Hotels Southport, Dukes Folly History

Our History

Telephone: (01704) 533355

The Dukes Folly Hotel is situated in Southport, the Golfing Capital of England. This elegant Southport hotel, with its new 'Theme Bedrooms', has long been acknowledged as providing the highest standards of service, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is close to Lord Street, for quality shopping, and provides a high standard of friendly service in cosy, historic environment.

The history behind Southport and it's name is an intriguing mixture of the Duke of York, a boastful innkeeper and a merry band of wine drinking gentlemen.

The earliest settlement comprised shrimpers’ and weavers’ cottages, in the ancient village of North Meols. It was mentioned in the Doomsday Book. The only place of worship, St Cuthbert’s Church, was close by in an area which, unsurprisingly, became known as Churchtown.

It was in 1798 that William ‘Duke’ Sutton built the first public house - the Original Hotel. It was situated at South Hawes facing a wide valley between sandhills which later developed into the world famous Lord Street. The hotel was erected next to a bathing house constructed from shipwreck timber, which he built in 1792 for bathers from Churchtown, who used it during the summer months. South Hawes, meaning houses south of Churchtown.

From that point on the town developed its strong tradition as a seaside and holiday resort ... with the added help of Royal patronage!

The tale is told of the unexpected visit to the town of the Duke of York, who was in the area journeying from Liverpool. The Royal guest was accommodated overnight at the Original Hotel, and the following morning was said to have been so impressed with his welcome that he gave his host permission to add ‘Royal’ to the name of the hotel.

Because William made a habit of mentioning his Royal guest in every possible conversation, he was quickly dubbed ‘Duke’ by all who knew him.

News of the Royal visit and the Regal seal of approval caused the fame of this new watering place to spread, and soon the visitors were flocking to the town. As their numbers grew, Sutton’s son-in-law erected the Union Hotel near the Royal Original Hotel, now known by locals as 'The Dukes Folly', and the town began to blossom.

While the Royal visit had been an unexpected but highly beneficial evening for the town, local legend has it that it was another spontaneous evening’s celebrations that gave the resort the name it bears today.

In the last few years of the 18th century it is said that a party of gentlemen were in congenial spirits, making merry over numerous bottles of wine. Determined to perpetuate this happy occasion, they christened the town by dashing a bottle of port on the ground and declaring from that moment on "... the place shall be known, not as South Hawes, but as South Port."

Bed and Breakfast starts at just £35 per person.

Call us now on Southport (01704) 533355.