This well-known landmark is an amalgamation of historic buildings dating from the 15th and 18th centuries, known as a number of names, including The Crown during King Henry VIII's reign. However, eventually it was named The Royal Hop Pole when Queen Mary stayed in 1937 and gave it the official Royal. Charles Dickens even mentions The Royal Hop Pole in his book, The Pickwick Papers. Other interesting information and pictures are located all over the hotel, including information on how the medieval hall was discovered, when the hotel was recently refurbished. The Royal Hop Pole has its own beautiful garden which leads to the banks of The River; there you can see picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and the Malverns.