Mitre Tavern or Ye Olde Mitre Tavern, 1-3 Bank Place, Melbourne
Butler, Graeme01/01/1985
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Mitre Tavern or Ye Olde Mitre Tavern, 1-3 Bank Place, Melbourne
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Date of work:
01/01/1985
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BIF-CITY 100727
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Item from Collection: Heritage Collection (HC)
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Series: Central City (BIF-CITY)
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UnrestrictedOpen access.
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ASSOCIATED RESEARCH ADDED BY GRAEME BUTLER:Period: Early VictorianCreation Dates: 1867-, 1878, 1920sHeritage VictoriaStatement of SignificanceLast updated on - February 29, 2000What is significant?The Mitre Tavern at Bank Place is a two storey cement rendered brick structure on a bluestone base. The building probably dates back to pre-1850 but it was not established as the Mitre Tavern until 1867 when the first publican was Henry Thompson. In the 1870s the building is listed in rate books with between fourteen and sixteen rooms, which become eighteen rooms by 1895. This two-storey hotel has externally been altered a number of times, most significantly in the early twentieth century when it was given its faintly medieval appearance, including window shutters. Alterations also included English Queen Anne style additions into the structure, notably Marseille terra cotta tiles and the half-timbered gable ends. A brick building has been added to the western side of the Tavern. Internally there have also been many changes, often dictated by changes to the Licensing Act. For example, the Act in 1889 legislated that a separate entrance had to be provided for outside trade, as well as six rooms for public accommodation and a meal room. Substantial alterations took place in 1971 when most of the interior was removed and replaced.How is it significant?The Mitre Tavern is of historical and social significance to the State of Victoria.Why is it significant?The Mitre Tavern is historically significant as an early Melbourne hotel which has been popular amongst Melbourne's business and artistic community since the middle of the nineteenth century. In the early twentieth century it was the favourite meeting place of the T Square Club, an informal group of architects and artists. Many of the historical changes to the fabric and layout resulted from the changing demands of the Licensing Act. The building's form today is unique within the central business area of Melbourne, as an historical blend of styles, materials and fabric reflecting prevailing decorative tastes. The Mitre Tavern is socially significant as a continuing important landmark in the inner city area.FURTHER REFERENCESLewis, M. Australian Architecture Index:15/4/1878 Bank Place - Little Collins St Mitre Tavern MCC registration no 7586 [Burchett Index]. Fee 1.10.0 additions to hotel- Owner Born, T F; architect Francis, G - Collins St west;Builder Moore, JamesState Library of VictoriaMahlstedts etcsomething there in Bibb's 1856, similar but enlarged plan in Mahlstedt c1910 and 1888Newspapers:The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Thu 23 Apr 1868 Page 1WANTED, respectable NURSEGIRL. References required. Mitre Tavern, Bank-place, Collins street west,The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Sat 20 Jun 1868 Page 1JF. MATTHEWS. Architect, invites TENDERS. for the ERECTION of a COUNTER, and other works at the Mitre tavern, Bank place. Drawings and specification to be seen at his offices, 45 Swanston street, until the 23rd last. (see Presbyterian Church at Bacchus Marsh, 1865)The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Tue 3 Jan 1871 Page 8MITRE TAVERN, Bank-place. -TENDERS for GOODWILL of LEASE, Furniture, and Fixtures of this noted paying hotel and restaurant will be received by the undersigned until Friday, January 6, at 12 o'clock. Every information can be had by applying to the proprietor, on the premises, or J. Epworth, 63 Collins-street west, agent._The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Sat 17 Feb 1872Page 2PUBLICAN'S LICENCE- I, THOMAS HAYDON, of Melbourne, Victoria, hotelkeeper, do hereby give notice that I desire to obtain, and will at the next licensing meeting APPLY for, a PUBLICAN'S LICENCE for a house situate at Bank-place, Collins-street west, containing 12 rooms exclusive of those required for the use of the family. The 15th day of February, A D , 1872.THOMAS HAYDON, Mitre TavernThe Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957) Wed 3 Apr 1878 Page 3TENDERS Invited for ADDITIONS and Alterations to the Mitre Tavern, Bank place, for Mr Born. Plans and particulars at my office, 70 Collins Street west. Mr Born does not bind himself to accept the lowest or any tender.George