[1] Construction of the hotel began in 1885 and took five years to complete.

[2] It was built by the Midland Railway Company as part of the original Forster Square Railway Station, as a showpiece for the company's northern operations.

[4] It was sold to Peel Hotels in December 1998, who returned it back to its original name.

[5] During its life, the hotel has played host to many famous guests, including Sir Henry Irving, an English stage actor, who died there in 1905.

[6] The corner block of the hotel on Lower Kirkgate (pictured) was made a grade II listed building in 1983.