Withnell/Brinscall - Royal Hotel

Name: The Royal Hotel

Address: Bolton Road, Abbey Village

The Royal Hotel first appeared on census records in 1881 and is located only a short distance from Withnell Railway Station (now closed and converted to living accommodation); it was the railway I believe that was the catalyst for the hotel opening providing a steady stream of business throughout the late 1800's and early 1900's.

Withnell Station was opened by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway on the Blackburn to Chorley Line. In January 1960, the station was closed following the withdrawal of the Wigan–Chorley–Blackburn passenger service. Goods traffic continued to pass through the station until 1966, when the line closed completely. 

Whilst the hotel is located in Abbey Village nowadays a century ago this area was all part of Withnell.

Listed landlords at the Royal were John Croft (1881), John Proctor (1891-1901) and Mary Catherine Proctor (1911).

1881 Census

Blackburn Standard 25 July 1891

1891 Census

Preston Chronicle 14 November 1891

1901 Census

1911 Census

Lancashire Evening Post 16 September 1930

More recently the Royal Hotel closed its doors for business.  For a period of time it was run as an Italian Restaurant, Parmesan & Pepper but is currently the home of Naga, an Indian restaurant.