Francis.The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954) Sat 28 Sep 1878Page 4`A meeting of law clerks, numbering over sixty, took place at tho new hall, Mitre Tavern, Bank-place, last evening ; Mr. Ridgein the chair. A society was formed, entitled The Victorian United Law Clerks' Society, having for its object the assisting of law clerks in sickness or distress, procuringsituations for them, and protecting their interests generally.The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Tue 13 Dec 1887Page 3 TO-DAY'S PROPERTY SALESThey offered also the Mitre Tavern, in Bank Place, a two-storey brick building of 22 rooms, the land having a frontage of 45 foot 9 inches to Bank Place by a depth of about 68 feet and having also a right-of-way on each side, one of which, known as Carrington Place leads into Temple Court. For this the bidding started at L500 and rose equally slowly to L750 per foot, and the property was passed in for a price unnamed. The present rental is L500, and the lease expires in 1890The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Fri 26 Oct 1900 Page 4Mrs M’Garrie said that some time after her marriage/ In 1889, she became the licensee of the Mitre Tavern, Bank place, Melbourne, her brother, Patrick John Devine, lending her the money to go Into the business. In consideration he took over all the furniture and effects. ...The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Thu 14 Nov 1918Page 4 RECENT SALESMITRE TAVERN. BANK PLACE The two-story brick building in Bank place, off Collins street, known as the Mitre Tavern, on land 45ft. 7in. by 68 feet, with a right-of-way on two sides. :has been purchased by the Trustees land Executors Agency Company Limited for £6560. This property adjoins at the rear the Collins street offices of the company, and will guarantee to them excellent lighting, besides affording additional accommodation. The sale was 'negotiated by Messrs Charles Forrester and Company. Queen street.The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Thu 7 Aug 1930 Page 1 -imageThe Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954) Thu 7 Aug 1930 Page 2TAVERN WHERE HOUNDS USED TO MEETYe Olde Mitre For SaleInteresting landmark of old MelbourneThe freehold of Melbourne's oldest and most interesting hostelry, Ye Olde Mitre Tavern, is to be put 'up for auction next Thurs day, August 14. This relic of pioneering days dates back to Melbourne's Infancy, when. In a paddock adjoining tho east end of tho tavern, hounds used to meet, and many a cry of "Mark forward, hark forward, tantivy," echoed through the old house its the hunt moved off.When little more than a boy, the late Sir W. J. Clarke was associated with this hunt: and other members were intimately associated with the early development of Melbourne. Nowadays, where, the huntsmen of old roystered and sang after their hard day's run, members of the legal and other professions . make The Mitre their rendezvous. More than 2000 meals are served weekly In the quaint. low-ceilinged rooms — and many a thousand pounds has changed hands over a helping of roast beef and a tankard of ale. Barristers and solicitors and business men meet there to confer and settle business deals, secure in the knowledge that tho old oak beams and the wains- cotted walls know- well how to keep secrets. The midday luncheon at The Mitre - more nearly approaches the "ordinary" of our grandfathers' time than any other meals served In Melbourne. The roast beef of old England is its mainstay, varied with roasts of mutton and pork. It is the only tavern In Melbourne) after the tradition of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, Ye Olde Cocke. The Falstaff, and other famous London hostelries which have retained their old-world characteristics right up to the present day.HUNTING DAYSWomen are seldom seen there — but occasionally a patron of long standing brings some of his womenfolk along to sample the cooking. The licensee (Miss Ellen Flannery) Is a well- known Identity at The Mitre for she has been there for the last 30 years. Miss Flannery Is not looking forward to the possibility of the building (which Is at present under the control of the Trustees, Executors and Agency Co. Ltd.) being sold, for she has grown so attached to the old tavern and its atmosphere of jolly companionship, that she would not like to part company with it.Miss Flannery knew Mr Major, who was licensee in the old hunting days, and from him she heard stories of mighty feasts which took place after the meets; when merry huntsmen would join together in the singing of Armiger's "Songs of the Chase," published in 1830. These included such old favourites as "A-Hunting We Will Go," "Tom Moody, the Whipper-in" "Now Night Her Dusky Mantle Folds.' "Hunting, Love and Wine." "Hard the Hollow Woods Resounding, The Health of Sporting.". . Waken Lords and Ladies Gay." ;Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954) Fri 15 Aug 1930 Page 12HISTORIC