King's Arms Hotel and Avalon Guest House, 569-571 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne
Butler, Graeme18/1/1985
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King's Arms Hotel and Avalon Guest House, 569-571 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne
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18/1/1985
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BIF-NORTH 107925
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GRAEME BUTLER 1983, CONSERVATION STUDY FOR THE CITY OF MELBOURNE OF NORTH AND WEST MELBOURNEGrading as at 1985: BPeriod : Early Victorian (1856)Grantee : G EvansHistory- This guest house was formerly the Kings Arms Hotel built by 1856 and first licensed in 1857 to James Laffan, who remained the publican until 1861. John Davies appears to have owned the hotel from its construction until nearly 1890 when it was taken over by the Castlemaine Brewery, Harry Cook being the licensee at the time.It is probably that John Davies, the chief owner of the hotel, was a very significant figure in the early days of the area. A native of Wales, he arrived in Melbourne in October 1852 and carried on a building and contracting business. In November 1858 he represented Hotham Ward on the Melbourne City Council and when Hotham was declared a separate municipality in 1859, he became it's first president. He held the position several times until he moved to his estate, Ngarveno, at Moonee Ponds in 1866. He represented North Melbourne in the Legislative Assembly from 1861 to 1864 during which time he also became a JP and Chairman of the Flemington bench of magistrates. The wine he produces on his Moonee Ponds estate was held in high esteem and provides the link with his interest in the hotel trade. This hotel was built in the very first days of the area and owned by one if its more significant founding fathers.Description- Two connected stuccoed brick or stone buildings to two-storeys and differing roof forms. The eastern section has a transverse gabled roof of iron, whilst the corner building has a combined gable and hipped roof, behind a corniced parapet. This section appears to have been built last (chimney overlap), but a strong string-mould links both, visually, on the Queensberry Street elevation and the transverse gable is repeated in the Curzon Street elevation. Here, six-pane window sashes survive as do double-hung sashes elsewhere in simple architraves. Whilst the Curzon Street door is set in an ingo, that to Queensberry Street is flush, without an architrave and placed almost at the intersection of both wings. Both, by their symmetrical fenestration and simple forms built to the street frontage, are recognisably of considerable age, although the upper windows of the eastern bay appear uncommonly deep.Integrity - It appears that a large show or bar window has been removed from the Queensberry Street face, near the corner and has been replaced by a small leadlight. Similarly, the corner door has probably been blocked and possibly the northern door formed (further investigation needed for conclusion).Streetscape - An isolated but vital corner element in the townscape generally.Significance- Architecturally, it is recognisable as an early building complex by its corner siting and its simple form and fenestration; among the earliest group of buildings in the State: of high regional significance. Historically, the second oldest hotel in North Melbourne and consequently a social centre over a long period. Also directly associated with John Davies, a parliamentary representative for the area and a link with the metropolitan wine trade, which is still in evidence today at North and West Melbourne: of regional significance.References:(RB= Rate book; D= Melbourne or Victoria Directory)1. RB 1856, 344; RB 1857, 369; RB 1890, 12712. 'Men of the time - 1878' p.42___________________________RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER 2026NEWSPAPERS (TROVE)1855King's Arms Hotel, Madeline-street (Carlton)..1856The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 23 Apr 1856 Page 6 ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING.https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4836211The annual meeting for granting publicans’ licenses for the city was held yesterday at the City Court. There were 232 applications. …The following applications were granted :—...Laffan, J., King's Arms Hotel, Madeline-street (North Melbourne later Carlton)..1857The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)Friday 31 July 1857 - Page 1PATRICK KENNEDY, of Drom, wishes to hear from his cousins, John, Patt, and Margaret Leahy, from Holycross, Tipperary, last heard of in Geelong. Send your address to James Laffan, ofKing's Arms, North Melbourne. Margaret last heard of in Ballarat.(two Kings Arms, Carlton and North Melbourne ).The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)Saturday 7 November 1857 - Page 7TENDERS for Erection of Two cottages of Wood. Apply at Mr. Laffin's, King's Arms, Queensberry-street, Monday, 1.DISTRICT COURT.Monday, 30th November, 1857,Caution to Publicans.— Mr John Laffin, the landlord of the King's Arms, North Melbourne, was fined ten shillings and costs, for not keeping a light burning over his door between the hours of sunset andsunrise..1859The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957)Friday 21 October 1859 - Page 7https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5690311HOTHAM MUNICIPAL ELECTION.The first election of Councillors to represent the new Municipality of Hotham took place yesterday evening at the Presbyterian School room, in Errol-street…Mr. Everard, announced the state of the poll to be as follows:Mr. John Davies . 