26/07/2026
Another insight on the Munro family that looked after the Royal for many years.
A Day in the Life of Linda Munro
Linda Munro (née Smith) married Roy Munro in 1897. Unusual for a woman of her time, Linda was well educated and became a skilled seamstress. These talents would later prove invaluable when the couple entered the hotel business.
In 1923, Roy purchased the Royal Hotel, but it was very much a partnership. As manageress, Linda played a central and indispensable role in its success. Alongside the responsibilities of raising a family, she worked tirelessly to ensure the hotel operated efficiently and maintained its high standards.
Her sewing skills were put to constant use. Not only did she make her own clothes, but she also sewed the hotel's tablecloths, sheets, curtains, and countless other household linens, ensuring everything was both practical and well presented.
Beyond the hotel walls, Linda established and cared for an extensive garden that supplied fresh vegetables and flowers throughout the year. Behind the garages, within a large enclosure, the family raised chickens, ducks, and turkeys, providing much of the hotel's produce.
Linda became renowned for her magnificent floral arrangements, which added beauty and elegance to the hotel. She also supervised a large staff who kept every aspect of the establishment running smoothly—from the kitchen, dining room, and laundry to the bar and the servicing of guests' rooms.
The day began at 5.30 a.m. with the lighting of the wood-fired stove. Soon afterwards, every guest received an early morning cup of tea before breakfast was prepared. The work continued without pause as lunch followed, and then preparations began for the evening meal. Dinner was a formal affair, and only when the bar closed at 10.00 p.m. could the day's work finally begin to wind down.
As I sit here quietly before opening time, the essence of this remarkable, hardworking woman can still be seen and felt. The sheen on the stair banisters, the soft gleam of the parquet floors, and the quiet dignity of the old building are enduring reminders of years of devoted care. So much of what remains today bears the unmistakable imprint of Linda Munro—a woman whose industry, skill, and determination helped shape the Royal Hotel into the heart of its community.
