Prince of Wales Hotel (Former)
1 Nelson Place WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Fishing Village Heritage Precinct
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Statement of Significance
The Prince of Wales Hotel (Former), originally constructed c.1857 possibly to a design by Charles Laing, at 1 Nelson Place, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The Prince of Wales Hotel (Former) is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, it is significant as one of the oldest hotels and public buildings in Williamstown and is important for its ability to illustrate the era when Williamstown was Victoria's foremost port. It is also important for its associations with the locally prominent Dr. Wilkins. (AHC criteria A4, D2 and H1)
Socially, it is significant for its strong associations with the local community as a social centre and meeting place over a long period and demonstrates the importance of hotels in the early development of port communities like Williamstown. (AHC criterion G1)
Aesthetically, although altered, it is significant as a recognizably early hotel form on a prominent corner site. The cantilever iron verandah, added later, is the only one of its type in the municipality and makes a picturesque addition to the hotel. (AHC criteria B2 and E1)
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Prince of Wales Hotel (Former) - Physical Description 1
A two-storeyed stuccoed basalt masonry hotel with a hipped iron-clad roof which follows the `L' roof plan, with its traditionally splayed corner, aligned to Kanowna Street and Nelson Place. A similarly, splayed ornate cast-iron decorated balcony (presumed c1890) is supported on six ornamented cast-iron brackets at the first floor level. The verandah's iron roof is hipped and in a concave profile whilst plain stuccoed chimney cornices indicate earlier brick coursing and face-work shafts.
It is believed that the building was extensively altered in 1932 (Williamstown Historical Society may have a photograph of the works in progress). Changes made at that time may have included alterations to the present cast-iron verandah, which in turn replaced an earlier saltire-cross timber balustrade last century. (Ada Ackerly cited an 1874 photo from Rider, held by Williamstown Historical Society, showing a balcony all around the building.), and the addition of a brick tile dado.
Other changes to the original fabric include:
- The blocking of a former six panel residential entrance to Nelson Place
- The replacement of the leaded light bar window (from early this century);
- The reglazing of six panel window sashes;
- The replacement of entrance doors and alteration to the Morris Street openings (5).
- The removal of the chimney and changes to the roof line.
- Extensive interior changes.
There is also a massive and unrelated rear addition.
Prince of Wales Hotel (Former) - Integrity
External integrity and condition
Integrity - Moderate to Low. Condition - Good
Prince of Wales Hotel (Former) - Physical Description 2
Context
An isolated corner building which is one of a number of early corner hotels in Nelson Place and Kanowna Street. The nearby graving dock and former lighthouse provide a contemporary context.
Prince of Wales Hotel (Former) - Historical Australian Themes
Developing local, regional and national economies, Lodging people
Prince of Wales Hotel (Former) - Physical Description 3
Associations
John Wilkins, Charles Laing
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading:
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FORMER MORGUEVictorian Heritage Register H1512
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WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
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TIME BALL TOWERVictorian Heritage Register H1649
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