The Swan Inn (fmr)

Statement of Significance

Wellington Hotel (fmr) has cultural heritage significance because: it is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Bunbury's central business district and has been continuously operating as a hotel for over 150 years; the place has connections with some of Bunbury's earliest residents and business people; the place has been an important social venue for several generations and contributes to the community's sense of place.

History

There is some conjecture as to the origins and date of construction of the Wellington Hotel. In 1857, William Batts (or Bass) applied for a licence for the ‘Swan Inn’. William Spencer took over the licence in 1862. As it is recorded that Clara Spencer (later Lady James Mitchell) was born at the Wellington Hotel in 1864, it is possible that the Swan Inn became the Wellington Hotel about this time. A licence was issued to Ashford and Spencer for the Wellington Hotel in 1865. The Wellington Hotel was the centre of social and community life in Bunbury until the Mechanics Institute was built in 1867. Reports state that the dining room was used for Agricultural Show dinners, dances and many other gatherings. William Spencer held the licence during this time. A photograph dated 1870 shows the Wellington Hotel as a two storey building rendered building with regularly placed widows (9 small panes 3x3) with shutters, and a shingle roof. Circa 1880, James Hislop held the licence for the Wellington Hotel. Hislop had arrived in Western Australia as a ticket of leave man on the 'Pyrenees' in 1851, and first taught at Bunbury’s first combined school and church. (John Forrest was one of his pupils). After he went bankrupt in 1891, he ran a boarding house in Wellington Street. When Premier Sir John Forrest visited Bunbury in October 1892, Mayor W Spencer hosted a banquet at the Wellington Hotel with about 80 guests present. The Mayor toasted the Governor, Sir William Robinson, whom he credited for bringing about Responsible Government, and said now that a son of Bunbury was premier the town should be looked on favourably by all. In the mid-nineteenth century, a substantial watercourse snaked through a number of Bunbury’s surveyed allotments and especially during heavy winter rains, small boats could ferry goods right up to the hotel’s back door. Additional rooms were built for proprietor, William King, in 1896 to plans prepared by architect Charles Balding. In 1901, it was noted that the Wellington Hotel was the oldest hotel in the Bunbury district, and possibly one of the oldest hostelries in Western Australia. At this time, it was owned by Mrs King, reputed to be the first lady licensee of a hotel in Western Australia. (The legislation was amended in 1893 to allow females to hold liquor licences.) The hotel was extensively patronised by many of the old settlers of the district, who made it their headquarters when they came to town. It was also a favoured hangout of local commercial men and visitors. It was well built, with well furnished rooms and comfortable apartments suitable for families who came to the sea to recuperate. Further additions may have been carried out c 1918 to drawings by architect, Ochiltree. By the late 1930s, Wellington Hotel was owned by Westralian Hotels Pty Ltd, who engaged contractor J J Cox to carry out additions to the cost of £755. In 1951, F Mills (owner or licencee?) engaged A H Wilson to add a balcony sleepout. Significant brick additions were constructed in 1956 by Falkingham and Son at a cost of £11,200. In the 1950s the Wellington Hotel was described in a Westralian Hotels Association brochure as being recently re-constructed with lounges on each floor and spacious balconies. There was also parking and garage facilities for cars. The lounge had also been renovated with the addition of a cocktail bar and visitors were assured of ‘comfortable accommodation and good cuisine’ as well as ‘refreshments at temperatures to patron’s taste.’ Other features included infra red radiator heaters, electric wall heaters, electric exhaust ventilation, refrigerated cool rooms and a beer garden. The accommodation cost £1/12/6 per day and £10/2/6 per week. Breakfast was £1/2/6 per day. In the 1990s, the Wellington Hotel was renamed Trafalgars, there have been recent renovations to the building.

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Historic Themes

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