52 – 53 High Street, The Fountain Hotel, Huntingdon

History of the Fountain Hotel

In the 19th century coaches passed through the archway of The Fountain. This facade was removed in 1912 and rebuilt in a similar style. In 1965 the building was modified for Woolworths including incorporation of the hotel yard into the building. The Corn Exchange, later, Grand Cinema, was once in the yard.

To the left of the hotel is Freeman Hardy and Willis. Above the shop is an inscription ‘1727’ dating from when the building was a bank.

Fountain Hotel site, (photo DG 2022)

Then and Now (David Green) – The Fountain Hotel, 111 High Street, Huntingdon

The Fountain Hotel had been on this site since at least 1812. In its day it was a famous posting house/coaching Inn. It closed in 1912 and the site, including the corn exchange behind, was purchased by Murkett Bros. Murkett’s showrooms were created either side of the entrance and they converted the Corn Exchange into a cinema. Later occupants of the site were Woolworth’s who remained at the location until they closed in December 2008. Next up it became the home of a 99p shop, but that too has since closed and the site is now empty. Wonder what the future holds for this grade 2 listed building.