Royal Hotel

Statement of Significance

The Royal Hotel has aesthetic and historical significance. It is located in a prominent position on Albany Highway. As the third hotel to have been established Kojonup, it has been an important social meeting place as well as a venue for community events and meetings.

Physical Description

The Royal Hotel, situated near the top of the hill t the northern end of the town, as an attractive facade, dated 1926. A verandah, under a separate roof, supported by timber pillars and balustrading, extends along most of the front elevation. A decorative parapet wall bears the inscription, 'Royal Hotel, 1926'. The hotel complex has been built in stages at different time periods. The original building was a timber bar room (1887), and the 1887 quarters for the original owner and licensee were built in a crescent formation around the bar. Subsequent additions, built in 1926, complete the complex as it presents today. A roof has been added to link the original timber section with the rest.

History

The Royal Hotel, also referred to as "Top Pub", was the third to be established in Kojonup in 1887. The original owner was William Cornwall, who initially lived on the premises. Later the Cornwalls built a gracious home opposite the hotel. Cornwall had significant business interests in the district. The Hotel was significant as an early meeting place for early Kojonup settlers and for travellers. Records show that the Road Board rented a room there for meetings in 1891, and the inaugural meeting of the Returned Soldiers Association (RSA- later RSL) was held there in 1919. Alongside the Hotel was the Theatre Royal, a tin hall built alongside the hall by Cornwall, for dances and large social functions.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity - High Authenticity - Medium - most of the original fabric remains intact, however there are been various modifications.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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