Lord Nelson Hotel

Item details


Name of item:	Lord Nelson Hotel
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Commercial
Category:	Hotel
Location:	Lat: -33.8581651709 Long: 151.2033322840
Primary address:	19 Kent Street, Millers Point, NSW 2000
Parish:	St Philip
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	3		DP	737194

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
19 Kent Street	Millers Point	Sydney	St Philip	Cumberland	Primary Address
Argyle Street	Sydney	Sydney	St Philip	Cumberland	Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel Pty Ltd	Private	03 May 99

Statement of significance:


	The Lord Nelson Hotel is highly significant as the oldest working licensed hotel in the city. The Hotel was only one of only two hotels in the immediate area to be retained by the Sydney Harbour Trust when Millers POint was resumed during the time of the plague in 1900. The Lord Nelson Hotel is also significant as one of three hotel buildings in the Old Colonial Regency style in the city. The other two include the hero of Waterloo and a commercial terrace at 246 George Street. The Lord Nelson is the finest example of the three. It is also significant as it provides a strong contribution to the urban character of the immediate area. The building provides a rare surviving working example of an early hotel from the nineteenth century. It also has significance as part of a network of corner hotels in the northern end of the city which provided social and recreational venues and budget accommodation. The site may have scientific significance due to the age of the building and its continual use since the early days of European settlement. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997:64)
	Date significance updated: 02 Dec 97
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Michael Lehane
Construction years:	1835-1835
Physical description:	The Lord Nelson Hotel is a smooth faced, three stroey sandstone building in the Old Colonial Regency style. The building has a hipped, corrugated asbestos cement roof, following the 'L-shaped' form of the building. The roof cladding is not original and is partially concealed by a decorative parapet and moulded capping, which extends around both facades along the full length of the building. The building has a splay corner, featuring a central arched doorway with paired timber doors and a fanlight at ground level. A second such arched doorway is situated near the centre of Argyle Street facade. A third door with a flat arch is located in the northern end of the eastern facade. The street facades on the first and second levels feature regular, multi-paned timber double hung windows. The ground level facades to both Kent and Argyle Streets contain a large, fixed, timber paned window on either side of the splayed corner respectively. The Argyle Street elevation also contains two timber framed sash windows similar to those on the upper levels. The Kent Street elevation contains one such window as well as a deeply recessed set of three tall, narrow, fixed windows. All window openings feture simple, projecting sandstone sills. A rendered string course at ground level on the Argyle Street facade is continued along the Kent Street facade, below which the sandstone wall has been rendered and painted. A 'kegslide' is located in the rendered area of the the eastern facade. This is a service hatch allowing beer kegs to be directly loaded from the street to the basement and vice versa. Internally the buildling contains five storeys, including a basement level, ground, first and second levels and an attic. The ground floor largely comprises the public bar. The first floor can be described as having two distinct 'halves'. The southern half of the floor comprises the restaurant seating area, extending from the western wall through to the eastern. The north eastern section, comprising part of the original 'L-shaped' plan contains the main stair, a small store and male and female w/cs. The north western infill section contains the galley kitchen and bar, opening to the restaurant, and a sheltered deck area/landing area leading to the service stair. The second floor contains eight rooms, two bathrooms, two storerooms, a single w/c and a small kitchenette. The attic space is an open 'L-shaped' plan with timber floor and many expsoed rafters. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997: 39-57)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Generally the building is in fair to good condition throughout. Archaelogical potential is medium.
	Date condition updated:03 Dec 97
Modifications and dates:	c1836 - hotel built. 1842-1845 - possible extensions to the north and west. 1922 - remodelling of second floor accomodation. 1930s - kitchen and WC. 1938 - ground floor bar altered, new internal stairs and remodelling of second floor accomodation. 1957 - keg slide constructed. 1960 - ground floor bar altered. 1980s - general exterior fully restored. 1986 - brewery incorporated into hotel. 1987 - deck and service stair enclosed, first floor bar installed. 1988 - fire due to flue causes damage.
Further information:	A conservation management plan was written by Graham Brooks and Associates in June 1997.


