In the 1850s and -60s. when the new railways were bringing hundreds of people to London daily, the capital found itself without a proper hotel to house them. The result 'was The Langham. It became the home of Ouida and the haunt of many Guards Officers whose chatter was incorporated into her novels. Between the wars it gracefully declined. but a German landmine in 1940 accelerated and concluded the process. JANET HITCHMAN traces the history of The Langham from its opening to the present day. Narrated by RONALD FLETCHER
Produced by ROBERT CRADOCK