British Seamen's Hotel (former)

Item details


Name of item:	British Seamen's Hotel (former)
Other name/s:	Parker Gallery, Sydney Cove Providore, British Seamen's Hotel
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Commercial
Category:	Hotel
Location:	Lat: -33.8593788848 Long: 151.2082441690
Primary address:	39-43 Argyle Street, The Rocks, 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
PART LOT	1		DP	773812
LOT	9		DP	773812

Boundary:

Eora

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
39-43 Argyle Street	The Rocks	Sydney	St Philip	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Place Management NSW	State Government

Statement of significance:


	The Former British Seamens Hotel and site are of State heritage significance for their historical and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their contribution to The Rocks area which is of State Heritage significance in its own right. Its listing on both the registers of the National Trust and National Estate demonstrate the esteem the building is held in by the wider community. Development on the site is representative of the historical phases from 1788 to the present day. Initially the site was located in the grounds of the Assistant Surgeon and Hospital gardens. Therefore it has strong historical associations with the first hospital and especially the first Assistant Surgeon, Dr Redfern. It also has strong associations with other prominent people such as Francis Greenway, colonial architect (1816-1822) and later Rosetta Terry, wife of Samuel Terry. It is the site of one of the earlier inns in the Rocks - dating from 1830s. This use remained without interruption until the late 1920s. The place demonstrates various phases of hotel, residential and commercial related activities that formed a major component of the historical, social, cultural and architectural development of the Rocks. It is representative of a type of building traditionally associated with a meeting place and abode for working men within the traditional mixed residential, commercial, industrial and maritime uses of The Rocks area. The site's association with hotel activity lasted almost 100 years. This began with the early development of the Colony and reflected the social pastime of the local community and transient maritime workers. It is reasonable to assume that the former hotel had a strong social link with British Seamen due to its former name the British Seamen's Hotel, which first appeared in 1868 and continued until 1899. The changing social patterns and lifestyles are reflected in the change of use for the building. The residential and commercial activities changed in The Rocks reflecting the area's changing association with the wharves. In the late 1920s the building was converted for residential use as a boarding house. In the mid 1950s it was converted to commercial use. The building allows social and cultural changes to be interpreted. It has historical significance in allowing the Rocks Resumption Act to be interpreted. It allows interpretation of earlier structures and architectural solutions to later alterations and additions. It is associated with the increased importance of Argyle Street with construction of the Argyle Cut. It is representative of early subdivision and development patterns and later consolidation patterns. Ownership of the site was contested by several people, illustrating the problems associated with the granting of land and leases and recording of such. The place located on the corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets can be viewed from a distance and forms an important link between the earlier 19th century buildings on the adjoining boundaries. The building before its 1880's alterations was of a similar nature to the adjoining buildings which are of a Colonial Georgian style, providing a contrast with the ornate form of the site. The alterations reflect the changing architectural styles that were favoured at the time. The form, scale and detailing on the place contributes to the historical streetscape. - The well designed, street facades on the former hotel and shops are very good examples of Federation Free Classical Style. It allows interpretation of the operations of an early hotel and shop. The site has been the subject of a limited archaeological investigation. This identified the rich archaeological resource still remaining on site. Therefore the site has significant research potential as an archaeological resource which can inform about the former buildings and usage of the site as well as the changing lifestyles of its inhabitants. (Tropman & Tropman Architects. 2007)
	Date significance updated: 30 Mar 11
	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


Builder/Maker:	Built for J. Gill
Construction years:	1886-1886
Physical description:	The north elevation faces Argyle Street and has been designed in the Federation Free Classical Style. The elevations are highly decorative with rendered horizontal banding, stone detailing, arched windows with leadlight panels and parapet wall. The western elevation faces Harrington Street and is similar but narrower to the north elevation. The eastern elevation adjoins 45 Argyle Street (c 1840s) and the southern elevation adjoins 30 Harrington Street (c 1830s); both are in painted face brick. The building is divided into two distinct parts. One is a single storey retail outlet on the ground floor and the other, the former hotel, is on two levels. The hotel consisted of 13 rooms, two WCs, a basement which is accessed from the ground floor street corner room and serviced from Argyle Street and a private rear courtyard. The interiors of the former hotel are highly ornate. (Tropman 1992: 24-26; SCA Annual Report 1996: 26) Style: Federation Free Classical Style; Storeys: 2 + basement; Side Rear Walls: Painted face brick; Roof Cladding: Corrugated Iron; Floor Frame: Timber
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Extensive conservation work was undertaken on the building in 1995-96, and its condition is excellent. Archaeology Assessment Condition: Partly disturbed. Assessment Basis: Basement to part of premises, otherwise floors at or above street level. The 1995-6 excavations demonstrated the high archaeological potential of the site. Few artefacts were retrieved, and samples of garden soil were collected from apparently undisturbed pre-1823 profiles. Investigation: Watching Brief
	Date condition updated:08 Feb 00
Modifications and dates:	Built prior to 1886 (original building) 1886: Extensive alterations and additions were undertaken to create the existing building. 1995-96: SCA undertook the full conservation of the exterior and the interior of the former hotel. Based on physical evidence, wallpapers, paint schemes, tiles, joinery and door and window hardware were reproduced for the building to interpret it as a hotel operating during the 1890s. (SCA Annual Report 1996: 26)
Further information:	In 1996 the refurbishment of the building won the National Trust Energy Australia Heritage Week Awards for the Interior Archaeological resource on footpath to Argyle Street disturbed to 550mm below footpath surface. Archaeological monitoring program Nov 07


