2-637-478 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Claridge's Hotel, Mayfair, Westminster, London, c1877 (1878). Claridge's was founded in 1812 as Mivart's Hotel but was renamed after the hotel was sold to a Mr and Mrs Claridge in 1854. In 1860 Empress Eugenie made an extended visit and entertained Queen Victoria at the hotel. Richard D'Oyly Carte, founder of the rival Savoy Hotel, purchased Claridge's in 1894 and demolished the building, replacing it with the hotel that stands today, which opened in 1898. During the Second World War it was the base of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia's forces in exile and home of King Peter II of Yugoslavia. From Old and New London Illustrated, Vol IV, by Edward Walford. [Cassell Petter & Galpin, London, Paris & New York, 1878]