Devonshire Arms, Fitzroy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Devonshire Arms Hotel |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Address | Fitzroy Street, Fitzroy, VIC 3068, Australia |
| Coordinates | 37°48′25″S 144°58′34″E / 37.80694°S 144.97611°E |
| Opened | 1843 |
The Devonshire Arms Hotel was once a well-known hotel in Fitzroy, a suburb of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. Today, it is famous for being the oldest building still standing in Fitzroy. It is also the oldest known hotel building in Melbourne that is still around.
Contents
A Look Back: The Hotel's Story
The Devonshire Arms Hotel was built on Fitzroy Street, not far from Gertrude Street. It first opened its doors in 1843. Even though it no longer operates as a hotel, the building itself has a long and interesting history.
Who Built It?
A local businessman named Francis Clark built the hotel and owned it for 50 years. Mr. Clark arrived in Melbourne in 1840. He started out managing a factory that made lemonade and soda. Later, he opened butcher shops in different parts of Melbourne, including Bourke Street, Elizabeth Street, and Richmond. He also bought land in areas like Fitzroy and Alphington, hoping it would become more valuable. He lived a very successful life.
Why the Name "Devonshire Arms"?
Even though Francis Clark came from a place called Essex in England, he named his hotel the Devonshire Arms. This name was chosen because many of the people living in the area before the big gold rush came from the south-west of England, especially from a county called Devonshire.
The Building Today
The historic Devonshire Arms building is now part of St Vincent's Hospital. It is used by one of the hospital's departments.
This important building is officially listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. This means it is recognized as a place with special historical importance and is protected. It also has a special "Heritage Overlay," which helps keep its historical features safe.
Images for kids
-
The historic Devonshire Arms Hotel building.
