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Old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel facts for kids

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Old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel
Botany Sir Joseph Banks Park Hotel.JPG
Location 23 Anniversary Street, Botany, Bayside Council, New South Wales, Australia
Built 1840–1874
Owner former Sir Joseph Banks Hotel
Official name: Sir Joseph Banks Hotel (former); Sir Joseph Banks Hotel; Banks Inn
Type state heritage (complex / group)
Designated 2 April 1999
Reference no. 76
Type Hotel
Category Commercial
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The Old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel is a very old building located at 23 Anniversary Street in Botany, Australia. It was once a popular hotel. This historic place was built between 1840 and 1874. It was also known as Banks Inn. Today, it is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, which means it's an important historical site.

A Look Back in Time

The Old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel is a large building near the bay. It is very old and still looks much like it did in early Victorian times. This makes it important for history and architecture.

The building was started in 1840 by Thomas Kellet and J. Drew. Back then, it was called the Banks Inn. By the 1850s, it had become a fun place to visit. It featured beautiful gardens and even a private zoo! People also enjoyed outdoor sports there. It was a popular spot for weekend trips and holidays.

Around 1860, another part was added to the east side of the building. Then, in about 1870, the main two-storey section on the north side was built. This part was designed in a fancy style called Italianate.

In 1884, a businessman named Frank Smith bought the hotel. He became famous for holding exciting running races there from 1884 to 1892. Later, the hotel was sold to different breweries.

In 1920, a brand new hotel was built on Botany Road. It took over the name and license from the old hotel. The Old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel then stayed empty for a while. In 1930, James Ruttley bought it. His family lived there as a home for many years.

Around the year 2000, the old hotel was sold again. It was carefully fixed up and turned into apartments. A new apartment building was also built right next to it.

What It Looks Like

The former hotel is a big building made of brick covered in a special plaster. The first part, built in 1840, was a two-storey building in the Georgian style. It had smaller, single-storey sections on each side. This was the original Banks Inn.

Around 1860, another single-storey section was added to the east. This part had a curved front and a porch with a steeply sloped roof. The main two-storey section on the north side was added around 1870. It was built in the Italianate style, which means it had lots of decorations. It featured tall walls at the top and two-storey iron porches. Inside, it had beautiful wood carvings made from cedar.

Why It's Special

The Old Sir Joseph Banks Hotel is a very important building. It is a large former hotel by the bay that has a lot of historical and architectural value. It still looks almost the same as it did in the early Victorian era.

Because of its importance, the Sir Joseph Banks Hotel was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This listing helps protect the building for future generations.

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