PROPERTY OLDE MITRE TAVERN Melbourne.Thursday Great interest was created by the sale at auction to-day of the Olde Mitre Tavern, in Bank Place. The property was acquired by the Royal Insurance Co. Ltd., Collins-street, for £24,500. The tavern is almost directly at the rear of the company's premises in Collins-street, and it is understood that the property will be demolished to provide additional office accommodation. The Olde Mitre Tavern, who was bought several years' ago by the Trustees, Executors, and Agency Co. Ltd., Is one of the best known Melbourne hotels, and it has been associated with many picturesque incidents in the early history of the city. The building is of quaint old English design.The Labor Daily (Sydney, NSW : 1924 - 1938) Fri 8 Aug 1930 Page 5END OF "YE OLDE MITRE TAVERN" MELBOURNE.Thursday. On August 14 next, 'Ye Olde Mitre Tavern"— the oldest hostelry in Melbourne, will be sold by auction. The Inn, which is only a few yards from Collins and Queen Streets. is now surrounded by huge buildings, but in the early days it was situated In a paddock, and was a meeting-place for huntsmen and hounds.Labor Call (Melbourne, Vic. : 1906 - 1953) Thu 6 Oct 1932Page 9`One of the most significant transactions that has taken place in liquor trade circles was completed during the closing days of last month, when a lease of the historic Mitre Tavern was granted to the Richmond Brewing Coy. Pty. Ltd. by the Royal Insurance Coy., who are the owners. The "Mitre" is probably the oldest hotel in. Victoria and is certainly the most sought-after by tourists who are seeking the historic places of Australia.The "Mitre" is wedged in a number of alleys, the principal being Bank-place (a private lane), which runs from Collins-street to Chancery-lane—the headquarters of the devil's brigade— and was built over eighty years ago, whilst the present licensee, Miss Flannery, has held the licence for the last 33 years. It is the resort chiefly of barristers solicitors, surveyors, architects, civil engineers, auditors and accountants, whilst the heads of wealthy trading and squatting concerns have for years made it their rendezvous. Although without sleeping accommodation, the dining rooms upstairs are the best patronised in the State, and it is there at night that many of the freak coteries foregather at fixed periods to celebrate some unusual event or consume some outlandish dish. In the three parlours there must have been transactions running into of pounds finalised during the life of the present licensee alone. The transfer of the lease to the brewers of Richmond Pilsner ale and stout is regarded as a significant victory to the non-combine brewery in their Commonwealth-wide fight for freedom of trade.* 'Construction (Sydney, NSW : 1938 - 1954) Wed 6 May 1953Page 11One of Melbourne's most historic hotels, the Mitre Tavern, at one timea stopping place for Cobb & Co.'s coaches, has been damaged by fireVictorian Heritage DatabaseVictorian Heritage Register record`[An article (in the Argus?) on May 4th 1958 states that the Tavern was transported in sections from England in 1841. ]Liquor licensing laws have made fundamental impacts on the evolution of pubs. Constant changes to the laws have dictated frequent physical alterations to the fabric of pubs to accommodate new or changing requirements of the law. The first liquor licences were issued by Lonsdale in 1836 based on the New South Wales Act of that year. Public houses had to close by 9pm and all day on Sundays. Pubs had to provide at least two sitting rooms and two public sleeping rooms. In June 1839 there were 81 licensed houses in Port Phillip. In 1854 there was a review of the law to cope with the influx of migrants during the gold rush. (what exactly?)The major change was the 1885 Licensing Act. Licensing Benches were replaced by separate licensing courts for each licensing district presided over by police magistrates, except in Melbourne, Geelong and Sandhurst which were presided by the County Court judge. The Act also provided for a separate entrance for outside trade, six rooms for public accommodation, a meal room, public urinal, stabling for three horses and a bath and toilet for every ten lodgers. All bedrooms had to be constructed of stone, brick or plaster. The intention of the Act was to make it difficult for pubs with doubtful reputations to stay open.'The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) Mon 24 Jul 1950 Page 3BURIED in a deep canyon by tall office buildings which have grown up around it, the historic Ye Olde Mitre Tavern in Bank Place will be offered for free- hold auction on August 9. William Thompson was the first licensee 82 years ago. When he applied for a licence the tavern had three sitting rooms and two bedrooms. Since then the Mitre has had 19 different licensees. It was a popular hunting tavern between 1875 and 1883, and an old hitching post survives. « A quaint little pub, it has a clientele of