorman, Gerry, has his own unexpected link to the hotel’s past: his wife is a descendant of Emily Francis, the 19th-century hotelier whose name still sits above the door today. BAFTA-winning film director Giles Foster, meanwhile, spent many days of his childhood at the Francis Hotel and, despite no longer living in Bath, continues to make it his home whenever he returns to the city. Selected stories such as these will be professionally edited and published throughout the year on the Francis Hotel website and social channels, building an evolving portrait of Bath told through those with a personal connection to it.

Shaun Bowles, Cluster General Manager at the Francis Hotel, comments: “Bath is full of stories, and the Francis Hotel holds a place in many hearts of the people who have stayed over the years or the local residents that have eaten, celebrated or worked with us. We want to give all those people a place to share what makes it so special. A Letter to the Francis Hotel is about capturing the city not through landmarks or guidebooks, but through the people who have experienced it. We meet so many interesting people at the Francis Hotel every day, and we’d love to hold some of the wonderful stories we hear about in one place for us to re-read, and for other guests to explore.”

As the collection grows, A Letter to the Francis Hotel will continue to reflect the changing character of the city, capturing the everyday moments and reflections that might otherwise go untold. For the Francis Hotel, it is a natural extension of its place within Bath and a way to celebrate how the city has been shaped into what it is today. 

To submit your story, click here.