Current use:	Hotel
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, Hotel

History

Historical notes:

The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

Cockle Bay Point, later Millers Point:
Millers Point originally named Cockle Bay Point was known as 'Jack the Miller's Point', named after an ex-convict, John Leighton. The area at the north end of Kent Street and the western end of Windmill Street was known as 'The Quarries' and supplied a large part of the early stone for Sydney.

The land on which the Hotel is now situated was orginally part of the Crown Grant to the plasterer William Wells dated 14th May 1836 and part of the Grant (in trust) to Richard Driver dated 30th November 1840. A census of 1834 however, indicates that there were three William Wells living in Kent and Argyle Streets during the 1830s.

The Lord Nelson was constructed during the late 1830s by William Well. Records indicate that Wells may have been a plasterer by trade, however this cannot be confirmed by 180s directories. The architect was Michael Lehane.

Wells is believed to have lived on the opposite corner to the Sailor's Return in the present day Lord Nelson until 1842 when the liquor licence for the hotel was granted. The sandstone blocks are believed to have been quarried from the area at the base of Observatory Hill. The Lord Nelson is the oldest working licensed hotel in Sydney, dating from the time of licence in June 1842.

The Times of November 7th 1805 contains an account of the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, in which Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson was killed. The battle took place in Cadiz, and the enemy comprised a contingent of thirty three Spanish and French ships under Admirals Villeneuve and Gravina.

Sands Directories dating back to 1858 indicate that the Lord Nelson Hotel was occupied on and off by Charles J Sounders between the years 1860 and 1866. In 1867 it appears that the property was repurchased by William Wells, who had occipied the building from the time of its construction until 1858. He remained in the building until 1870 before John Henwood and Alfred C Wells, possibly a son or relative of William took over. In the following years leading up to the turn of the century, the building was occupied by numerous people. Most noteable for their lengthy occupation were Robert Drysdale, John H Ferguson, William Adams and Patrick Powell.

The property was transferred to the Sydney Storage Company in 1891 and part of it was leased back to Patrick Powell in 1893. A further lease took place in 1900, by the Sydney Storage Company to L H G Oswald. The Oswalds were to construct the Oswald Bond Stores on either side of the building.

The propoerty was resumed by the Minister of Public Works in 1901 and vested in the Sydney Harbour Trust Commissioners in 1911. There were numerous proprietors of the hotel afetr the turn of the century, particularly during the period from 1901 to 1911. from 1911 to 1917 Michael Lehane occupied the building, followed by Terence O'Brien from 1918 to 1928.

On March 15th 1922 approval was given for further alterations to the building. The name of the architect of these modifications cannot be ascertained. It is possible, however, that the work included a remodelling of the second floor accommodation spaces.

In 1931 Tooth and Co Ltd who were leasing the hotel, reported considerable losses in trade due to the high rent payable to the Sydney Harbour Trust. The General Manager of Tooth and Co. wrote to the Solicitor for the Sydney Harbour Trust Commissioners stating that for the last 12 months trade had been continuing to decline. As a result the terms of the lease were renegotiated.

In 1932 the premises were inspected by the District Licensing Inspector Edward G Allen. The following alterations were required to bring the premises up to the requirements of the Liquor Act No.42 of 1912; kitchen and dining room to be made fly proof, floor covering to be replaced in some rooms, electric lights to be repaired to working order and maintained and certain beds and blinds to be replaced.

In 1936 the property had been registered in the name of the Maritime Services Board of New South Wales. The property comprised of Allotment 15, Section 92 of the City of Sydney, Parish of St. Phillip, County of Cumberland.

In October 1937 the District Licensing Inspector, Mr Sharples specified that extensive remodelling of the interior be carried out on the building to bring it into compliance with the Liquor Act of 1912. On March 11th 1938 alterations were undertaken, designed by Copeman, Lemont and Keesing architects. The MSB authroised the laterations and granted Tooth and Co. Ltd a twenty year lease of the premises from the date of completion of the remodelling.

In August of 1838 bulk and bottled beer refrigeration equipment was installed. Later in 1947, the refrigeration system was to be replaced, and again in 1956.

