Rose and Crown Hotel

Child Places

• 23571 Rose & Crown Cellars

Statement of Significance

The place is important as the site of various businesses which served the transport link between the agricultural areas to the east and Perth. This link was centred on the near-by river port at the north end of Meadow Street where produce from the hinterlands was loaded for transport to Perth and Fremantle; The place with its surviving hotel buildings, including the cellars containing the well and the stables at the rear, demonstrates a way of life no longer practised; The place has landmark qualities and forms an important part of the streetscape; and The place is important as being highly valued by the community for cultural and social associations. The former 'Hall Museum' buildings, the motel units and car parks have no cultural heritage significance.

Physical Description

Site consists of two-storey building c.1850s. East wing and stables built in 1880s. Single-storey sections at rear are believed to be parts of original 1840s buildings built by Thomas Jecks. Two storey building is colonial - Georgian with original detail intact. Features include fanlight over main entrance, panelled window reveals and extensive cellars below. The cellars are below ground-level, underneath the 1860s section of the Rose & Crown Hotel. They were probably built for storage of beer and wine, and other provisions for the hotel. The external and internal walls are of brick, the thick internal walls having round-arched doorways to allow access from one part of the cellars to another. There is a well set into the floor of one section, the water of which was reputedly used for beer making when the hotel did its own brewing in the 19th century.

History

Thomas Jecks moved to Guildford in 1839 to open a general store. In 1841 extended business to include an inn which he named 'Rose and Crown'. Original buildings of the inn, store and warehouse were grouped in a 'U' shape and were set back at some distance from the street. Inn was used as public meeting place in absence of a public hall. Meetings of Town Trust and Court were also held here. The cellars, which are of particular interest, are now used for functions and bars, tables etc. have been installed. The original brick floor has been replaced with stone. A low circular wall has been built around the opening of the wall, which was originally at floor level. The truth or otherwise of the tunnel story can probably only be established by excavating under the verandah adjacent to the bricked-up opening.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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