Local Government
Northampton
Region
Midwest
Hampton Rd Northampton
Bottom Pub
Railway Tavern
Northampton
Midwest
Constructed from 1876, Constructed from 1911
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 15 May 2020 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - To be assessed | Current | 13 Jun 2003 |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Statewide Hotel Survey | Completed | 01 Nov 1997 | ||
| Register of the National Estate | Indicative Place | |||
| Classified by the National Trust | Recorded | 02 Oct 1972 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 19 Apr 1996 | Category 1B | |
The Railway Tavern has high historic, social and aesthetic significance to Northampton and its main streetscape.
The Railway Tavern sits prominently in the main street being the first hotel to be encountered in the climb up a gradual rise from Nokanena Brook on the approach to the centre of town from the south. Hence its familiar name of the "bottom" pub. The front setback of the hotel from the road is completely cleared and paved to provide a barren carpark which, together with the huge "tavern" lettering painted on the roof, creates a very stark statement for what is otherwise an important aesthetic and historic element in the streetscape. It is a large stone, single storey building with a full width verandah across the front, attached at the walls below the main hipped CGI roof. At the rear a collection of rooms form a quadrangle however stables and some outbuildings have now been demolished. Internally many of the walls between what would have been lounge, dining room and bars have been removed in the name of "modernisation" and alterations to create large bar facilities and accommodate coolrooms, refrigerated cabinets, etc.. This has destroyed the integrity and character of these spaces. Other spaces and the accommodation rooms were not assessed.
The Railway Tavern was built in anticipation of the railway's arrival in Northampton. John Hosken, original owner of the hotel, was quick to extol as one of the hotel's virtues the fact that it was prominent to the railway station. ( Whiteford, p. 12.) The hotel opened for business on 1 November 1876. After the death of John Hosken, his widow Annie applied for a licence in May 1881. Her sister, Leah Diana Mitchell was licensee c1898-1906. The hotel was owned by William Lucas c1906. Alterations and additions to the hotel were carried out in 1911 (Geraldton Guardian 19/12/1911). By 1912, John Lee was the owner and licensee. The hotel was owned by the Lee family until the early 1940s when it was sold to Mrs A. M. K. Thomas. Leslie Gordon Thomas was licensee c1939-1951. The hotel originally consisted of a complex of stone buildings, including rooms behind the main hotel forming a quadrangle with a central Norfolk Pine, along with stables to the rear which have since been demolished. (See description - Norris, C., p.65) Chronology Entries 1876 John Hosken, the youngest son of Captain Martin Hosken opened the Railway Hotel.
Integrity: Low Modifications: Demolition of rear outbuildings internal' modernisation' Orig'l Fabric: Only the main building remains reasonably intact
Fair
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feilman & Associates, "A Survey of Places of Historic and Landscape Significance in Northampton, Dongara, Geraldton, WA", | 1977 | ||
| Photograph | Geraldton Guardian | 17/11/1927. | |
| 'Advertisement for Railway Hotel' | Victorian Express | 18/09/1878. | |
| BL Acc 5665 B | Photograph; "View of Northampton, Railway Hotel on right,". | Battye Library | 1920 |
| Norris, C., "Memories of Chapman Bay or Old Geraldton", p.65 | Soroptimists International of Geraldton, | 1989 | |
| GHS0992 | Photograph; "Railway Hotel". | 1880 | |
| BL Acc 816 B/B 502 | Photograph; "the Railway Hotel". | Battye Library | 1929 |
| Whiteford, D; "The Northern Railway: the first six months", Vol. 3. No. 1, | Western Rails, | 1979. | |
| "The Hampton Road Heritage Walk." | |||
| GHS0993 | Photograph; "street view". | 1890 | |
| 'Application for Publican's General Licence' | Victorian Express | 25/05/1881 | |
| Palassis; "Northampton Character Study". | |||
| 'Concert at the Railway Hotel' | Victorian Express | 02/10/1878. | |
| "Milestone for the 'Railway'" | Geraldton Guardian | 22/10/1991. |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Hotel, Tavern or Inn |
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Hotel, Tavern or Inn |
| Style |
|---|
| Victorian Regency |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| Wall | STONE | Other Stone |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Sport, recreation & entertainment |
| OCCUPATIONS | Hospitality industry & tourism |
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.