Wharf/Esplanade
On or around 97 Esplanade (Google Maps)
Site, 24 January 2026 (Custons House behind the tree to the left)
1837-45 George Lukin, Wharf House, Wharf
1845-50 Alexander Mathieson, Wharf House, Wharf
1850-53 Edward Humphries, Wharf House (burnt down)
1854-55 Edward Humphreys, Clarendon Hotel
1855-57 Thomas Bruff, Clarendon Hotel, Wharf
1857-58 Mary Ann Hedger, Clarendon Hotel, Wharf
1858-59 John Gibbons, Clarendon Hotel, Wharf
1859-64 John Mason, Ship Inn, Wharf
1865-66 Thomas Bruff, Ship Inn, Wharf
1867 John Hely, Duke of Edinburgh
1868 William Bryant, Ship Inn, Wharf
1871-72 Mary Anne Spearman, Ship Inn, (Queen’s Wharf)
1872-73 William Job Spearman, Ship Inn, Wharf
1873 Harriet Boulin, Ship Inn, Wharf
1874-75 John West, Ship Inn, (Queen’s) Wharf
THE Undersigned begs respectfully to announce to the Public, that tie has taken those eligible Premises on the Wharf, Launceston, late in the occupation of Messrs. Sinclair and Newton, where he has opened a Wine and Spirit Vaults, Chop House, &c. &c. &c. The Cornwall Chronicle, 11 March 1837
QUARTERLY LICENSING MEETING.- The Quarterly meeting of justices for considering applications for transfer and granting licences for public houses, was held on Monday, when the following justices assembled :- W. H. Breton, Esq, chairman, William Tarleton, Esq., P.M., H. Welman, Esq., C. S Henty, Esq.; A. Gardiner, Esq., James Robertson, Esq.. D’Arcy Wentworth, Esq, W. G. Sams, Esq.- Transfer:-The following transfer was granted: Benjamin Hyrons to James Whiting, “Angel Inn,” Charles-street. New Licences: -The following new licences granted with very little discussion, Mr. Tarleton alone opposing: William Bryant, “The Market House,” St. John and William streets; John King, “York Wine Vaults,” York-street; William Smart, “Lamb & Flag,” Bathurst and York streets; William Webb, “Jolly Anglers,” Wellington street; Augustus Wood, ” Macquarie Hotel,” George Town. Launceston Examiner, 3 November 1847
Cornwall Chronicle, 13 November 1847
Licensing Meeting. -The following transfers were allowed by the magistrates on Monday–To J. Will, the “Tam o’Shanter, Upper Canning-street; to W. Bryant, junr, the Market Tavern, St. John street; to S. Story, the Albion Inn, Cocked Hat; to J. Harvey the Brisbane Inotel, Brisbane-street; to J. Clydesdale, the Royal Hotel, Wellington-street. A license for a new house on the river could not be granted, the number being complete. An application to transfer the license for the Horse and Jockey to J. Cole, was allowed to drop. At an adjourned meeting, held yesterday, a license was granted to Messrs. Hyrons and Myers for the new river steamer Governor Wynyard. Launceston Examiner, 9 February 1854
I don’t know if this has any association with the other houses of the same name. Dell owned property in Brisbane Street, so it might have been located there.
The undermentioned individuals have obtained licenses to retail wines and spirits:– Buckinghamshire–Alexander Gore Ward, Saracen’s Head, Sorell ; Henry Brown, Bird in Hand, Hamilton. Cornwall-Geo. Coulstock, London Tavern, Launceston; Joseph Dell, Horse and Jockey, do ; Philip Davis, Horse and Groom, do. Hobart Town Courier, 17 November 1837
Longevity— It is not generally known that Samuel Day, one of the oldest hands, and, perhaps, one of the oldest men in the colony being upwards or ninety five, is at present residing with Mr. Joseph Dell, of the Horse and Jockey, who has kindly offered to him in his extreme old age, that asylum and shelter of which he so much stood in need of. Cornwall Chronicle, 28 April 1838
St John Street, eastern side between William Street and Cimitiere St (see bottom)
Previously in George Town
1835 John Gardiner Thomas, George Inn, Launceston
1836-39 John Gardiner Thomas, George Inn, St John Street
1840 John Gardiner Thomas, George & the Dragon, Launceston
Moved to Wellington Street but I’m not sure when it moved. At the annual licensing meeting in 1839 it is in St John Street. On 6 February 1841 (see first advertisement below) it is in Wellington St.
