The Faunch Hotel was a prestigious English hotel, is considered one of the most famous in Buenos Aires during the first half of the 19th century.[2]

Faunch Hotel
notice of the Faunch Hotel
General information
LocationSan Nicolás, Buenos Aires
CountryArgentina
Inaugurated1817
Closedc. 1840
Design and construction
Architect(s)Joseph Thwaites.[1]

Story

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The Faunch's was built by James Faunch and Mary Faunch, a couple of British immigrants, established in the city of Buenos Aires towards the beginning of the 19th century. The hotel was opened in 1817, located on La Plata street, (now Rivadavia) and Santo Cristo (now 25 de Mayo).[3] Had two floors, and a capacity for eighty people.[4]

Several famous musicians of the time performed their concerts In the Hotel de Faunch, including the French violinist Amadeo Gras.[5] This hotel also served as a lodging for the British Consul Sir Woodbine Parish, and the Irish Admiral William Brown, considered the father of the Argentine Navy.[6]

Another of the main hostels of British residents in Buenos Aires was the Hotel de Smith and Hotel de Keen, administered by English immigrants,[7] and the "Fonda de Doña Clara", a famous tavern owned by the English Mary Clark, located on Calle 25 de Mayo, between Piedad and Cangallo.[8]

Although administered by an Italian the Fonda de los Tres Reyes, was the meeting place for English and American travelers. In 1850 John Geoghegan, a native of Westmeath, installed the Hibernian Hotel on Calle de la Piedad No. 26, between the current 25 de Mayo and Leandro N. Alem.[9]

James Faunch dies in 1827. His widow administered the hotel until 1833, year in which she decides to sell him to dining-room manager, John Quenby Beech, born in Ireland.[10]

References

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  1. ^ Immigration as a Factor of Progress in Argentina, 1536-1853, Frederick August Forrest
  2. ^ Artes, ciencias y letras en la América colonial: investigaciones ..., Volume 2, Roberto Casazza
  3. ^ La época de rosas, 1830-1851, Vicente Gesualdo
  4. ^ La trama del pasado (Biblioteca Cristina Bajo), Cristina Bajo
  5. ^ El pintor Gras y la iconografía histórica sud americana, Mario César Gras
  6. ^ Haciendo un mundo moderno: la arquitectura de Edward Taylor (1801-1868)
  7. ^ Todo es historia, Issues 219-224, Todo es Historia, 1985
  8. ^ Todo es historia, Temas265-270, Todo es Historia, 1989
  9. ^ Hibernian Hotel, 26 calle Piedad, The British Packet and Argentine News (November 29, 1851)
  10. ^ El barrio de San Nicolás: breve historia del centro de Buenos Aires, Juan José Cresto
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