View of the Watson’s Hotel or Esplanade Mansion, Bombay

Circa 1890s

Albumen print mounted on card

7.5 x 9.25 in   |  19 x 23.5 cm

The oldest cast-iron building still standing in India is the Watson's Hotel, formerly known as the Esplanade Hotel. It was given the name John Watson in honour of the first owner, an English businessman in Bombay. The engineer Rowland Mason Ordish created the initial cast iron items, building the various components in Britain and shipping them to India. On-site construction began in 1867 and was finished in 1869. Watson's was initially intended to house offices, but in 1871 it was converted into a hotel. During its heyday, the hotel hosted a number of dignitaries, including Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling. The structure was no longer a hotel by 1920, and its name was changed to Esplanade Mansion. It developed into a residence that attracted a lot of law firms.

One can see in the distance the Royal Alfred Sailor's Home (presently Maharashtra Police Headquarter) at the Wellington Circle, which was built to commemorate the visit of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh, to the city in 1870. It was the first monumental building constructed at Wellington Circle between 1872 - 76. Built to house 78 seamen, this heritage property was designed by Frederick William Stevens using local high quality stone in an early or 'domestic' Gothic style of architecture.

Positioned near the coast, this building benefited from ventilation by the sea air. To further cool the interior, the structure was encased within a deep corridor. Presently the Maharashtra Police Headquarter (The Gothic Sailor's Home), with its varied, attractive roof line has Regal Cinema across the road.

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