Part of much longer advertisement for “Land Premises Situate in St. John-street, between Messrs. Hewitt, Gore & Co., and Messrs. Smith, Raven, & Co’s. Stores, the whole being divided into four lots, as now let to the respective tenants. Cornwall Chronicle, 13 October 1838
AN IMPROVEMENT. – A public-house near the wharf, known as the George and Dragon, has been converted into a Temperance Coffee-house, and is, we understand, conducted in a very respectable manner by Mr. Stoneham. This will be a very gratifying token of improvement to all advocates of temperance. Launceston Advertiser, 21 January 1841
Location notes
This is from Smythe’s map of 1835. The street marked with a dotted line is St John Street, near the wharf. The two buildings on the corner of William Street were, at the time, Ship Inn and Sailor’s Return. (The 1838 advertisement above details adjoining buildings & an 1852 advertisement put Connolly & Co (formerly Hewitt, Gore & Co) on the corner of Cimitiere Street.) The most likely position is in the group of buildings between Cimitiere & William Streets,
On George Fuller’s map, he places it part way along this block, with the note “Captain John Gardiner Thomas in the thirties, this was before the kept the “George Inn”-it was situated north end of row two story weather board buildings, Mr Ritchies mill is on part same site.”. The Ritchies Mill building is here (brick building with cream trim).
TO BE LET, THOSE eligible Premises at the corner of York and St. John Streets, now in the occupation of Mr. John Furlong. The Premises consist of a House containing seven Rooms, and a good Loft of 40 feet long, well calculated either for a comfortable Private Residence, or for a public House. For further particulars apply to the proprietor, on the premises. JOHN FURLONG. Cornwall Chronicle, 8 August 1835
To be Let. With immediate Possession, that well known Public House, the “Black Horse,” at the corner of York and St John Streets, lately occupied by William Woods. The House is in tenantable repair, and contains seven rooms, with a store above 40 feet long. There is a large Yard, Stable and Skittle Ground, with a good Garden, well stocked with Fruit Trees, &c. Rent moderate to a respectable tenant. Apply to Mr. John Furlong, corner of, Elizabeth and Wellington Streets, or at this Office.
John Furlong seems associated with a number of public houses that don’t seem to exist outside of one notice/advertisement
TAILOR’S ARMS
1835 John Furlong, Tailor’s Arms, Launceston
Cornwall Chronicle, 28 November 1835
HAND AND SHEARS
TO BE LET, Furnished or Unfurnished, THAT well-known house, situate at the corner of York and St. John-streets, lately occupied as a Public House, by the sign of the HAND and SHEARS, containing 7 large and commodious rooms, with yard adjoining. The situation is so well known, either for public or private business, that comment is unnecessary. The fixtures, which are of the best description for the Public Line, may be had at a valuation. Apply lo Mr. John Furlong, on the premises. Launceston Advertiser, 10 November 1836
[Antonio Martini] By 1823 he had received his ticket-of-leave and moved to Launceston. The same year he bought a town allotment in Tamar Street and three years later purchased adjoining land. In 1825 he received his certificate of freedom and built two dwellings on his land. One structure, a two-storey wooden building with verandah and balcony, was to become known as Martini’s Corner. About 1828 he rented this building to B Smythe, who conducted his Cornwall Collegiate Institution there until 1834, when Martini converted the building to a hotel, calling it the Sawyer’s Arms. He was the licensee until 1843.
