Farnborough: The Tumble Down Dick Hotel

Image: © Nigel Cox Taken: 3 Jul 2009

When I first saw this hotel I thought the name must have been one of those half-baked efforts at re-branding of the Slug and Lettuce variety, but no, this apparently has always been its name and the 1874 Ordnance Survey map proves it by showing it as "Tumbledown Dick (PH)". A walks guide describes it as possibly being built in the reign of King Henry VIII. It has two storeys, red brick walls, a slate roof and is partly tile hung. A story goes that it could have been named after the downfall of King Richard III or the downfall of Cromwell's Commonwealth which he had left in the hands of his son Richard Cromwell. There was also a turnpike toll gate across the road, although there is no longer any record of it here." Whatever, despite the white sign under the eaves stating that rooms are available, the place is boarded up and its fate uncertain. Judging by various postings on the internet it was up until recently a gig location for the goth scene. The dual carriageway in front of the building is the A325 Farnborough Road.

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