Darren Marsh
Exeter's Royal Clarence Hotel
22nd April 2017
Darren’s latest book, published in April 2017, immediately received critical acclaim and has already been academically referenced. Inspired by a conversation several years ago with Michael Caines MBE, it took three-and-a-half years to research and write, and has proved an enormous commercial success.
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In October 2018 the book became the joint winner of the W.G. Hoskins Prize for 2018 from the Devon History Society.
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The book shows how a group of buildings overlooking Exeter Cathedral were amalgamated over time and by different people to become one of the most significant hotels in the country, and to become part of a group that has long been admired for its architectural integrity and its picturesque appearance.
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Tragically destroyed by fire in the autumn of 2016, it is most fortuitous that so much was done to record the history of this fine building before its destruction.
More By Darren Marsh
Exeter
In 2013 Darren’s first book, Exeter Through Time, was published and it proved astonishingly successful. It is still on sale today and features the Royal Clarence Hotel on its cover, which led indirectly to the full history of the hotel being written.
Through
Exeter Through Time contains 96 pairs of ‘then and now’ photographs, with the focus on Exeter’s historic buildings. The black and white images are taken from private collections, while Darren himself photographed the same scenes as they appear today.
Time
He also wrote the accompanying captions, which highlight significant changes over time and provide useful background information.
Get In Touch
I would love to hear any questions or suggestions you may have about my books - simply fill in the contact form below and I will reply as quickly as possible.
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You can buy a copy of Exeter's Royal Clarence Hotel either from the stockists listed in the following section, at a cost of just £19.99, or directly using the form below. The book is large format and costs £5.00 to post. Please use the subject line 'Exeter's Royal Clarence Hotel: book order' and in the message field supply your address details plus any inscription required. If you wish, you can write to me at the Devon and Exeter Institution, 7 The Close, Exeter, Devon, EX1 1EZ. I will reply with payment details, and upon receipt of payment will endeavour to deliver your book to you within five working days.
Exeter, UK
*Be assured that your private data is valued and will never be passed on to third parties or used to send unsolicited communications.
Stockists
You can buy copies of my books from the reputable outlets detailed below.
Exeter Cathedral Gift Shop, Exeter
Royal Albert Memorial Museum Gift Shop, Queen Street, Exeter
Devon and Exeter Institution, Cathedral Close, Exeter
Waterstones, High Street, Exeter
Waterstones, Roman Gate, Exeter
Cadestre, Mol's Coffee House, Cathedral Close, Exeter
Tourist Information Centre, Dix's Field, Exeter
Tourist Information Centre, The Custom House, The Quay, Exeter
WHSmith, Guildhall Shopping Centre, Exeter
Trugs, South Street, Exeter
Devon Heritage Centre, Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Sowton, Exeter
Bernaville Nurseries, Cowley, Exeter
St. Bridget Nurseries, Old Rydon Lane, Exeter
St. Bridget Nurseries, Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary
Topsham Bookshop, Fore Street, Topsham
Crediton Community Bookshop, High Street, Crediton
Quayside Bookshop, Northumberland Place, Teignmouth
Winstone's, High Street, Sidmouth
Paragon Books, High Street, Sidmouth
Curious Otter, Mill Street, Ottery St. Mary
Heartland Old Books, Newport Street, Tiverton
Tourist Information Centre, Fore Street, Budleigh Salterton
Dulverton Bookshop, Bridge Street, Dulverton
Lympstone Manor Hotel, Lympstone (N.B. these books jointly signed
by Michael Caines MBE and Darren Marsh)
Archway Bookshop, Church Street, Axminster
Future Projects
Darren is currently working on a themed series of magazine articles for national publication. They will seek to demonstrate Exeter’s role in national events and to confirm the city’s significance as the capital of the Westcountry.
More monographs on hotels are planned and a collection of limited edition prints of the Royal Clarence Hotel will be available in 2019. A calendar for 2020 featuring the hotel will be available in time for Christmas 2019.
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Darren is also writing his first work of fiction, a story about football for 9-12 year old children, and is working with the Royal Albert Memorial Museum on a project to restore historically important stained glass from the chapel formerly attached to the city hospital in Southernhay, Exeter.
About The Author
Darren Marsh is an author, historian and photographer who delights in unearthing interesting stories about Exeter's rich past. He works with primary sources whenever possible, and spends a great deal of time in libraries, archives, museums and old buildings.