The Old Dolphin Hotel

The Old Dolphin Hotel

Now part of Bradbeers.

The former Dolphin Hotel in Romsey, Hampshire, now the site of the Bradbeers department store in the Cornmarket, has a history dating back to at least the 16th century. 

History of The Dolphin Hotel, Romsey

• Early Mentions and Structure: The building was first referenced as an "inn called the Dolphin with two gardens" in a 1548 town record. The original building incorporated much Tudor work, and timber framing from as early as the 15th century has been found within its structure.

• Coaching Inn and Social Hub: From the 17th century, the Dolphin was a prominent coaching inn. The large, arched brick cellars under the hotel likely date to this period.

• 18th and 19th Centuries: Extensive rebuilding in the 1750s, likely financed by Nathaniel St Andre who purchased it in 1742, gave the building its impressive Georgian facade. The current stucco front was added around 1828. Stables from the 18th century were located at the back. The inn was a major social venue for local gentry and visitors, with its first-floor dining room serving as an assembly room.

• Notable Visitors (Romsey): The inn hosted some notable guests, including some of the Tolpuddle Martyrs on their return from exile in 1838.

• Change of Use: The Dolphin Inn operated as a public house until the late 20th century. The business Bradbeers, which had moved part of its operations to Romsey after its Southampton store was bombed in WWII, acquired the former Dolphin Inn at the turn of the 21st century and incorporated it into its department store.

• Present Day: The site is now occupied by the Bradbeers department store, but a blue plaque marks its historical significance as the former Dolphin Hotel. ​