distinguished citizens who find peace and a pot tucked away behind Collins St. While collectors of pet hotels are exchanging stories about their favourites, the war on the recent price rise of wines continueRobert K. Cole Index , State Library of VictoriaMcMANUS, HUGH PATRICKDate: NOV 1949HAMBROOK, PAULDate: FEB 1948CUNNINGHAM, DAISYDate: JAN 1940COGHLAN, W JDate: NOV 1933FLANNERY, ELLEN NDate: SEP 1914FLANNERY, NORAH MrsDate: MAR 1914FLANNERY, NORAH MrsDate: APR 1902DONOVAN, ANNE L Mrs Date: 1901RYAN, H. Mrs Date: 1896CARDEN, S M MrsDate: 1895CARDEN, JOHN MDate: 1894Licensee: FENNER, G WDate: 1893McGARRY, M J. Mrs Date: 1892THOMAS, JOHN M Date: 1890SARGENT, William T Date: 1885HAMMOND, G FDate: 1883MAYGER, GEORGEDate: 1875HAYDEN, THOMASDate: FEB 1872THOMPSON, HENRYDate: APR 1868Mitre Tavern web sitehttps://www.mitretavern.com.au/tavern-history.phpThe great city of Melbourne was founded on August 30 1835, less than two years later one could have stood on the corner of Collins and Queen Streets and, through the gum trees, looked upon the site where the Mitre Tavern now stands.Sir Charles Ebden, previously an eminent citizen of Sydney attended a land sale in June 1837 and bought allotments 5,6 and 7 of Block 14 which gave him frontage of 3 chains in Collins Street and which embraced the Mitre Tavern site, all this for the princely sum of £136.Two years later, Sir Charles sold the land. The Bank of Australia bought a part and the rest was subdivided. In that subdivision provision was made for what is now Bank Place.On one of the lots facing this lane a private home was built, the owner is no longer known but the two-story structure is now called the Mitre Tavern and is (as documented by the Melbourne City Council) the oldest building in Melbourne.In 1868 Mr Henry Thompson became the first of many publicans at the Mitre Tavern with his successful application for a Liquor License. Under a succession of licensees it has remained a Tavern for nearly 140 years.The Melbourne Dog Club had its inaugural meeting and many more in later years at the Mitre Tavern. The patronage of hunting, coursing and racing men made a sportsman’s rendezvous of the Mitre and we find the first Victorian Polo Club, regularly meeting there. Names perpetuated in many Victorian streets and towns were on the membership list – Sir Redmond Barry, Captain Standish, Robert Power, Reginald Bright, Finlay Campbell and Edward Fanning among them. Then, as now, the courts and officials of law were to be found in the vicinity and from nearby Temple Court and Chancery Lane came distinguished patrons. Sir Bryan O’Loghlen, J.L. Purves, K.C. Charles Miller and Walter Coldham all knew the Mitre well.The little tavern stayed as the city grew and, in 1923, an order was issued that six bedrooms be added, the kitchen renovated and the words ‘Accommodation for Visitors’ be painted on the front wall. The licences contested the order maintaining that the number and quality of the meals served there compensated the lack of accommodation and that altering the building would be an act of vandalism. Fortunately the licensee's appeal succeeded.In 1930 a huge crowd of bidders attended an auction which saw the Tavern passed in at 22,250 pounds. It was subsequently bought by the Royal Insurance Company which planned to demolish it to make room for additions to its Collins Street building.The Mitre stubbornly hung on until 1937 when the Company had a change of heart and reprieved the little inn again. Mr W.K. Fethers, then Manager of the Royal Insurance Company, described the Tavern’s Gothic façade as a splendid example of the architectural period. He was supported by a contemporary newspaper which said the Mitre Tavern is an architectural gem and a relic of the pioneering and hunting days.Few people who enjoy the ales here are aware of the fact that this cosy cottage style pub spawned the name of the Mitre 10 hardware chain. Two of the founding members were drinking at the Tavern when inspiration struck: 'mitre' is a hardware term. The '10' - well, it had a nicer ring to it than Mitre 2.Across the road from the Mitre stands the Savage club, which was built by Sir William Clarke, Australia’s first baronet. The Mitre’s connection to The Clarke family is a bit unfortunate with Sir Rupert Clarke’s mistress, Connie Waugh, said to have hung herself in the Mitre. Her ghost is believed to have been seen, haunting the rooms and halls of the tavern even now.Today, the venue that was a base for hunting the many deer that roamed the nearby bush has become patronised largely by business people looking to escape the rush of the city or to enjoy a fantastic meal upstairs in the newly refurbished Steakhouse.
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| Type | Reference No. | Extent | Status/Desc |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original | 100727 | 1 PDF : 1,546 KB ; A4 | Group of Items (May not be issued, may not be reproduced) |