Clayton's Apothecaries' Hall facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clayton's Apothecaries' Hall
Former Clayton's Apothecaries' Hall, 1993
Location	221-223 Flinders Street, Townsville CBD, City of Townsville, Queensland, Australia
Design period	1870s - 1890s (late 19th century)
Built	1885
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: 223 Flinders Street, Townsville, Bamboo Inn, Clayton's Apothecaries' Hall, Pinocchio's Restaurant
Type	state heritage (built)
Designated	21 October 1992
Reference no.	600902
Significant period	1880s (fabric) 1885-1909 (historical use by Chemist)
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Clayton's Apothecaries' Hall is a special old building in Townsville, Queensland, Australia. It's located at 221-223 Flinders Street in the city center. This building was first built in 1885 as a pharmacy, which is like a chemist shop. Over the years, it has also been known as Bamboo Inn and Pinocchio's Restaurant. Today, it's recognized as a heritage site, meaning it's an important part of history. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992.

History of Clayton's Apothecaries' Hall

This two-story building was constructed in 1885 for William Clayton. He was a chemist in Townsville and bought the land earlier that year.

William Clayton's Early Life and Business

William Clayton was a chemist from England. He arrived in Townsville in the early 1870s. He bought a chemist business called the Apothecaries' Hall. This business had been started in Townsville in 1866 by A.H. Cooper.

In less than 15 years, William Clayton made his business very successful. The new building built in the 1880s showed how well his business was doing.

William Clayton's Community Role

William Clayton was also very involved in the community.

• He was an alderman on the Townsville Municipal Council for many years. An alderman is like a local council member.
• He became the Mayor of Townsville in 1890.
• He was a member of the Hospital and School of Arts committees.
• He was a Master Freemason and a magistrate. A magistrate is a type of judge who handles smaller legal cases.

Changes to the Building Over Time

William Clayton sold the Flinders Street building in 1890. However, he continued to rent it for his business until about 1909. After that, his chemist business moved to a more central part of Flinders Street. William Clayton passed away in 1920, but his son, Victor Osborne Clayton, continued to run the business.

Since 1909, the building has been used for many different things. It has housed offices, small businesses, shops, and at least two restaurants. As of 2016, a pie shop was located there.

Design and Features of the Building

Clayton's Apothecaries' Hall is a two-story building made of stone or brick. Its outside walls are covered with a smooth finish. The roof is hidden behind a wall at the front, which makes it look very neat. The building is on the northern side of Flinders Street, at the bottom of Melton Hill.

Ground Floor Details

The front of the ground floor has a main entrance set back from the street. On each side of the entrance are modern windows with aluminum frames. The walls around the entrance have glazed tiles. A metal roof-like structure, called an awning, sticks out over the entrance. It is supported by the floor above.

First Floor Details

The first floor has three arched windows. These windows have aluminum frames that can open outwards. The windows are decorated with flat columns, called pilasters, and a decorative border, called a cornice. Above the middle window is a triangular top section, called a pediment, with a decorative railing.

The back of the first floor is at ground level. It has a concrete courtyard with air conditioning units. This courtyard separates the building from a house on Melton Terrace.

Inside the Building

Inside, the building has its original stairs on the eastern side. These stairs connect the ground and first floors. There are also false ceilings and new walls that divide up the space.

Both floors have dining areas. The kitchen is on the ground floor at the back. There's a concrete staircase there that leads to the courtyard outside. Another staircase was added in the middle of the building to meet fire safety rules.

Why This Building is Important

Clayton's Apothecaries' Hall was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on October 21, 1992. This means it's officially recognized as an important historical place.

Showing Queensland's History

The building, built in 1885, helps us understand how Queensland's history has changed over time. Its size, shape, and materials make Flinders Street and Townsville look special.

Its Beautiful Design

The building is important because of its beautiful design. It adds to the look of Flinders Street and the whole town of Townsville. People in Townsville value its appearance.

Connection to Important People

The building has a special link to William Clayton. He was an important early resident of Townsville. His work helped Townsville grow in the late 1800s.