Rising Sun Inn, Millfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rising Sun Inn |
|
|---|---|
_(5045088b1).jpg) |
|
| Location | 95-97 Wollombi Road, Millfield, City of Cessnock, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1832–1838 |
| Official name: Rising Sun Inn (former) | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 529 |
| Type | Inn/Tavern |
| Category | Commercial |
| Builders | Unknown |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Rising Sun Inn is a historic building in Millfield, New South Wales, Australia. It was built between 1832 and 1838. Over the years, it has been many things: a post office, an inn (like a hotel), a general store, and a home. Today, it is a museum, a craft shop, and an art gallery. This special building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999, meaning it's protected for its historical importance.
Contents
History of the Rising Sun Inn
Building the Great North Road
In 1826, about 300 convicts (people sent to Australia as punishment) started building the Great North Road. This important road connected Castle Hill to Maitland. It passed through places like Wiseman's Ferry. As the road was built, many inns, or places for travelers to stay, were set up along the way.
Early Days as an Inn
The Rising Sun Inn was built around 1838 on land given to William Smith in 1828. It quickly became a popular stop for travelers. The first person to officially run the inn was John McDougall in 1838. He was known for being very strict with convicts who worked on the Great North Road.
Some people who had been treated harshly by McDougall tried to get back at him. In December 1840, a famous bushranger (an Australian outlaw) named Edward (Jew Boy) Davis and his gang held up the inn. They robbed the innkeeper, Thomas Pendergast. They also gave McDougall a harsh punishment, as a way of getting even for his past actions.
Fire and Changes
There were reports in 1857 that the inn was destroyed by fire. However, some people believe it was actually the house next door that burned down. If the inn did burn, it was rebuilt very quickly. Records show that a theft happened at The Rising Sun Inn just a few months later in 1857.
The building continued to be an inn until about 1866. Then, a man named Charles Beany bought it and turned it into a general store. In the same year, the local postal service also moved into the building. From around 1895 until 1980, the Rising Sun Inn was used as a family home. Many early families from the area lived there.
Restoration and Today
By 1980, the building was in poor condition and almost going to be torn down. Luckily, a big restoration project began. Workers had to replace all the windows and doors. They also fixed the water and electricity. The floor had sunk quite a bit, so they had to make it level again.
Today, the Rising Sun Inn is a lively place. It serves as a museum, where you can learn about its past. It also has an art gallery and a craft shop, showing off local talent.
What the Rising Sun Inn Looks Like
_(5045088b5).jpg)
The Rising Sun Inn is a simple, old-fashioned cottage. It was built using vertical ironbark slabs for walls. It has a roof with two sloped sides, called a gabled roof. There's a verandah (a covered porch) at the front and sides, supported by timber posts.
The original part of the building, made of hardwood slabs, is thought to be from 1832. Later, in the late 1800s, more sections were added to the back and eastern side. These additions were made with weatherboards, which are overlapping wooden planks.
_(5045088b6).jpg)
Over its long history, the building has been changed and extended many times. The oldest part, in the northwest corner, still has its original vertical slab walls. At one point, the western wall was covered with weatherboards, but these have since been removed. Some inside walls were also taken out, and ceiling posts were moved.
The kitchen, which used to be a separate building, is now connected to the main inn. It has a large brick fireplace. Around the 1980s, a laundry and bathroom were added, also built with vertical slabs. The roof is made of iron and has a high pitch.
When the building was listed as a heritage site, it was still being restored to its former glory.
Why the Rising Sun Inn is Important
_-_PCO_Plan_Number_529_(5045088p1).jpg)
The Rising Sun Inn is a very special building for several reasons. It's a rare example of an inn built with wooden slabs from the early 1800s. It was an important stop for travelers on the Great North Road, which helped open up the Hunter Valley region.
The building still has parts from when it was first built around 1838. It also shows how it changed over time, from an inn to a general store, post office, and then a home. It has connections to the early families who settled in the Wollombi-Maitland area. Many people who ran the inn also ran other inns nearby.
The inn is also beautiful to look at. It sits on the main road at the top of a hill, with views down to Wollombi Brook. It is considered one of the most important old buildings in the City of Cessnock.
The Rising Sun Inn was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999 because it meets certain important rules:
- It shows the history of New South Wales: It's a rare example of an old slab-built inn on the Great North Road. It helps us understand how important that road was and how the Hunter Valley grew. Its changes over time show its different uses.
- It has a special connection to the community: Its location on the main road, with its scenic views, makes it important to the local area.
- It is rare or uncommon: It is a rare example of an inn built with vertical wooden slabs.