449Mr. Samuel Grey King . 356Mr. John Buncle . 261Mr. James Carroll. 253Mr. Thomas Cattanach . 247Mr. Andrew Flanagan . 239Mr. William Mitchell Cook ... 221George Moore, 207 j William Lindsay Campbell, 192 ; Alexander Grant, 184 ; Thomas Armstrong, 151 ; Robert Hayes, 141 ; Henry James Bishop,125 ….The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954)Monday 7 November 1859 - Page 5The Hotham Municipal Council mot on the evening of Thursday last, in the Peacock Hotel, and again by adjournment on Friday, John Davies, Esq., Chairman of the Municipality,presiding, when out of 26 candidates, Mr George Evans, at present Acting Secretary to the Geelong Chamber of Commerce, was elected Town Clerk. The Council will, in future, meet in the now Municipal Chambers, Queensberry street,.1861https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/244246494NORTH MELBOURNE ELECTION.MR. HARBISON.Mr. Harbison addressed the electors of North Melbourne, last evening, at the King's Arms hotel, Curzon street. The room in which the meeting was held was crowded, Mr. SamuelMasters was voted to the chair….MR. COSTELLO AT NORTH MELBOURNE.A meeting of electors of North Melbourne was held last evening at the King's Arms Hotel, North Melbourne, for the purpose of hearing from Mr Patrick Costello an exposition of his political views.MR. DAVIES AT NORTH MELBOURNE.A meeting of the electors of North Melbourne was held on Monday, at the Lincoln Hotel, for the purpose of hearing from Mr John Davies, one of the candidates for the representation of the district in the Legislative Assembly, an exposition of his political opinions…Mr .Davies, who was received with considerable applause, said the first question claiming the attention of the electors was the reform of the Upper House. The action of that House had been very unsatisfactory, and it was necessary to reduce the qualifications of both members and electors, to increase the number of members by one-half, and to reduce the period of office to six years. The next question claiming attention was the land law. Instead of being an Act to facilitate settlement, the present law might be termed one to frustrate it. . One gentleman was said by a Ministerial candidate to have obtained 13,000 acres under this law, — (A voice : Mr Henty) — and- it was useless for any person to compete with this gentleman. Limited auction should be abolished, and the occupation licenses should be extended as far as possible throughout the colony. He believed this would be done if the present Ministry was allowed to remain in office. (Applause.)A good tax should also be placed upon unimproved sold lands, and this tax would have gone far towards counteracting the influence of the limited auction system. As to the squatting] question, the present runs should be subdivided so as to give limited capitalists a fair chance. A large number of people would soon be thrown out of employment by the completion of the railways; and it was absolutely necessary to give these people a chance of settling on' the land. Next in importance came the question of protection to native industry. He had incurred much odium because his mind had progressed on this subject, but it was essential to provide manufactures which would at once afford employment to the people, and increase the demand for agricultural produce. The duties on tea, coffee, and sugar, should be abolished or reduced, and the amount levied 'on such manufactures as were now imported from abroad. As to the export duty on gold, he considered it exorbitant in amount, although it wax quite right that the miner should pay a fair sum for the privilege of occupying the public land. He believed the policy of the present Government would provide satisfactorily for this, and also for the vexed question of mining on private property, …He would abolish state-aid to religion, giving a fair notice to those at present deriving benefit from it. He was in favor of a sound system of national secular education, and he was a strong advocate of decentralisation as connected with municipal government.The condition of the Civil Service was very unsatisfactory, some of its members receiving too much ). and others too little ; and this required to be immediately remedied. If the present Ministry, had had fair play he believed they would have introduced the measures mentioned in their programme, and which nearly corresponded with'; ' those which he had enunciated. He believed the Ministry were quite honest in their desire to settle the people on the lands', and he would support them, if returned as a member of the Legislative Assembly. - The candidate next answered a number of - questions to the apparent satisfaction of the meeting; and, on the motion of Mr Richard Reid, ?''- seconded by Mr Grady, it was unanimously j agreed that he was a fit and proper person to re- , present the district in the Legislative Assembly.The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, and three cheers (at the suggestion of Mr Reid) for the Age..1871https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/219367278THE NORTH MELBOURNE LICENSED VICTUALLERS' ASSOCIATION.The publicans of Hotham met at The King's Arms hotel, Queensberry street, on Wednesday, to organise an association for the protection of their interests against the practice followed by a section of the trade of selling on the Sabbath, Mr. J. Marks was called to the chair….1901DEATH OF MR, JOHN DAVIES.MELBOURNE, Friday Night.Mr John Davies, formerly the member for North Melbourne in the Legislative Assembly, and for 30 yearschairman of the Essendon bench of magistrates, died to-day.DAVIES.