OBJECT TITLE / NAME

The Beach Road, Mornington

DATE1890 to 1910

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society

REG NO.1242.13

HISTORY

Kirkpatrick’s Hotel was build in the early 1870’s and named after the original licensee James Kirkpatrick. In the 1920’s the facade was renovated in the Spanish Mission style with further changes over the years but the 1870’s features such as the roof line and details under the eaves can still be seen. Eric Welch racing commentator and co-organiser of the Children’s Hospital Appeal for more than 25 years became the licensee in 1954 managing the hotel until the 1970’s.A landmark in Mornington, Rennison’s Schnapper Point Hotel was built in the late 1850’s and renamed the Royal Hotel in 1876. It is situated at 770 Esplanade. By 1863 the Hotel offered 22 accommodation rooms increasing to 65 rooms by the 1870’s with a garden and stables on three and half acres. The substantial stables demolished in 1970 and yard were once the depot for Cobb and Co. Coaches. In 1891 a billiard room and public hall were added. Extensive restoration to the facade and verandahs was completed in 1984. An undergound tunnel since filled in, between Royal Beach and the hotel was used for transferring goods from ships the the hotel. Opposite the hotel on Royal Beach was once a windmill that was used to pump seawater to the hotel for hot and cold baths.

DESCRIPTION

This photograph shows the two Hotels, Kirkpatrick’s and the Royal Hotel with a house between. Kirkpatrick’s is as it was built a two storey white rendered building, with a pitched slate roof, and with beautiful verandahs around the front and two sides on both levels. There are people shown enjoying a drink on the ground floor under the verandah. To the right of the photo is the Royal Hotel, looking very grand, with beautiful verandahs to both storeys. The Royal has the decorative urns to the roof line, and a pediment in the centre of the upper front. In the centre of the photo is a street lamp and a telegraph pole. The road appears to be littered with horse poo. To the right of the photo a woman and two children are shown.

SUBJECTS

Accommodation, Historic buildings, Hotels

KEYWORDS

Accommodation, Beach Road, Historic buildings, Hotels, Kirkpatrick's Hotel, Mornington, Royal Hotel