Royal Albion Hotel

The Royal Albion Hotel dates from the early 19th century. It is mainly four storeys high with a semi-basement and is constructed of stuccoed walls, divided into three distinct sections. The right-hand section features a single nine-light bay extending through all floors, and a round-headed entrance. The central portion has three sash windows set within moulded architraves, flanked by rusticated pilasters. A verandah with a tent-shaped canopy is situated on the first floor. The ground floor has a modern built-out section with steps leading to the street. The left-hand section is three storeys high with a basement and is also stuccoed, topped with a slate roof and one dormer. It features two triple sash windows on the second floor, two five-light bays on the first floor, and a built-out section on the ground floor. A row of nine urns is positioned at first-floor level on the Albion Street elevation. The hotel is of group value, forming a group with Nos. 14 to 26 (even), and Nos. 30 & 32. Charles Dickens was a guest at the hotel on several occasions between 1839 and 1859, and he wrote part of Nicholas Nickleby whilst staying there.