About 1832 he started a timber business in partnership with William Burke: in 1833 Martini was listed as a sawyer in Launceston. In 1833 he married Mary O’Mara, who had arrived in Hobart on the Norval in 1830. They had a son, born in 1834, and a daughter, born in 1836. Mary died on 18 June 1836, soon after the birth of her daughter. In 1838 Martini constructed a wooden building in Cameron Street, next to his hotel on the corner of Tamar and Cameron streets, to serve as the first dedicated place of worship for the Catholics of Launceston. It was the Catholic Chapel from 1838 to 1842, when St Joseph’s was opened in Margaret Street. He built a brick hotel on the corner of Brisbane and Tamar streets in 1844. Later named the Royal Oak, it was leased by the Martini family to a succession of publicans until the 1950s when it passed out of the Martini family ownership. Antonio Martini died at his home in Tamar Street on 6 March 1867, aged eighty-seven years. Launceston Historical Society Inc, Newsletter No 104, October 2007, p. 6 (pdf)
1837-39 Henry Stephens, Wattle Tree Inn, Bathurst & Elizabeth
1839-40 John Aughey, Wattle Tree Inn, Bathurst & Elizabeth
Mr. Henry Stephens, of the Wattle Tree, appeared to answer an information charging him with having neglected to keep the outer door of his licensed house closed on Sunday last. Mr. Home for the defence, stated to the Bench, that it was not his intention to plead to the information, but objected to give his reason, saying that should he do so, it would only militate against the interests of his client, for the present information would be with drawn, and another laid, in which the informality would of course be rectified. Capt. Wentworth here said, that if Mr. district constable Keenahan would consent, and Mr. Home’s objection prove valid, he would promise that no other information on the present case, should be brought into court. Mr Keenahan consented, and Mr. Home then pointed out, that the summons did not mention any Act of Council which his client was stated to have transgressed. Capt. Wentworth was, however, of opinion, that Mr. Stephens having appeared to it, all defects in the summons was cured, and Mr. Home again denied any appearance, firstly, because he had refused to plead, and secondly, because when the case was called in ‘an early part of the morning, himself and client were both absent, and he, therefore, con tended, that a non-appearance should have been entered. Upon this point, Copt. Wentworth finally arranged to consult the opinion of the Attorney General, and in the mean time suspended the proceedings. The case was then adjourned. Cornwall Chronicle, 17 February 1838
WATTLE TREE INN, TEA AND COFFEE ROOMS, CORNER OF BATHURST AND ELIZABETH STREETS, Launceston. H. STEPHENS begs leave to inform his Friends and the Inhabitants in general that he has fitted up a room for the above purpose, in which they will find every accommodation and comfort; and they will always find ready, in addition to Tea and Coffee, Meats, Sandwiches, soups, &c., at very moderate charges. H.S., in soliciting the patronage of the inhabitants of Launceston and his country friends can assure them that every Article provided shall he of the best quality, and he trusts that one trial will ensure him a continuance of their favors. Dinners, Made Dishes, &c, provided for parties in a superior style at the shortest notice. N. B.— Good Beds and Stabling. Launceston, 2nd February, 1839 Cornwall Chronicle, 2 February 1839
AT a MEETING held on the 12th inst., at Mr. H. Stephen’s, ” Wattle Tree Inn,” it was unanimously agreed, that there should be a SUBSCRIPTION BALL held there on TUESDAY, 5th March. ARTHUR MAINS,} JOHN AUSTIN, } Stewards Tickets to be had of the Stewards, or at the Bar. Cornwall Chronicle, 2 March 1839
LICENSES REFUSED. Mr. Aughie, Wattle Tree. Mr. W. Brigg, deferred to Quarterly Meeting, the applicants being at present insolvent, but on the point of making a composition with his creditors, before which he was not entitled to receive a license. Launceston Advertiser, 3 September 1840
To respectable men of moderate capital. TO Let, and possession given in 10 days, that invaluable Licensed House and Premises, corner of Bathurst and Elizabeth-streets, now in full trade, and known as the sign of the Wattle Tree Public House. For further particulars, enquire of Mr. J. Gerard, Cataract Brewery, or Mr. H. Stephens, on the premises. June 8th, 1839. Cornwall Chronicle, 20 July 1839
NOTICE. At a quarterly meeting of Justices held at Launceston, on Monday, the ?th day of August, the following Transfer of Licence to retail fines and Spirits was allowed :– Thomas Archer to Charles Grant, “The Plough,” Charles-street, Launceston. And on Friday, the 9th of August, the following Transfers were approved of.– John Ashton to Frederick Meyers, ‘”The Queen’s Head,” the comer of Wellington and Elizabeth-streets, Launceston. Henry Stephens to John Auchey, ‘The Wattle Tree,”‘ the corner of Wellington [Bathurst] and Elizabeth-streets, Launceston. Dated this 12th day of August, 1839. M. KENNEDY, Clerk of the Peace. Cornwall Chronicle, 24 August 1839
From an advertisement: A capital brick house situate at the corner of Elizabeth and Bathurst-street, lately known as the ” Wattle Tree Inn,” together with large allotment of land, these premises are let at the rate of £40 per Launceston Examiner, 8 December 1847
Elizabeth & Wellington Streets, possibly NE corner
1834-35 John Backer Harwood, Freemasons Tavern, Launceston
1835-36 Henry Harris, Freemasons Arms, Launceston
1836 John Peter Armstrong, Freemasons Arms, Elizabeth Street
1836-1837 John Jacobs, Freemasons Tavern, Elizabeth Street
These seem to be the same house, despite the different name.
