In celebration of The Midland Hotel’s 120th anniversary this year and to honor the historic connection with Rolls Royce, a captivating addition has been unveiled in the hotel’s foyer: an authentic Rolls Royce automobile.
The significance of this installation traces back to May 4th, 1904, when the esteemed Mr. Charles Rolls and Mr. Henry Royce held a momentous meeting in what is now known as the Mount Street Dining Room & Bar, formerly the Grill Room. During their encounter, they enjoyed lunch together and examined the remarkable twin-cylinder 10hp vehicle that Mr. Royce had ingeniously designed. Inspired by their encounter, they made the landmark decision to join forces and establish their business partnership.
The roots of the first Rolls Royce cars can be traced back to Manchester, where the company played a pioneering role in early motor technology. Today, one of the earliest Rolls-Royce automobiles finds its home in Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum, making it one of only three remaining vehicles of its kind. This historical artifact stands as a testament to the profound impact of Rolls Royce on the evolution of automotive engineering.
That historic meeting is celebrated in many ways around The Midland Hotel, with a Rolls Royce Suite, in which guests can upgrade their stay to enjoy the night in a large double bedroom with separate living room, and the Rolls Royce function suite, which can accommodate up to 40 guests. The Midland is also home to a commemorative plaque, which can be found in the foyer, where a 1934 Rolls Royce 20/25 Barker Limousine now sits alongside it.
Members of the public are invited to come and take a look, take pictures and tag @themidlandmanchester on social media.
