Knowsley Hotel (former)

The former Knowsley Hotel is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Greater Bendigo.

The former Knowsley Hotel is historically significant as a nineteenth century hotel built prior to the McIvor gold rush era. As one of the first hotels built in the township, the former Knowsley Hotel is historically important as for its ability to demonstrate this time of great change in Victoria's history. The site is historically significant for its associations with Cobb & Co, and with miners on their way to the McIvor and Bendigo gold fields. The former Knowsley Hotel is also important for its early association with the Matheson family, from the time Donald Munro Matheson applied to Crown Land Commissioner Frederick Powlett to build the Hotel in 1851, until his widow Mary Ann chose not to renew the lease in 1879 after which it was sold. Criterion A

The former Knowsley Hotel is architecturally significant for its Georgian styling as demonstrated by the front door, fanlight and sidelights, and twelve pane sash windows across the front elevation. A later wing probably dating from the 1860s has been built in complemetary style. Although the verandah posts and brackets have been altered probably c. 1920, the building is recognisably of Georgian origins.

The shearing shed is notable for its size and appearance although it is of a later date of construction than the hotel.

Group

Commercial

Category

Hotel