IT has been home to Queen Victoria and the American Navy - now the owner of a Southampton hotel is attempting to capture its colourful history in a book.

Gaie Sully, the owner of The Star Hotel in the High Street, Southampton, has been researching the hotel's history to write a book on the historic building that has been at the centre of Southampton life for more than two centuries.

Everyone who was anyone stayed there during the reign of Queen Victoria, including the Queen herself and members of her family.

It also has a direct link to the Titanic as the former manager's son was a crew member of the ill-fated liner.

Fortunately he was saved and there is still have a copy of the telegram, which just said, "SAVED".

In those days you paid by the number of words so brevity was a blessing if you were not rich.

Ex-staff members and former patrons who can remember the hotel in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s have been asked to contact Gaie to share their memories of the old building with her.

She said: "I am hoping that ex-patrons will also be able to give me any information about events held at The Star Hotel and even produce the odd photo or two for my book.

"This hotel has had everyone who was anyone stay here during its lifetime. Queen Victoria and members of her family stayed here along with the cream of Georgian and Victorian society."

Anyone with old photos or just memories can contact Gaie at The Star Hotel on 023 8033 9939 or e-mail enquiries@thestarhotel.com.