WW1 London site of a bomb dropped by a Gotha 1917

Early night raid by Gotha Bomber 1917

On the 24th of September 1917, during World War I, a bomb was dropped by a Gotha bomber on the Bedford Hotel located at 83-93 Southampton Row in London, WC1B 4HD. This event is a part of the larger history of the bombing raids carried out by the German army on London during the First World War. The blog post takes a look at the hotel and the event back in 1917.

The Bedford Hotel, Southampton Row

The Bedford Hotel is a historic and charming hotel in the heart of London, located at 83-93 Southampton Row, the Bedford Hotel has been a beloved fixture of the city since its establishment in the 19th century.

Originally opened in 1830, the Bedford Hotel was designed by architect J.B. Papworth and quickly gained a reputation for its luxurious accommodations and prime location. Over the years, it has hosted a number of notable guests, including writers Charles Dickens and Jules Verne, as well as British Prime Minister William Gladstone.

The hotel’s rich history is evident in its beautiful architecture and elegant decor. The lobby features high ceilings, a grand staircase, and ornate detailing, while the guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed with antique furnishings and plush bedding.

The Bedford Hotel is its location. Situated in the heart of Bloomsbury, the hotel is within walking distance of some of London’s most iconic attractions, including the British Museum, Covent Garden, and the West End theater district. It’s also just a short tube ride away from other popular destinations, such as Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London.

Bomb dropped on the Bedford Hotel, 1917

The attack on the Bedford Hotel was one of the many bombing raids that London endured during the war, and it is a stark reminder of the devastation and destruction caused by war.

WW1 bomb drop plaque 24th Sept 1917 Bedford Hotel 83- 93 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4HD
WW1 bomb drop plaque 24th Sept 1917 Bedford Hotel 83- 93 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4HD

The bombing of the hotel caused extensive damage to the building and the surrounding area. The attack on the hotel was part of a larger strategy by the German army to disrupt and weaken the British war effort by targeting important infrastructure and civilian targets. These bombing raids were carried out by the German army using aircraft known as Gotha bombers.

WW1 bomb drop plaque Bedford Hotel 83- 93 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4HD
WW1 bomb drop plaque Bedford Hotel 83- 93 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4HD

The Gotha bombers were a type of aircraft that was developed by the German army during World War I. These bombers were capable of carrying a large payload of bombs and could fly at high altitudes, making them difficult to intercept. The Gotha bombers were used extensively by the German army during the First World War, and they were responsible for causing damage and casualties in London and other parts of the UK.

WW1 London site of a bomb dropped by a Gotha 1917 1

Linked Image of a Gothat Bomber from Wikipedia

The bombing of the Bedford Hotel was one of the many incidents that occurred during the First World War that had a profound impact on the people of London and the UK as a whole. The bombings caused widespread fear and panic, and they had a significant impact on the morale of the civilian population. The bombing raids also had a significant impact on the infrastructure of London, causing extensive damage to buildings and other infrastructure.

 

WW1 bomb drop plaque Bedford Hotel 83- 93 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4HD
WW1 bomb drop plaque Bedford Hotel 83- 93 Southampton Row, London WC1B 4HD

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