Archifdy Ceredigion Archives
MUSEUM COLLECTION

Acc. 2891

Ref: MUS/312

Reference: [GB 0212] MUS/312
Date(s): 1912-1919
Level: Fonds
Extent: 1 item
Scope and content: Tariff for The Hydro, Aberystwyth.

One of the town's premier hotels, with over a hundred bedrooms, this was formerly the Waterloo Hotel, sometimes the Waterloo Hydro. It was probably established in the 1860s, following the arrival of the railways, and famously burnt down in 1919, clearing the way for the iconic King's Hall (opened 1933, demolished 1989).

The tariff gives the proprietors as Morris and Griffith Ltd. and the manager as Mr J.W. Lord. At the time of issue the company was in receivership (receiver Frank Walton). The inclusive weekly tariff was from £2-5-6, with dogs at 1/ per day and garaging 1/6 per night. As befitted its name, The Hydro offered, 'electric and medicated baths of all descriptions', as well as excellent cuisine, all at moderate terms.

The Hydro w as the registered offices of Morris Griffiths Ltd. in 1912. This appears to have represented the interests of Edwin and Ada Elizabeth Morris and Annie Griffiths, widow of the mining engineer Gwyn Griffiths, Edwin Morris being described as a 'hotel keeper' in 1919 (see ADX/745/42/A-B).