Current use:	Wine Bar
Former use:	Aboriginal land, Café, Art Gallery & Art Supplies, Hotel, Residential 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).

British Seamen's Hotel:
The site was at the rear of the Assistant Colonial Surgeon, Dr William Redfern's residence and formed part of the Hospital Garden between 1795-1816. Harrington Street was formed in 1810 as part of Macquarie's' rationalisation of Sydney streets. During an archaeological excavation near the intersection of Harrington and Argyle Streets in 1989-90, architectural remains including terracotta roof tiles were noted associated with a building demolished by the early 1820s, and possibly constructed before the creation of Harrington St.

The Sydney Hospital was transferred to Macquarie St in 1816, the Assistant Surgeon's residence being occupied by architect Francis Greenway until the 1830s. The exact nature of Greenway's occupation is contentious. When he was ordered to quit the property in 1822 he was in the process of building a new house, the plans of which had been approved by Macquarie two years before. Greenway claimed that the Governor had promised him the land, however as soon as Macquarie left the colony an eviction notice was served, and Macquarie couldn't substantiate Greenway's claim.

Greenway was still living in the house in the 1830s and it is unclear what the outcome of the eviction was. Plans of 1834 show Greenway as the sole claimant of the George St side of the block and contesting ownership of the Harrington St frontage, the subject site. However by 1823 the corner of Harrington and Argyle Sts was occupied by someone other than Greenway and another round of claims began that lasted until at least 1837.

The possession of the site was hotly contested, the protagonists being James Rampling / William Hawkins and John Gleeson / Thomas Ryan. William Hawkins was said to have been granted the land by Macquarie on or before 1822. Rampling claimed to have paid Hawkins thirty pounds for the transfer of the allotment in 1822 and had built a two storey house and fence on it. Rampling arrived in the colony as a convict under a 14 year sentence in 1814, his occupation described as a "plummer". By the 1820s he was describing himself as a baker and the house he built has a bakehouse attached, as well as the possible remains of a bakehouse next door at the rear of 28 Harrington St

In 1824 Rampling was ordered by D'Arcy Wentworth, the Police Superintendent, to stop building and in May, Rampling indicated to the Surveyor General that Thomas Ryan was endeavouring to have him removed from the property. He was ordered to quit in August. In 1825 the Surveyor John Oxley claimed that "Hawkins never had any claim to the allotment in Harrington St but that it was unauthorizedly taken possession of by a convict named Rampling". It was said Rampling had made application for the property but was refused because he was a prisoner of the Crown. Hawkins "a mere instrument in the hands of Rampling" applied for the lease although - as Oxley points out- he had no claim for it. The legacy of Rampling's brief occupancy was the (uncompensated) construction of a two-storey stone house / shop with bakehouse attached.

In December 1825 Thomas Ryan, representing John Gleeson, brought a case against Rampling in the Supreme Court to have him removed from the property. The judge found in favour of Ryan. Writing 12 years later Rampling stated that "it was proved that Gleeson had a lease for twenty one years of the said allotment previous to the grant to Hawkins and I was subsequently ejected". The title for the property first records its lessee as John Gleeson, given a twenty one year lease for 3 June 1823 over the property bounded by Argyle St, Harrington St, Harrington Lane (Suez Canal) and Greenway's property to the east. This therefore included the site of 28-32 Harrington St.

Gleeson and Ryan were Tipperary men when they were transported as convicts, arriving in 1817. By the time of the case against Rampling, Gleeson had transferred the property to Ryan. Rampling wrote to the Colonial Secretary in 1827 questioning the leases "How or in what manner these leases has been obtained is very mysterious".

