National Hotel, Warwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids National Hotel, Warwick |
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National Hotel, trading as O'mahony's Hotel, 2008
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| Location | 35 Grafton Street, Warwick, Southern Downs Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 - 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | c. 1907 - 1937 |
| Architect | James Marks and Son |
| Official name: National Hotel, Allman's Hotel | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600950 |
| Significant period | 1900s, 1930s (fabric) c. 1907-ongoing (historical use as hotel) |
| Significant components | lead light/s, out building/s |
| Builders | Daniel Connolly |
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The National Hotel is a historic building in Warwick, Australia. It was designed by James Marks and Son and built around 1907 by Daniel Connolly. This hotel is also known as Allman's Hotel. It is an important part of Queensland's history. The hotel was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. Today, it is still used as a hotel and is called O'mahony's Hotel.
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History of the National Hotel
The National Hotel was built in Warwick around 1907. It was made for Daniel Allman. The famous architects James Marks and Son from Toowoomba designed it.
Warwick's Early Days
Warwick became an important town in the Darling Downs region in 1847. A post office opened in 1848. The town grew steadily through the 1800s and early 1900s. The railway line reached Warwick in 1867. It was extended to Stanthorpe in 1881. This helped Warwick become a major trading center.
The land where the National Hotel stands was first owned in 1858. The Warwick railway station was built across the street in 1887. This made the hotel's location very convenient for travelers.
The Allman Family's Role
The Allman family was very important in Warwick for many years. Jeremiah Allman arrived in Warwick around 1870. He later owned the Sportsman's Arms Hotel. He also owned the Criterion Hotel, another well-known place in town.
Jeremiah Allman was active in Warwick's community. He was an alderman (a local council member) from 1886 to 1903. He even served as mayor in 1895 and 1902. He helped establish the Warwick Butter Factory and was involved with the Warwick Hospital.
Jeremiah Allman bought the land for the National Hotel in 1897. In 1907, he leased it to his son, Daniel Francis Allman. Daniel applied to build a new hotel across from the railway station. He wanted a two-story building with 16 bedrooms.
Building the Hotel
The architects chosen for the hotel were James Marks and Son. This firm was known for designing many important buildings in Toowoomba. These included St Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral. They also designed many hotels and churches across the Darling Downs.
Daniel Connolly, a local builder, constructed the hotel. His offer of £3960 was accepted in April 1907. The hotel was meant to be finished within six months. It officially opened by early 1908.
After Jeremiah Allman passed away in 1910, the hotel was passed to his sons, Daniel and John. Later, Daniel's wife, Maria Allman, owned it. Eventually, Queensland Brewery Ltd bought the property.
Some small changes were made to the hotel in 1937. These were designed by Addison & Macdonald, architects from Brisbane. They were known for updating older hotels.
What the National Hotel Looks Like
The National Hotel is on the corner of Grafton and Lyons Streets. It is a two-story brick building. It has beautiful verandahs (porches) with decorative railings on both street sides. There is also a two-story brick section at the back for rooms.
Outside Features
The verandah stretches over the footpath. It has strong timber posts. The upper level has fancy cast iron railings and decorations. The roof of the verandah is curved.
Above the verandah, there is a decorative wall called a parapet. It has urns and other details. The date "1887" is on the eastern side. This date is older than the hotel itself, and its meaning is unclear. The main roofs are made of corrugated iron. There are also brick chimneys with decorative tops.
The ground floor walls have plaster decorations around the windows and doors. The bricks are mostly unpainted, showing their original look. There are two main entrances for guests. These doors have special leadlight glass above and beside them. There is also an entrance at the corner leading to the public bar.
Inside Features
Inside, the hotel has wide hallways leading to a central archway. The main staircase is made of polished cedar wood. It has square balusters (spindles) and carved newels (posts). A beautiful stained glass window lights up the staircase area.
The Dining Room also has its original pressed metal ceiling. This ceiling has decorative patterns, borders, and roses. Many other rooms on the ground floor, like the Parlour and Lounge, also have these special ceilings.
The first floor is mainly for guest rooms. Some rooms at the southern end are now part of the Manager's Residence. Most of the hallways and bedrooms on this floor also have pressed metal ceilings. The doors are old-fashioned with small windows above them.
The back wing of the hotel is also made of brick. It has a central hallway with bedrooms on both sides. Some of these rooms have been turned into bathrooms.
The National Hotel is still very much like it was when it was built. Only small changes have been made. Many of its original features, like the pressed metal ceilings and wooden details, are still there.
Why the National Hotel is Important
The National Hotel was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it is a protected historical site.
- Shows Queensland's history: The hotel is a great example of how Warwick grew in the early 1900s.
- A good example of its kind: It is a well-preserved hotel from the early 20th century in Queensland. It also fits well with the nearby railway station area.
- Beautiful design: The hotel is considered beautiful and adds to the look of the area.
- Connected to important people: The building is linked to the famous architectural firm, Marks and Sons, from Toowoomba.
