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Newbury, Berkshire, England: The Jack Hotel, Northbrook Street.

The following is an extract from the hotel's brochure and is probably dated around 1915.

"THE JACK HOTEL, established in the year 1500, derives its name from the immortal clothier, "..the most considerable clothier England ever beheld - John Winchcombe", otherwise Smallwoode, who flourished in Newbury at that time. He is known to fame as having shorn a sheep, woven its wool into cloth and made it into a coat all within the space of twelve hours.

Precisely why the hotel was named after him is not known, probably in accordance with the ancient custom of naming such houses after notable persons, perhaps with a lively anticipation of favours to come. As the picture shows, there is little about the hotel of today to indicate its ancient origin, and for first-class comfort it can hold it's own with the most recently built establishments. Electric light and similar refinements are indications of its up-to-dateness in every department, while the service and cuisine are all that could be desired. The fact that it is listed by the Royal Automobile Club amongst their appointed hotels, and appointed by the Automobile Association, denotes that a feature is made of catering for motorists, and there is accommodation for cars on the premises. It is situated in the main street of the town - Northbrook Street."

The cost of a double room in those days? Just 10/6d. (a little over 50 pence in today's money).

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