In 1941 part of the cellar was partitioned off to form a spirit room. The architect was Mr Dalziel.

In 1955 and 1956 work was rquired to the interior, exterior and services to achieve a reasonable state of repair prior to transfer of Licence between Mr Pearce and Mr Crannery. This work invloved general repairs to internal and external surafces and repairs to services, as recommended by Richard Simpson, architect. In January 1957 the issue of the creation of a Saloon Bar partition was again raised. It appears that no such partition was constructed. In August of this year the keg slide was constructed fronting Kent Street.

IN August 1958 the architect Ian Smalpage prepated a Schedule of Painting and Repairs to make good defects due to fair wear and tear on interioris, exteriors and services at the Lord Nelson Hotel for Tooth and Co Ltd.

In 1963 the MSB leased the property to Percy Cheers for five years. This lease took place after the MSB submitted the proprty to public tender. From the late 1960s to the early 1980s the Hotel was leased to a number of people.

In the early 1980s alterations to the value of $100,000 were conducted by the MSB overseen by Mackay and Taylor. These works most probably involved the restoration of the external facades of the building and could have included the removal of external tiling and render and suspended metal awning.

For the last ten years the Lord Nelson Hotel has been owned and managed by a private individual.

In 1986 a Development Application for the Hotel was prepared by Saxon Rudduck Architect of Adelaide. The application was approved by Council and involved the incorporation of the brwery in to the hotel on both the basement and ground floors. Other work included the creation of several openings in the walls of the first floor, to provide a large open plan area for the restaurant. The bar was incorporated into the brasserie the following year. At this time the timber framed roof over the rear deck and service stair was also constructed.

on the 1st July 1988 the flue from the ground floor fireplace caused a fire in the building which affected part of the second floor accommodation area. One room was severly damaged, while others were affected by pollution and heat.

In 1990 a new exhaust flue was installed in the kitchen. In recent years the Hotel has been voted 'Best Pub' by great Pubs of Sydney, Best Tourist Hotel by the AHA, and Best Pub by the Australian Weekend Magazine. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997: 5-29)

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Innkeeping-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Developing discrete retail and commercial areas-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Creating environments evocative of the 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating travellers and tourists-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	(none)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the pub-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going drinking in bars or clubs-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a bar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a restaurant-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Lord Nelson Hotel is historically significant as part of the network of corner hotels constructed in Millers Point and the Rocks in the nineteenth century. The building predates most of the hotels in the area and is one of the few which was not demolished in the aftermath of the plague at the turn of the century. The Lord nelson is the earliest surviving, continuosuly trading hotel in Sydney. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997: 63)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Lord Nelson Hotel is aesthetically significant as a largely externally intact example of the Old Colonial Regency style, used as a corner hotel. The building also provides a strong contribution to the character of the immediate area. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997: 63)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The Lord Nelson Hotel is socially significant as part of the network of corner hotels which provided social/recreational venues and budget accommodation in the northern end of the city. It is also significant for its long term associations with the hotel trade. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997: 63)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The Lord Nelson Hotel has significance as a possible site for scientific investigation due to the age of the building and the continual use of the site from early years of European occupation. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997: 64)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The building is highly significant as a rare suviving example of the Old Colonial Regency style. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997: 64)
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The building is representative of the prominent corner hotels which held an important place in the social sturcture of the city, and particularly in the Millers Point and waterfront area. (Graham Brooks and Associates 1997: 64)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00509	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00509	03 Apr 87	62	1788
Heritage Act - s.130 Order - Lapsed			23 Sep 90	115	8527
Local Environmental Plan	CSH Local Environmental Plan 4		07 Apr 00
Register of the National Estate			21 Mar 78

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Tourism	Accommodation Homepage	2007	Lord Nelson Hotel Accommodation	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Lord Nelson Hotel	View detail
Written	Graham Brooks and Associates Pty Ltd	1997	The Lord Nelson Brewery Hotel Conservation Management Plan and Heritage Impact Assessment

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045112
File number:	S91/02621 & HC 862315

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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