Staines is an urban area in the Borough (Hundreds) of Spelthorne (Spelethorne). The main towns in Spelthorne are Staines (Stanes), Ashford (Exeford), Stanwell (Stanwelle), Shepperton (Scepertone), Sunbury (Sunbarie). Staines is the administrative centre of the Borough and has the largest shopping area. Spelthorne is a district of London, that has a population of approximately 90,000, and covers 21 square miles.

(words in brackets are from the Doomsday Book. c.1086.)

Bridge House Hotel 1832 - 1937
This was a wonderfully grand hotel, where the Regal Cinema was, now the Apartment building, 'Thames Edge Court', on Clarence Street. It went from the road itself down to the river. There was also docking for boats to come in. On a postcard that I have dated 8/26/27 the writer states 'Typical Thames Side hotel. Lawn goes right down to river, chairs & tea tables on it.' (this postcard was sent to Long Island, New York.) I have another postcard that says it is from 1899 where the house is much smaller but says Bridge Street Hotel on it. I have found out that it was converted by Tom Taylor in 1897. I would have loved to have seen it, but sadly it was demolished in 1938, as so many beautiful buildings have been through the years.

Frontage of Bridge House Hotel
This is from Clarence Street, you can see the horse trough and the Blue Anchor pub to the left. The small bridge over the River Colne, (that is shown where the street lamp is,) was designed by Rennie, the same as the Main Staines Bridge, and is still there today. (Both have 'Listed Building' status.) I guess it isn't noticed today as we all rush by in cars.
My friend who is in her 90's remembers this Hotel, not the actual hotel itself, but the brick wall that went around it with (at one point) two entrances in it. She said it fascinated her, she was about 5 at the time!

The same photo of the one above but about 100 years later.
Note the elecric run lamps on the left side, and of course the cars.
Below is a photo from today of the same place.

This is the bridge over the River Colne, the Hotel was where the sign is.
If you look up the road past the bus you can still see the Blue Angel, as in the old days.

The building was demolished in 1938