British Seamen's Hotel

The site was at the rear of the Assistant Colonial Surgeon, Dr William Redfern's residence and formed part of the Hospital Garden between 1795-1816. Harrington Street was formed in 1810 as part of Macquarie's' rationalisation of Sydney streets. During an archaeological excavation near the intersection of Harrington and Argyle Streets in 1989-90, architectural remains including terracotta roof tiles were noted associated with a building demolished by the early 1820s, and possibly constructed before the creation of Harrington Street.[1]

The Sydney Hospital was transferred to Macquarie Street in 1816, the Assistant Surgeon's residence being occupied by architect Francis Greenway until the 1830s. The exact nature of Greenway's occupation is contentious. When he was ordered to quit the property in 1822 he was in the process of building a new house, the plans of which had been approved by Macquarie two years before. Greenway claimed that the Governor had promised him the land, however as soon as Macquarie left the colony an eviction notice was served, and Macquarie couldn't substantiate Greenway's claim.[1] Greenway was still living in the house in the 1830s and it is unclear what the outcome of the eviction was. Plans of 1834 show Greenway as the sole claimant of the George Street side of the block and contesting ownership of the Harrington Street frontage, the subject site. However, by 1823 the corner of Harrington and Argyle Streets was occupied by someone other than Greenway and another round of claims began that lasted until at least 1837.[1]

The north elevation faces Argyle Street and has been designed in the Federation Free Classical style. The elevations are highly decorative with rendered horizontal banding, stone detailing, arched windows with leadlight panels and parapet wall. The western elevation faces Harrington Street and is similar but narrower to the north elevation. The eastern elevation adjoins 45 Argyle Street (c. 1840s) and the southern elevation adjoins 30 Harrington Street (c. 1830s); both are in painted face brick.[1]

The building is divided into two distinct parts. One is a single storey retail outlet on the ground floor and the other, the former hotel, is on two levels. The hotel consisted of 13 rooms, two WCs, a basement which is accessed from the ground floor street corner room and serviced from Argyle Street and a private rear courtyard. The interiors of the former hotel are highly ornate.[4][3]

Extensive conservation work was undertaken on the building in 1995-96, and its condition is excellent.[1]

The former British Seamens Hotel and site are of State heritage significance for their historical and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their contribution to The Rocks area which is of State Heritage significance in its own right. Its listing on both the non-statutory heritage register of the National Trust of Australia and the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate demonstrate the esteem the building is held in by the wider community. Development on the site is representative of the historical phases from 1788 to the present day.[1] Initially the site was located in the grounds of the Assistant Surgeon and Hospital gardens. Therefore, it has strong historical associations with the first hospital and especially the first Assistant Surgeon, Dr Redfern. It also has strong associations with other prominent people such as Francis Greenway, colonial architect (1816-1822) and later Rosetta Terry, wife of Samuel Terry.[1]

It is the site of one of the earlier inns in the Rocks - dating from the 1830s. This use remained without interruption until the late 1920s. The place demonstrates various phases of hotel, residential and commercial related activities that formed a major component of the historical, social, cultural and architectural development of the Rocks. It is representative of a type of building traditionally associated with a meeting place and abode for working men within the traditional mixed residential, commercial, industrial and maritime uses of The Rocks area.[1] The site's association with hotel activity lasted almost 100 years. This began with the early development of the Colony and reflected the social pastime of the local community and transient maritime workers. It is reasonable to assume that the former hotel had a strong social link with British Seamen due to its former name the British Seamen's Hotel, which first appeared in 1868 and continued until 1899. The changing social patterns and lifestyles are reflected in the change of use for the building. The residential and commercial activities changed in The Rocks reflecting the area's changing association with the wharves. In the late 1920s the building was converted for residential use as a boarding house. In the mid 1950s it was converted to commercial use.[1]

The building allows social and cultural changes to be interpreted. It has historical significance in allowing the Rocks Resumption Act to be interpreted. It allows interpretation of earlier structures and architectural solutions to later alterations and additions. It is associated with the increased importance of Argyle Street with construction of the Argyle Cut. It is representative of early subdivision and development patterns and later consolidation patterns. Ownership of the site was contested by several people, illustrating the problems associated with the granting of land and leases and recording of such.[1]

The place located on the corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets can be viewed from a distance and forms an important link between the earlier 19th century buildings on the adjoining boundaries. The building before its 1880s alterations was of a similar nature to the adjoining buildings which are of a Colonial Georgian style, providing a contrast with the ornate form of the site. The alterations reflect the changing architectural styles that were favoured at the time. The form, scale and detailing on the place contributes to the historical streetscape. - The well designed, street facades on the former hotel and shops are very good examples of Federation Free Classical Style. It allows interpretation of the operations of an early hotel and shop.[1] The site has been the subject of a limited archaeological investigation. This identified the rich archaeological resource still remaining on site. Therefore, the site has significant research potential as an archaeological resource which can inform about the former buildings and usage of the site as well as the changing lifestyles of its inhabitants.[5][1]

British Seamen's Hotel was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002 having satisfied the following criteria.[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.

