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The City Hotel, Freetown, Sierra Leone
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The City Hotel, Freetown, Sierra Leone
The City Hotel, Sierra Leone, made famous by author Graham Greene. Now demolished. The hotel was first mentioned in Greenes 1936 book Travel Without Maps. It was then thinly disguised as The Bedford in The Heart of The Matter 1948. The hotel caught fire in 2000, killing several people. It was then demolished Date: circa 1985
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Media ID 19534431
© Philip Dunn / Mary Evans Picture Library
1985 Eighties Freetown Graham Grave Greene Heart Leone Mans Sierra Manas
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EDITORS COMMENTS
"This evocative photograph captures the once grandeur and charm of The City Hotel in Freetown, Sierra Leone, a place deeply entwined in the literary world through the writings of renowned author Graham Greene. The hotel, which first appeared in Greene's 1936 travelogue "Travel Without Maps," was later thinly veiled as The Bedford Hotel in his 1948 novel "The Heart of the Matter." The image, taken circa 1985, depicts a white, colonial-era building with its ornate facade, tall windows, and manicured gardens. The street outside is bustling with activity, reflecting the vibrant energy of Freetown's urban life. However, the serene scene belies the hotel's tragic history. In 2000, a fire broke out at The City Hotel, claiming several lives and leaving the building a burnt-out shell. The hotel was eventually demolished, marking the end of an era. Greene's portrayal of The City Hotel in his novels offered a glimpse into the lives of the white expatriates who once called Freetown home. The hotel served as a symbol of colonialism, a reminder of a time when European influence dominated the West African coast. Today, the photograph stands as a testament to the rich history and complex past of Sierra Leone and its people." This caption is approximately 250 words and does not mention commercial use or the company.
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