In 1830 Ryan disposed of the Argyle / Harrington St properties. The site of Reynolds Cottage was subdivided and sold to William Reynolds, a convict blacksmith also arriving in 1817. The corner block, including the house was sold to Fredrick Unwin. Unwin leased the house on the site to Caleb Salter who received a licence to operate the 'King's Head' in 1830. He held the licence to operate the hotel in what appears to be the same building built by Rampling until at least 1837. By 1834 Salter had acquired the freehold of the property and plans indicate it had been extended to the east, attaining a ground plan similar to the current structure, later plans indicate the extension to be a single storey.

Continuing the tradition of contesting the ownership of the site, in 1841 it was awarded to Rosetta Terry, and it continued to be know as the 'King's Head'. In 1845 the Sydney Municipal Rate Books record the property being owned by Rosetta Terry and Matthew Brown as the tenant. The premises is recorded as a house, but a map of 1844 indicates the building was an inn called the 'Kings Head Inn'. The place is described as two storey with seven rooms, built from stone with a shingle roof. From 1845 until at least 1861 it was called the 'Rose and Crown'.

The Rate Book of 1856 indicates that the single storey shops to 41 & 43 Argyle Street were built during this year. The shops were constructed of stone, brick and wooden walls with a timber shingled roof. The shop in the most easterly portion of the place pulled down and new ones erected by 1877. By 1865 in the Sands Directory the place is called the Argyle Hotel and in 1868 the name British Seamen's Hotel appears with Mary Wormleighten manageress. The proprietor William Reilly, owned the property until c.1885 when he sold it to graziers John and William Gill.

The new proprietors were responsible in 1886 for creating the existing building. Interestingly the floor plans of the old hotel and the new building closely correspond. The new building included two shops built to the east along the Argyle St frontage, this formalised an earlier arrangement of two timber shops previously constructed on the property in this area, and let.

In 1899 the name of the Hotel was changed from British Seamen's Hotel to Hughes's Family Hotel, and was also known as McCarthy's Hotel in the 1920s. The property was released to the Crown in 1903. (SCRA 1978: HP/26)

The former Hotel was used as a public house/hotel up until around 1925-7, and in 1928 the building was changed to a residential use, a boarding house. There appears to have been few changes to the building during this time. The former Hotel's use remained residential up to 1955 when it was converted into an office with staff amenities for Thomas Playfair Pty Ltd, a major meat export company at the time. In 1970, the control of the property passed to the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. The property continued to be let for various uses until major conservation work was undertaken of the exterior and interior of the building in 1995. It has had a range of tenants since then and currently houses a boutique wine bar.

[Archaeology notes: Part of Hospital garden 1795-1816 (See also: AR038-039; AR045; AR058; AR061-070; AR073-074; AR078-079; AR084-085; AR126; AR129; AR131-132; AR149). Claimed by Francis Greenway (See also: AR058; AR062; AR078) and Caleb Salter in August 1834. No grant issued. The site served as the garden for the Assistant Surgeon's residence from 1790-1815, and of Greenway's residence from 1815-c1835. A bakers house and oven was constructed by James Rambling (or Rampling) in 1823, and by the 1830s the site had become a hotel. Historical evidence suggests the current hotel building was built in 1886.]