Historically the site has had a long association with the social, cultural and maritime development of The Rocks. Initially the site was located in the grounds of the Assistant Surveyor and Hospital gardens. Located on the corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets the site was in close proximity to the wharves. The first record of an inn on the site dates from the 1830s (the Kings Head Inn). This use remained without interruption until the late 1920s. The site has strong historical associations with the first hospital and especially the first Assistant Surgeon Dr Redfern. It also has strong associations with other prominent people such as Francis Greenway, colonial architect (1816-1822) and later Rosetta Terry, wife of Samuel Terry. The Construction of the Argyle Cut in the mid 1840s allowed direct access between Millers Point and The Rocks, thus increasing the importance of Argyle Street. The site has strong associations with the early grants and subsequent developments on the site. Ownership of the site was contested by several people illustrating the problems associated with the granting of land and leases and recording of such.[1]

It is the site of one of the earlier inns in the Rocks - dating from the 1830s. It is representative of commercial development in the Rocks. The site has an association with Dr Redfern, Francis Greenway and with early land holder Rosetta Terry. It allows social and cultural changes to be interpreted. It has historical significance in allowing the Rocks Resumption Act to be interpreted. It allows interpretation of earlier structures and architectural solutions to later alterations and additions. It is associated with the increased importance of Argyle Street with construction of the Argyle Cut. It is representative of early subdivision and development patterns and later consolidation patterns.[1]

The place has a strong or special association with a person, or group of persons, of importance of cultural or natural history of New South Wales's history.

The site has strong associations with several prominent people, including Dr Redfern, the first Assistant Surgeon in the colony. Francis Greenway lived on part of the site and hotly contested ownership of the entire site. Rosetta Terry, wife of Samuel Terry owned the site when it became a hotel. The site has strong associations with the early grants and subsequent developments on the site. Ownership of the site was contested by several people illustrating the problems associated with the granting of land and leases and recording of such.[1]

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The place located on the corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets can be viewed from a distance and forms an important link between the earlier 19th century buildings on the adjoining boundaries. The building before its 1880s alterations was of a similar nature to the adjoining buildings which are of a Colonial Georgian style, providing a contrast with the ornate form of the site. The alterations reflect the changing architectural styles that were favoured at the time. The form, scale and detailing on the place contributes to the historical streetscape. - The well designed, street facades on the Former Hotel and shops are very good examples of Federation Free Classical Style.[1]

The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

The site's association with hotel activity lasted almost 100 years. This began with the early development of the Colony and reflected the social pastime of the local community and transient maritime workers. It is reasonable to assume that the former hotel had a strong social link with British Seamen due to its former name the British Seamen's Hotel, which first appeared in 1868 and continued until 1899. The changing social patterns and lifestyles are reflected in the change of use for the building. The residential and commercial activities changed in The Rocks reflecting the area's changing association with the wharves. In the late 1920s the building was converted for residential use of a boarding house. In the mid 1950s it was converted to commercial use.[1]

The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The site has been the subject of a limited archaeological investigation. This identified the rich archaeological resource still remaining on site. Therefore, the site has significant research potential as an archaeological resource which can inform about the former buildings and usage of the site as well as the changing lifestyles of its inhabitants.[1]

The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The subject place is a rare example of a Federation Free Classical style pub/hotel in The Rocks area.[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales.

The former British Seamen's Hotel is the site of one of the earliest inns in The Rocks dating from the 1830s. It is representative of commercial development in The Rocks. It allows social and cultural changes to be interpreted. It has historical significance in allowing The Rocks Resumption Act to be interpreted. It allows interpretation of earlier structures and architectural solutions to later alterations and additions. It is representative of early subdivision and development patterns and later consolidation patterns. The former British Seamen's Hotel is representative of a type of building traditionally associated with a meeting place and abode for working men within the traditional mixed residential, commercial, industrial and maritime uses of The Rocks area. Development on the site is representative of the historical phases from 1788 to the present day. The former British Seamen's Hotel is a representative example of a prominent corner building design from the 1880s and is a fine example of its type. Aesthetically, the subject place is a significant variation to the other pubs/hotels of the same era built in The Rocks area.[1]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to British Seamen's Hotel.

• "Parker Galleries, 39-43 Argyle St, The Rocks, NSW, Australia (Place ID 2324)". Australian Heritage Database. Department of the Environment. 21 October 1980.