The Prince Rupert Hotel, Shrewsbury: A Christmas Story of Kindness During Covid

When we think of Christmas, we often picture festive lights, crackling fires, and the joy of being surrounded by family and friends. 

But the festive season is also a time for compassion, a moment when acts of kindness shine even brighter.

One of the most remarkable examples of this spirit took place at the Prince Rupert Hotel in Shrewsbury during the Covid lockdowns.

This historic hotel, nestled in the heart of the medieval town, quietly became a lifeline for dozens of vulnerable people. 

At a time when uncertainty ruled the country, the Prince Rupert made a decision that would change lives: they opened their doors to the homeless.

A Hotel With Heart

During the early days of the pandemic, the hotel’s owner and staff agreed to house some of the town’s most vulnerable residents. 

What began as an emergency measure soon evolved into a long-running project that brought dignity, safety, and hope to people who needed it most.

The story became widely known thanks to the book The Prince Rupert Hotel for the Homeless, by Christina Lamb, which captures the challenges, triumphs, and humanity behind their extraordinary effort. It’s a story of people working together when the world felt at its most divided.

A Personal Visit to the Prince Rupert

On a recent pre-Christmas shopping trip to Shrewsbury, my wife and I found ourselves stepping through the revolving doors of the Prince Rupert Hotel. 

The decorations were warm and elegant, and in a quiet corner a glass-fronted cabinet held something that immediately caught our attention: copies of The Prince Rupert Hotel for the Homeless proudly on display.

We’d read the book previously, so seeing it there, in the very place where so much of the story unfolded, felt deeply poignant.

My wife ordered a glass of Merlot, rich and warming, while I settled in with a pint of Shipyard IPA. As we sat together, surrounded by the gentle bustle of a hotel preparing for Christmas, we found ourselves reflecting on what the Prince Rupert had achieved.

How many hotels would have done the same? How many would have transformed their business into a sanctuary for those who had nowhere else to go?

A Christmas Legacy Worth Celebrating

The Prince Rupert’s decision wasn’t simply logistical, it was emotional, challenging, and often unpredictable. 

Yet they persisted. Their actions helped people rebuild their lives and showed just how powerful community spirit can be during times of crisis.

As you wander the beautiful streets of Shrewsbury this Christmas, or settle down at home with festive lights twinkling, spare a thought for the quiet heroes behind the scenes. The Prince Rupert Hotel didn’t just house people, they offered compassion at a time when it was desperately needed.

Their story is a reminder that the true heart of Christmas is kindness, generosity, and seeing the humanity in others.

And sometimes that message is best appreciated over a good book, a glass of Merlot, and a well-earned pint.

You can order a copy of The Prince Rupert Hotel for the Homeless at a discounted price here:- 

https://amzn.to/4oV8GXL