Chidlow Tavern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Chidlow Tavern |
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| Former names | The Oxford Inn The Chidlow Inn Tavern |
| General information | |
| Status | Trading |
| Type | Hotel |
| Address | 4 Thomas Street |
| Town or city | Chidlow |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 31°51′44″S 116°16′04″E / 31.8622°S 116.2679°E |
| Opened | 1884 |
The Chidlow Tavern is a historic building in Chidlow, a small town in the hills near Perth, Western Australia. It first opened its doors in 1884. Back then, it was known as The Oxford Inn. It got its current name, The Chidlow Tavern, in 1984.
Contents
Discovering the Tavern's Past
How the Tavern Began
The story of The Chidlow Tavern began in 1884. A man named John Symonds opened the first building, calling it The Oxford Inn. He built it on land leased from the railway company. This was a smart move because a new railway line had just connected the area, then known as Chidlow's Well, to Guildford.
John Symonds had another hotel in Mahogany Creek with the same name. He brought the name The Oxford Inn to his new place. People really liked John Symonds; he was known as a friendly and welcoming host.
Life at Chidlow's Well
In those early days, Chidlow's Well was a busy railway town. It had many railway buildings, like places for train crews to eat and rest. There was also a large area for sorting train cars and a special turntable to turn the engines around.
The Oxford Inn was open all day and night. It was a vital spot for travelers and locals. People could get food and drinks, find a place to sleep, and even stable their horses. It quickly became the main meeting spot for everyone in the town.
A New Beginning: The Rebuild
Sadly, the first Inn burned down in March 1908. Luckily, the owner at the time, William Bramwell, managed to save all the furniture. He didn't waste any time. He quickly built a new, bigger hotel. This new building was made of brick and had eight bedrooms. It was built right across from the old railway land, where the tavern stands today on Thomas Street. This new building was also called The Oxford Inn.
The Tavern as a Community Hub
From the very beginning, and especially after it was rebuilt, The Oxford Inn was the heart of the town. It hosted many different events. As early as 1888, cycling groups would meet there. It was also the place for agricultural shows, sports events, and dances. Town meetings were often held there too. The Tavern even served as a place where people could go to vote during elections.
The town's name changed from Chidlow's Well to Chidlow in 1920. The railway tracks that made the town so important were removed in 1966.
In 1973, the hotel's name changed to The Chidlow Inn Tavern. Then, in 1984, it became simply The Chidlow Tavern. Over the years, the inside of the tavern has been updated with a larger bar and eating area. However, it has kept much of its original charm and history.
What the Tavern Looks Like
The Chidlow Tavern is located right on the footpath of Thomas Street in Chidlow. It sits across from the Railway Reserve Heritage Trail, which is where the old Chidlow's Wells Station used to be.
The building is a single-story structure made of brick. It has simple wooden details around the front veranda, doors, and windows. The roof is made of corrugated iron and has a sloped, pyramid-like shape. This roof extends down to cover the veranda without any break. Some rooms that stick out from the front and side of the building also have similar sloped roofs. The main entrance to the hotel is a door on the veranda. It features beautiful stained glass panels and glass panels on the sides.
Why the Tavern is Special
The Chidlow Tavern is more than just a building; it's a reminder of how important the town was in the past. It shows how the railway helped the area grow. It also highlights the importance of farming and other industries in the surrounding district. Today, it continues to be a central gathering place for the community.
In 2016, The Chidlow Tavern was officially added to Western Australia’s Heritage Register. This means it's recognized for its important contribution to the cultural history of Western Australia.
