The Queens Hotel, No 72 Bishopton Lane (previously Station Terrace until 1944), built 1872, seen during its destruction by fire from the railway station. 30 January 1981. 
Picture Stockton Archive
A Pictorial History of Stockton-on-Tees
The Queens Hotel, No 72 Bishopton Lane (previously Station Terrace until 1944), built 1872, seen during its destruction by fire from the railway station. 30 January 1981.
My girlfriend and I had our engagement party there a few months prior to the fire, we were planning to have our wedding reception there.
I can clearly remember the day that the Queens burned down in the early 1980s as I was working in the adjacent building in Balaclava Street – which is now the Stockton Register Office.
The Fire Brigade eventually had to tell us to leave in case the Queens collapsed. One of our staff was due to have his wedding reception there a fortnight later so he was not best pleased.
I also have memories of meeting outside the Queens Hotel prior to travelling to away matches with Stockton Rugby Club in the 1960s & 1970s. Some mavericks would occasionally pop uninvited into wedding receptions being held there for a quick free sherry to strenghten their resolve prior to playing!
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When the fire started I was employed as a night porter and was the Disc Jockey working there on a Friday & Saturday night. The then owner, Ted Winter, was a tyrant of a man but paid everyone on time and was not around much. The former owner was Frank Buttery who went on to own the Bonventure (boat on the River Tees) and was the nicest man I have ever met. The fire was very bad but the stories are very real if you would like to hear more e-mail me, did you know the queens hotel was haunted by a former chef, Charlie.
I worked there as head housekeeper. Just left that week on maternity leave. Yes I agree Frank Buttery was a brilliant boss. No comment about Ted Winter.
I worked there from 1974 to 1978 porter, barman, waiter, night porter
I was the night porter on the night of the fire, the most terrifying night of my life. I would like to take this opportunity to finally thank the lads from the the then Sparks bakery who brought my attention to the fire and a very special mention to Paul Bukowsky who, from inside the burning hotel, helped raise the alarm and rescue the 17 residents and staff. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
Paul is now my neighbor.
He told me the story about that night.