Victoria Hotel

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its associations with early settlers, James Thomas Wood and Thomas Donegan.
The place has considerable social value as the venue for social interaction and hospitality that has taken place continuously since 1864.
The place has aesthetic value as a significant double storey element in the main street of Toodyay which makes a significant contribution to the character of the town.

Physical Description

Two storey brick and iron structure although originally built as a single storey building. The upper storey has an enclosed balustrade whilst the ground floor has an open verandah. Decorative parapet in a central position adorned with finials and the hotel name. Hipped and gabled iron roof.

1864; 1875 (8 rooms added);
1899 (additions);
1904 (second storey and balcony);
1908 (west sections);
1950s; 1970s

History

In 1864 James Thomas Woods (1831-1903) had the first storey of part of the Victoria Hotel built with bricks and lime. Woods ran a store and obtained a storekeeper's gallon licence. He also acted as a banker, as there were no other banking services available in town. In 1888 Woods converted his store into a licensed premises which he called the Victoria Hotel. In 1893 James Woods was elected to the Newcastle Road Board.
From 1894 to 1896, C. Corpaccioli was the hotel licensee. He introduced ice-cream to Toodyay and was also elected to the Road Board. In 1899, Thomas John Donegan bought the hotel and added a new front and top floor to the building. The western section of the building was added c.1910. Before World War I, the hotel was the rendezvous of the Light Horse Brigade. In 1933 Paddy Connelly, race horse and hotel entrepreneur bought the hotel from Donegan. In 1964 Leslie Bartlett bought it and did extensive renovations including adding a beer garden. The hotel was eventually purchased by the Swan Brewery.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Medium

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.