Harp Inn (former)

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - GRC - HISTORIC PLACES DOCUMENTATION SHEET NO. 290

The former Harp Inn was an important public house from a very early era located strategically on the Old Melbourne Road opposite the adjoining Sale Yards and stockyards. It is an unpretentious solid brick building with double hipped roof. Some Morewood & Rogers roof tiles remain, however, the integrity of the building has been decreased by the alterations to the windows. An important early Hotel in Geelong.

RECOMMENDATIONS: PROTECTIVE MEASURES

Geelong Regional Commission Register.

Australian Heritage Commission Register of the National Estate.

Historic Buildings Council Register.

REFERENCES

Submission to Historic Buildings Council prepared by Frank Campbell, Lecturer in Australian Studies, Deakin University.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - City of Geelong West - Urban Conservation Study - Building Identification Form

The Harp Inn appears to have opened in 1848 and was presumably built during that year. The first licensee was Micheal Heffernan, followed closely by Michael Loughan and, later, Marin Gleeson. The inn would have formed a focal point for the village of Ashby, which originated in this location, as well as providing refreshment to travelers. It is a substantial pre gold-rush inn reflecting the pastoral dominance of the economy at the time and, at 14 rooms, must have been one of the largest, most important buildings in Geelong West. Brick making was established in the vicinity in 1848-9 and it is highly likely that the Harp was built of the local product. By 1866 the inn was no longer licensed, Gleeson having transferred his allegiance to the nearby Telegraph Hotel. It appears as unoccupied during the 1870's but by 1899 Alfred Elliott occupied the premises as a residence called "Woodlands". The cast iron verandah and bay windows (quiet residential in character) presumably date from this period.

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

National Estate Register

REFERENCES

Investigator, Vol. 10, No. 1, p4.

Social History Museum, Deaking University, "Harp Inn", collected notes and submission to the Historical Buildings Council.

G Seaton, The Ashby Story A History of Geelong West. G West City Council, 1978, pp 16,19,25, 48-49.

Group

Commercial

Category

Restaurant (food outlet)