Ann Flynn
We don’t number our rooms, we name them after real people with connections to the building or the area. This is the first of a series telling their stories:
Ann Flynn was indicted at the Old Bailey for stealing from a butcher in Whitechapel, very near our delightful Spitalfields hotel, Batty Langley’s. In his evidence the butcher claimed he had been busy with another customer when Ann, seizing the opportunity, had helped herself to a shoulder of mutton and fled the shop. At her subsequent hearing she confessed to the crime whilst telling a tale of woe that moved the jury to tears.
“Gentlemen,” said the judge, Sir William Parsons, “I understand you.” He then sentenced her to be fined one shilling and released at once, whereupon the jury contributed the required sum with smiles all round.
Shedding a little tear or two ourselves, we’ve named one of the rooms at Batty Langley’s after her. Poor Ann deserves her moment of fame.
