Onlookers gather as firefighters tackle East London hotel fire a century ago

The Royal Forest Hotel pictured above in 1912 with onlookers as Chingford’s volunteer fire fighters tackle a devastating blaze at the hotel.

Built in 1880 by architect Edmond Egan, the building boasted artistically and distinctively furnished fine dining rooms as well as a banqueting hall for large parties.

In the grounds was a large pavilion that could hold up to 700 people.

After the fire the hotel was rebuilt on a smaller scale.

A modern-day view of the hotel

The stables to the right were later converted to a bus garage until the 1970s.

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