—On the 19th July, at "Ngarveno," Essendon, John Davies, J.P., in his 82nd year. A colonist of 50 years. Interred on 20th inst..1903The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954)Friday 13 November 1903 - Page 3https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246082351KING'S ARMS. The twenty-third hotel on the list of those recommended to be closed was the King's Arms Hotel, .corner. of Curzon and Queensberry streets, licensee. Joseph Eugene Moran.Mary Davies, Margaret Davies, Maria. Davies, sisters, joint owners, residing at Ngarveno, Fletcher street, Essendon.Mr O'Dwyer represented the licensee; Mr C. L. Templeton tho owners; and Mr Brown the Carlton Brewery. Inspector Graves said the house was of two-storeys, in poor repair. There were eleven rooms, S for the public, with 4 beds. The nearest hotels were 100, 125. 200, 132, 220. 115, and 177 yards distant. It was a very awkwardly constructed house, and did a medium bar trade. The bathroom was very dirty, and unfit for use. The house generally seemed to have been neglected, and scantily furnished. There was a two and a half year's lease, all of which has yet to run. The rent was L10 16 5d per month, and the house was tied to the Carlton Brewery. It was fairly conducted.To Mr O'Dwyer: This house was not wanted for the thirsty ones going to Flemington races— not from Melbourne, anyway.Mr O'Dwyer: But what about North Melbourne people, they want a drink, surely? Inspector Graves: Judging by the number of hotels, they must want a lot.Judge Gaunt: You think they take their thirst to the course. Mr O'Dwyer: You don't know the North Melbourne people and their thirst. Inspector Graves: When I consider the number of hotel they have got, the North Melbourne people must have been a wet lot. ' (Laughter.) If all the hotels were required to assuage their thirst, it must have been a very bad one. (Laughter).'Judge Gaunt: Or a very good one.' (Laughter).The Court reserved Its decision.1904https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/199001507Local Option Poll.THIRTY-SEVEN HOTELS CLOSED AT NORTH MELBOURNE.Melbourne, Thursday.To-day a specially-appointed Court- to deal with the local option poll at North Melbourne was held at the Town Hail in that suburb…The Court ordered that the following hotels should be closed :...King's Arms Hotel...Regarding the terms of closing the 37 hotels, the chainman said : — Of course all of the, hotels that we have declared shall be closed will retain their licenses until Full compensation is provided tor their owners and licensees. Until the compensation is secured the licensees will get a renewal of their licenses, and carry on business as they have been accustomed to do.___________________________City of Melbourne MapsMelbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works DP 1895- shown as Kings Arms Hotel, with basement at conrer also subway under 569 and rear pitched lane, 64 Curzon and 163- Queensberry St___________________________Golden Colony web site, Mark Hillyer, 2026https://www.thegoldencolony.com/person_davies_j1/John DaviesBorn: 22 January 1820 Merthir Tydvil, Wales [01]Arrived: 6 October 1852 Melbourne, Colony of Victoria, on the ship Cossipore. Departed London, 15 June 1852, via Portland [02] [03] [04].Married: TBD To Mary Ann Richards [1823-1899].Died: 19 July 1901 Ngarveno, Essendon, Victoria, Australia [residence], aged 81 years [05] [06].Buried: 20 July 1901 Melbourne General Cemetery, Parkville, Colony of Victoria [Grave: Church of England, Compartment H, No 0992Police Magistrate: 1851 1852 1853 1854 1855 1856 1857 1858 1859 1860 TBD___________________________Melbourne Streets web site 2026https://www.melbournestreets.com.au/569-queensberry-street/John Davies, a Welshman, first president of the new municipality of Hotham, member of the Legislative Council 1861-1864 and an owner of the King’s Arm’s, later made a name for himself as a winemaker with a vineyard in Moonee Ponds. The licence was moved from what was an original site in Madeline Street, which we now know as Swanston Street....Even today, the building has a strong visual presence. It is made up of two connected buildings with their roofs at different heights and a strong moulded tying them visually at street level. Of the many former hotels in North Melbourne, this one is easily recognised as an early building, particularly because of its simple lines.The 1920’s-1930’s- During this time, part of the building was a bicycle shop and a penny farthing, an early bicycle with one big and one small wheel, was hung high above the doorway and was an important local landmark . Historic Pubs of North Melbourne by Hotham History Project.___________________________Allom Lovell & Associates, CITY OF MELBOURNE PLANNING SCHEME HERITAGE REVIEW 2000 - 2002North Melbourne Queensberry Street Former King’s Arms Hotel 569-571 existing grade B proposed C
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| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 107925 | 1 PDF : 1436 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |