The building currently known as Grove House, situated on Skipton Road Harrogate, dates from three identifiable periods, the earliest of which is 1752/4 and can be seen in the “square block” at the centre of the building as viewed from the outside. From the inside, at ground floor level, the four stone arches mark its boundary. The West wing with its grand staircase and window, was the first extension, was completed in 1868 together with stables and the East wing with tower dates from 1899.
The premises were originally built at the time when Harrogate was developing as a spa town because of the health giving properties of the water found in a large number of springs and wells. Grove House was built as a small hostelry or Guest House and was originally called “The World’s End.” There is some evidence to show that for a while it served as a staging post for passengers and mail from London to York.
With most of the more important waters being available on the other side of Harrogate, those who came to take the cure were reluctant to walk or travel so far to the wells. Thus the hotels, hostelries and guesthouses on that side of town prospered, while those on this side struggled to survive. Many closed to become private residences or were used for other purposes. The license for the “World’s End” was transferred to new premises on the river at Knaresborough to fall in line with one of the many predictions of Old Mother Shipton, who five centuries ago is reputed to have said, “The world shall end when the High Bridge is thrice fallen.” It is the Road Bridge over the river Nidd as you drive into Knaresborough. The bridge, incidentally, has fallen twice, so far, so please exercise caution when crossing.
If you wish to read more please clickonthis link An Abridged History Grove House
The Grand Hall Samson Fox C.E. J.P. Nine Panel on the Grand Hall Staircase