An early twentieth century postcard of the Royal Hotel, set against the backdrop of Cat Tor. Little wonder that the hotel's management were proud of their view. An 1886 advertisement described the hotel when W H Ivaats, was the manager:

"Royal Hotel, adjoining the New Pavilion. A first-class modern Hotel, in the finest situation, overlooking a grand Panoramic Scene. Five acres of pleasure grounds, fountains, tepid swimming bath, tennis lawns &c. Tariff moderate^[1]"

In January 1885 the fifth annual ball of the Conservative Association was held at the hotel. Four of the web mistress' Clay great great uncles were listed amongst the guests. "The ballroom, under the superintendence of a committee, had been artistically decorated for the occasion, the walls being adorned with oil paintings, evergreen, &c. The spacious hall and the conservatory were reserved for a promenade of the daughters and great pains had been bestowed to secure comfort for the company. ... nearly 100 ladies and gentlemen were present. Supper was partaken of at midnight^[2]".

The hotel's grounds were beautifully kept. There was a large vegetable garden and the hotel also had extensive summer gardens with a large rose collection that was greatly admired by the visitors^[3]. There was also a revolving summer house in the grounds.

Following the terrible fire on 1 April 1929, which destroyed the recently refurbished building (though not the later annexe), the hotel was pulled down. An unfortunate outcome of the fire, with the loss of income from the tourist trade, was a sharp downturn in the economy of the village.

The army used the land during the Second World War and they left behind the footings for their buildings, which were an eyesore in the village for quite a long time despite being a great play area for the children. And a probably forbidden one by their parents. This garden is now covered by the tarmac of a public car park. The car park was a necessity for visitors to use, as there was very little elsewhere, and has provided some relief for the village's narrow roads.

There is a later picture of the Royal Hotel taken from almost the same position which shows a large extension at the back of the building and other additions.