Our history
The Prince Rupert Hotel has many stories to tell. Stories of royalty, revival and a touch of the mysterious – and they all start in the 12th century.
This was a time when Norman kings ruled the land, Welsh raiders threatened Shrewsbury and the town's castle – only decades old – was rebuilt in stone.
It's also when the first foundations of our hotel were laid. That includes the Mansion House – Shrewsbury's oldest secular building and the home of our most prestigious suites.
More structures followed – first in the 15th century, then in the 17th, when a large, timber-framed house was built on the site.
And what a grand old house it was. Grand enough for royalty, in fact. Evidence shows that Prince Rupert, a grandson of King James I, lived on the property in the mid-1600s.
The Prince Rupert today
Today, the building is a curious and characterful mix of architectural styles. Most of the property is distinctly Tudor – including the timber-framed frontage and exposed beams. But the windows are Georgian – and the cellars, along with the Mansion House, have features dating back almost 1,000 years.
The property remained a private dwelling for many years. In 1953, it was awarded Grade II* listing status in recognition of its architectural character. In terms of historical importance, this puts it within the top five per cent of listed buildings in the UK.
In 1996, the hotel was purchased by the Matthews family. Under their custodianship, the Prince Rupert has been reborn. The ageing building was treated to an extensive and sensitive renovation programme, which saw its historic features retained and modern ensuite facilities added.
The Matthews' efforts were recognised in 2013 when the Prince Rupert was awarded a four-star rating by the AA. It remains the only hotel in Shrewsbury town centre to hold this distinction.
Then, in 2023, renowned chef Gareth Howarth joined to lead the Prince Rupert restaurant team. His classic, refined British flavours are taking our already prestigious culinary reputation to new heights. Visit, see it – and taste it for yourself.
The real Prince Rupert
Our hotel isn't just named for royalty. Once upon a time, it was a bona fide royal residence.
Prince Rupert of the Rhine was, by all accounts, an imposing character who gathered an impressive list of titles and accolades in his relatively short life. He was a talented cavalry leader, responsible for several outstanding military victories. He was an artistic and inquisitive soul, who helped develop the revolutionary mezzotint printing process. And at six foot and four inches tall, he must have loomed large over his subordinates and left many broken hearts in his wake.
At the height of the English Civil War, Prince Rupert served as Lord President of Wales and Captain General of Shropshire. As part of his duties, he spent considerable time in Shrewsbury, raising and training armies to fight for the Royalist cause.
It was during this period that Rupert lived within the hotel that now bears his name. The prince lodged in our Mansion House, now the oldest secular building in Shrewsbury. In Prince Rupert's day, it would have been an impressive private residence – certainly fit for a visiting royal.
In 1645, Rupert surrendered to Cromwell's forces in Bristol and was accused of treachery. Despite being acquitted by court-martial, he surrendered his sword and went into exile in June 1646. He was still only 26 years old.
Later in life, the prince restored his name and resumed his military career, serving as a naval commander under Charles II's restored throne. He died in 1682 and is buried at Westminster Abbey. However, his name lives on – in our hotel and in the annals of history, where his military genius is widely recognised and well-documented.
The ancient cellars
In the depths of our hotel, down a narrow stone staircase that was once part of the town walls, you'll find our 12th-century cellars.
The cellars are one of Prince Rupert's most enduring mysteries. Indeed, they were a mystery to the hotel's owners for many years, only being rediscovered a few short years ago.
We can only speculate on the cellars' original purpose. Some suggest that they were once linked to a network of tunnels that criss-crossed underneath medieval Shrewsbury. Perhaps they still do, behind a bricked-up door here or a hidden passageway there.
Others talk of ghosts. Of skeletons in storage cupboards. Of an eerie, unplaceable feeling that even sceptics can't deny.
Whatever their purpose and provenance, the cellars are a treasure – and they deserve to be shared. That's why we're busy converting them – carefully and sympathetically – into a one-of-a-kind wine-tasting suite that will be available for private hire. Watch this space.