The Probert Encyclopaedia of General Information

INN

An 'inn' has been defined as 'a house the owner of which holds out that he will receive all travellers and sojourners who are willing to pay a price adequate to the sort of accommodation provided.' Generally a hotel is an inn. The alehouse, or tavern, is merely a refreshment house, and a fully licensed public-house is not necessarily an inn. Neither is a boarding-house, for the proprietor of the latter makes what arrangements he, or she, pleases with the boarders. But the innkeeper is bound by law to receive and afford proper entertainment to every one who offers himself as a guest, if there be sufficient room and no good reason for refusal (disorderly character, infectious illness, etc.). By the Innkeepers' Liability Act of 1833 no innkeeper was liable to make good loss or injury to goods or property brought to the inn by a guest (except for a horse or other live animal or any carriage) beyond 30 pounds, except where the loss was due to his wilful act or default or that of his servant, or where goods were expressly deposited with him for their safe custody. An innkeeper was bound to undertake custody of such goods when requested to do so.
Research Inn