Kelsey, William James

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Watercolour portrait of William James Kelsey.

"Born in London, 28 January 1838. Entered East Indian Companies' service 1854. Served in Burma until 1863 and returned to London. Took service as porter at the Salisbury Hotel and from there to the opening of the Victoria Hotel in 1867 as hall proter and remained there ever since." Served through the Indian Mutiny at Delhi and Lucknow.

from John Sowden's notebooks:

"Was the well known and respected head porter at the Victoria Hotel (now the Great Northern Victoria Hotel) where he served the company for 32 years. Owing to a general disposition and attention to his duties he was much respected by the visitors."

Year

1890

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-147