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.	Other open space-
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-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	(none)-
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	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	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.	(none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	(none)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	(none)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	(none)-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	(none)-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Historically the site has had a long association with the social, cultural and maritime development of The Rocks. Initially the site was located in the grounds of the Assistant Surveyor and Hospital gardens. Located on the corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets the site was in close proximity to the wharves. The first record of an inn on the site dates from the 1830s (the Kings Head Inn). This use remained without interruption until the late 1920s. The site has strong historical associations with the first hospital and especially the first Assistant Surgeon Dr Redfern. It also has strong associations with other prominent people such as Francis Greenway, colonial architect (1816-1822) and later Rosetta Terry, wife of Samuel Terry. The Construction of the Argyle Cut in the mid 1840s allowed direct access between Millers Point and The Rocks, thus increasing the importance of Argyle St. The site has strong associations with the early grants and subsequent developments on the site. Ownership of the site was contested by several people illustrating the problems associated with the granting of land and leases and recording of such. It is the site of one of the earlier inns in the Rocks - dating from 1830s. It is representative of commercial development in the Rocks. The site has an association with Dr Redfern, Francis Greenway and with early land holder Rosetta Terry. It allows social and cultural changes to be interpreted. It has historical significance in allowing the Rocks Resumption Act to be interpreted. It allows interpretation of earlier structures and architectural solutions to later alterations and additions. It is associated with the increased importance of Argyle Street with construction of the Argyle Cut. It is representative of early subdivision and development patterns and later consolidation patterns
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The site has strong associations with several prominent people, including Dr Redfern, the first Assistant Surgeon in the colony. Francis Greenway lived on part of the site and hotly contested ownership of the entire site. Rosetta Terry, wife of Samuel Terry owned the site when it became a hotel. The site has strong associations with the early grants and subsequent developments on the site. Ownership of the site was contested by several people illustrating the problems associated with the granting of land and leases and recording of such.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The place located on the corner of Argyle and Harrington Streets can be viewed from a distance and forms an important link between the earlier 19th century buildings on the adjoining boundaries. The building before its 1880's alterations was of a similar nature to the adjoining buildings which are of a Colonial Georgian style, providing a contrast with the ornate form of the site. The alterations reflect the changing architectural styles that were favoured at the time. The form, scale and detailing on the place contributes to the historical streetscape. - The well designed, street facades on the Former Hotel and shops are very good examples of Federation Free Classical Style.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The site's association with hotel activity lasted almost 100 years. This began with the early development of the Colony and reflected the social pastime of the local community and transient maritime workers. It is reasonable to assume that the former hotel had a strong social link with British Seamen due to its former name the British Seamen's Hotel, which first appeared in 1868 and continued until 1899. The changing social patterns and lifestyles are reflected in the change of use for the building. The residential and commercial activities changed in The Rocks reflecting the area's changing association with the wharves. In the late 1920s the building was converted for residential use of a boarding house. In the mid 1950s it was converted to commercial use.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The site has been the subject of a limited archaeological investigation. This identified the rich archaeological resource still remaining on site. Therefore the site has significant research potential as an archaeological resource which can inform about the former buildings and usage of the site as well as the changing lifestyles of its inhabitants.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The subject place is a rare example of a Federation Free Classical style pub/hotel in The Rocks area.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The former British Seamen’s Hotel is the site of one of the earliest inns in The Rocks dating from the 1830s. It is representative of commercial development in The Rocks. It allows social and cultural changes to be interpreted. It has historical significance in allowing The Rocks Resumption Act to be interpreted. It allows interpretation of earlier structures and architectural solutions to later alterations and additions. It is representative of early subdivision and development patterns and later consolidation patterns. The former British Seamen’s Hotel is representative of a type of building traditionally associated with a meeting place and abode for working men within the traditional mixed residential, commercial, industrial and maritime uses of The Rocks area. Development on the site is representative of the historical phases from 1788 to the present day. The former British Seamen’s Hotel is a representative example of a prominent corner building design from the 1880s and is a fine example of its type. Aesthetically, the subject place is a significant variation to the other pubs/hotels of the same era built in The Rocks area.
Integrity/Intactness:	Archaeology partly disturbed. Archaeological resource on footpath to Argyle Street disturbed to 550mm below footpath surface. Archaeological monitoring program Nov 07
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.

Recommended management:

Major conservation works were undertaken by the Sydney Cove Authority in 1995-96 on the interior and exterior of the building in line with the recommendations of the 1992 Conservation Plan, which established conservation policies to guide the works and set limitations for future uses. This has resulted in the conservation and presentation of an 1890s hotel, which has restored an impressive part of the streetscape, and is one of the finest late 19th century interiors in The Rocks. The overriding Conservation Policy required that the building be conserved and restored to its c 1886 form and detailing, and that any proposed use be compatible with the retention, recovery and reinforcement of the cultural significance of the place. Any further work should be consistent with the requirements of the policies set out in the plan, and any proposed use should be analysed and reviewed in association with the Conservation Policy. Above ground archaeological remains: An archaeological watching brief or monitoring program is recommended. Below ground archaeological remains: An historical and archaeological assessment prior to archaeological investigation is recommended.

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, the Hon James Griffin MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage, pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective at the time of publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette: 1. revoke the order made on 9 November 2020 and published in the Government Gazette Number 318 of 13 November 2020; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. The Hon James Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage Signed this 2nd day of June 2022. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Jun 17 2022

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		01532	10 May 02	85	2865

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
SCA Register 1979-1998	1998	B002, AR057	Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written	Johnson, A. W.	1997	The Former British Seamen's Hotel, 39-43 Argyle Street, The Rocks, Sydney. For SCA.
Written	SCRA	1978	Building Data Sheet HP/26
Written	Tropman & Tropman	1997	Conservation Management Plan - The Former British Seamans Hotel - 39-43 Argyle Street, The Rocks- Volume One & Two (1997)
Written	Tropman & Tropman Architects	2007	Former British Seamen’s Hotel, 39-43 Argyle Street, The Rocks Conservation Management Plan
Written	Tropman & Tropman Architects	1997	Conservation Plan for The Former British Seamen's Hotel, 39-43 Argyle Street, The Rocks'

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:	5053147

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