Back to search results »

Back to search page »

CRICKETER'S ARMS HOTEL (FORMER)

Other Name MOYNE Location Hamilton Highway PENSHURST, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 701 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/1] 23226 Cricketer s Arms Former

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Cricketer's Arms Hotel is located east side of the Hamilton Highway, to the immediate north of the historic never fail spring , some 200 metres north of the central point of Penshurst. The former hotel has been converted into a private residence, but still retains the form and stylistic details of an early restrained classical Victorian period commercial building. The former hotel is single storey, built of dressed bluestone, with eight bedrooms and three living areas. A bluestone and timber stable is located to the rear of the property.. The hotel was constructed in 1871 for Publican William Coleman, who was associated with early hotels such as the Mount Rouse Inn from 1863, and continued to be operated by the Coleman family until William Coleman's wife committed suicide in 1888. After this, the hotel went through a variety of owners until it was delicensed and converted into a private residence in the later twentieth century. The property is in good condition, although its integrity has been compromised by replacing the original timber windows with aluminium frames and sashes, and interior renovations have been undertaken.

Why is it significant?
The former Cricketer's Arms Hotel is of historical and architectural significance to the township of Penshurst and the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The former Cricketer's Arms Hotel is of historical significance as one of the major early hotels in Penshurst. Although prior to 1907, there were upto seven public houses, only two were substantial commercial premises, the Penshurst Hotel and the Cricketer's Arms. Of further historical significance is the association with William Coleman, a publican and early land holder in the township, who was associated with early public houses, including the Mount Rouse Inn and the Albion Hotel. The siting of the Cricketer's Arms is also historically important as it provides us with an understanding of hotel's clientele, and status in the township. This is evident by the buildings prominent location and imposing classical facade which would have dominated both the major route from Hamilton to Warrnambool (now the Hamilton Highway), as well as Dickens Street, facing the popular nineteenth century public gardens, now known as the Penshurst Botanic Gardens. Of further historical interest is its proximity to the never fail spring, immediately to the south of the hotel, in the Penshurst Botanic Gardens. This was a traditional gathering and meeting point for local townspeople, landholders and travellers from the late 1830s, the hotel was sited to capitalise on this focal point of the township. The design of the building also provides us with an historical and architectural insight into the layout of early hotels, with eight bedrooms and three living areas (presumably sitting rooms), illustrating a previous commercial practice. The restrained classical of the building was typical of the period.