Frank Crocker
Frank Crocker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Newton Abbot, Devon, England |
| Died | 24 October 1904 (aged 41) |
| Occupation | Innkeeper |
| Known for | Owner of the Crown Hotel (later Crocker's Folly) in St John's Wood, London |
Frank Crocker (baptized 27 March 1863 – 24 October 1904) was a British innkeeper known for owning the Crown Hotel in St John's Wood, London. In 1987, the establishment was renamed Crocker's Folly as a tribute to him.
Biography
Frank was born in Newton Abbot, Devon, to Francis Crocker, who worked as an innkeeper,[1] and Louisa Handford Crocker.[2] His family later relocated to Exeter, where his father managed the "Dolphin Inn," before moving to London to operate the "Volunteer" pub in Kilburn.[3] Prior to joining his father’s enterprise, Frank was employed as a furniture salesman.[1][4] Eventually, he assumed control of the Volunteer.[5] In 1893, he wed Agnes Cooper.[6]
Crocker played a significant role in local trade bodies such as the Paddington and Marylebone Victuallers' Trade Protection Society and championed improvements to infrastructure between Aberdeen Place and Salisbury Street. He was also a committed freemason and belonged to the Paddington Cycling Club, which convened at his residence. After enduring six months of illness caused by heart disease and bronchitis, he passed away at 41 years old. His funeral attracted a large crowd, demonstrating his respected status within the community.[3]
His obituary published in the Kilburn Times emphasized his warm personality and generosity: "His genuine kind-heartedness gained him a host of friends... To the poor he was always most kind, and his many charitable deeds will be remembered and sadly missed."[3]
Crocker's Folly
Located at 23-24 Aberdeen Place, St John's Wood, London, Crocker's Folly is a Grade II* listed public house. Constructed in 1898 in the Northern Renaissance architectural style, it was initially called "The Crown." The building's design was the work of architect Charles Worley. The pub is renowned for its exquisite interior features, including lavish marble work, earning it recognition as a "truly magnificent pub-cum-hotel."
In 1987, the venue was renamed Crocker's Folly. A popular myth suggests that Frank Crocker erected the pub anticipating that a Great Central Railway terminus would be established nearby; however, the station was built over half a mile away at Marylebone Station. This story claims that this miscalculation led to Crocker's financial collapse and suicide. Contrary to this legend, Crocker died from natural causes following illness. Additionally, the pub is said to be haunted by his spirit.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1881 England Census
- ↑ Devon, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1920
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedobit - ↑ 1891 England Census
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
<ref>tag; no text was provided for refs namedLC - ↑ London, England, Church of England Marriages and Banns, 1754-1938