An historic hotel in York has undergone a major rebrand.
The Milner York, formerly The Principal, changed their name today (Thursday) to honour one of the city’s war heroes.
The Milner York was chosen by staff to recognise William Milner, a man who sacrificed his life to save others during the Baedeker Raid.
His death dates back to 29 April 1942, when William was 42. He worked as a foreman at York Station and was a member of the St John Ambulance.
When his body was recovered, it was found holding a first aid box.
A plaque in York Station gives this tribute to William Milner: “Station foreman William Milner, a keen member of the LNER first-aid movement, gave his life in an attempt to obtain a box of medical supplies, urgently needed for treating air-raid casualties.
“He entered a blazing building near this site at the height of the attack on 29 April 1942 which caused extensive damage to the station.
“When his body was found, he was still holding the box of first-aid equipment. Mr Milner was posthumously awarded the king’s commendation for gallantry.”
The rebrand comes after the hotel moved from International Hotel Group (IHG) to RBH Hospitality Management in October 2023.
IHG owned The Principal name, so a name change for the Grade II listed hotel was essential.
Despite the decision being out of their hands, Andy Barnsdale, General Manager of The Milner York, believes the The Milner York feels more fitting to the hotel’s history.
“It’s personal and people still know about him, especially with the railway connection.
“The railway is a massive thing to bring everybody to York, it’s a great intersection. So we picked him, and his story is fantastic.
“From shooting off on the first world war, to being an underage sailor and then he died a hero while the station was being bombed and he ran back in to get supplies and was killed,” he told YorkMix.
As the last immediate descendant of William Milner, the hotel invited his daughter Brenda Milner to formally open the hotel on Friday (11 October).
Emmanouela Kostouli, Hotel Manager, told YorkMix about the meeting, “Brenda came in for a small circle afternoon tea and gave a speech to the team.
“We had around 20 to 30 team members here to see her and when they did I think it all hit home.
“It was really emotional and really nice. It was so special, I think the pleasure and happiness we gave her by honouring her Fathers name was so unique.”
Brenda also gifted The Milner York some of her Fathers war memorabilia, including his medals, which are now displayed proudly in the hotel’s foyer.
At 95 years old, Brenda never married or had children, so the Milner name will live on in the city through the hotel.
Andy fondly recalled informing Brenda, “this is now your hotel’, and staff are already planning her 96th birthday celebrations for next April.
In 145 years of hosting visitors, the hotel has gone through various name changes. From The Royal Station Hotel, later known as Royal York Hotel, to The Principal, and now The Milner York.
The restaurant and victorian pub within the hotel have also been renamed and given modernised menu options, The Chapter Bar has become The Swollen Gambler, and the Refectory is now Peachey’s Bar & Grill.
Each new title commemorates the city’s history, The Swollen Gambler referencing George Hudson and Peachey’s Bar & Grill as a nod to Wiliam Peachey.
For more information on the updated menus, and the history behind the eateries new names, check out our previous article here.