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Criterion Hotel

Location 59 High Street (cnr Wigg Street), RUSHWORTH VIC 3612 - Property No B4145 File Number B4145 Level Local

[1/2] B4145 Criterion Hotel [2/2] B4145 Criterion Hotel

Statement of Significance

This Hotel has been the centre of local history and social events since it was established in 1859 by John Brideson. The date of this corner two storey brick building is not known but the two storey extension in Wigg Street was erected by local builders Mathers and Wilson in 1883. There have been various internal alterations and the original two storey external cast iron verandah has been removed, but the original and unusual open well staircase near the corner entrance is intact. The separate brick kitchen to the rear and the brick stables off Wigg Street are included in the classification.
Classified: 23/07/1981
Historic Area Statement of Significance: Rushworth is a gold mining town of considerable historic character. There is a wealth in its historic buildings and other structures which remain from its early development in the 1850's and the subsequent boom of the decades to follow.
The twentieth century saw a shift in Rushworth's importance as a mining town, to a servicing centre for the surrounding rural community. Essentially a town of the past, Rushworth has been largely by-passed by twentieth century development. This general decline has, however, had a positive effect in conserving the town's historic urban fabric. The decline whilst resulting in the loss of some buildings, has caused few intrusive replacements. About the town, many of Rushworth's boom period buildings remain in a largely intact condition and an atmosphere of tranquility pervades in this historic township.
The character and significance of the town is largely a function of its landscape setting; the spacious High Street; the town's irregular layout of straight streets; which are a legacy of Rushworth's boom period subsequent decline.
Group Classified: 06/12/1982.