Advertisement J. B. HARWOOD, JJAV1NG taken those premises, know as the Commercial Warehouse, at the corner of Elizabeth and Wellington Streets, begs leave to inform his friends and the public, that he has oa Sale the undermentioned articles, viz:— Hyson Skin Tea, ex Lady Hayes Isle of France Sugar Prime Sydney Butter and Cheese American Negro Head Tobacco Manilla Cigars English and Colonial Soap Red Herrings, Starch, &c, &c. The above articles will be sold cheap for cash, as the premises are going to b Opened, and will be known as the Free Mason’s Tavern, where the best and choicest description of wines, spirits, ales, porter, and cordials, will be kept, wholesale and retail, N. B.—A Meeting at the above Tavern by the Brethren of the Masonic Order, will be held in the early part of next month, of which due notice will foe given. Launceston, Sep. 3, 1834. The Independent, 17 September 1834
EACH of the undermentioned parties residing in the Division of the Island of Van Diemen’s Land commonly called “Cornwall” has applied for and obtained a license to retail wines and spirits &c., for the period ending the 29th day of September in the year now next ensuing, provided it be not forfeited before such day. . . John Backer Harwood, Freemason’s Tavern, [Launceston] Launceston Advertiser, 16 October 1834
SIR,– I was greatly surprised at hearing a case at the Police Office in this Town on Tuesday week last, wherein it appeared on clearest evidence possible, that a party of Captains of ships and Merchants who had met at the Freemason’s Tavern, where at the early hour of eight o’clock in the evening disturbed by a band of constables, headed by a district constable named Keenahan, who entered the room, and in the most insulting manner insisted on remaining there; that the Landlord and Landlady both begged the constables not to intrude their company upon a private part of friends, who of the highest respectability,–yet, this district constable insisted on doing so, and with the least provocation assaulted and beat those? ? about the head with bludgeons in a shameful manner and dragged them bleeding to the watchouse, and to add to their brutality, forced them into a cell amongst prisons in irons?.
[continued] The Independent, 15 November 1834
Extract from “To the Editor”: I was present during the whole of the investigation at the Police Office on the 4th inst. (if as you say investigation it may be called) and a friend of mine took down the whole of the evidence. The only disinterested witnesses who were examined were Mrs. Fenton, and Mr. Scott, both of whom are very creditable person indeed. Mrs. Fenton stated : that she and Mrs. Harwood the Landlady, : both begged district constable Keenahan not to intrude his company upon the Gentlemen who were dining up stairs; yet he swore he would do so, abused them grossly, and called them the most filthy and opprobrious names. Mr. Scott stated, he had not been in the room more than ten minutes when Keenahan forced his way into it, and that Mr. Harwood, the Landlord requested him quietly to go away, when he replied in an Irish accent “by J—-s I will not,” this is a licensed house, and I will stop as long as I like, and go into every room I please;” that some words ensued between him (Keenahan) and the Company, and that Keenahan collared one of the gentlemen and struck him upon the head with his bludgeon; that this was the first blow, and the Commencement of the affray. The Independent, 22 November 1834
TO LET.— The undersigned is desirous to let on lease for the unexpired term of 5 years, all that two-story House and Premises, known as the FREEMASON’S TAVERN. The House has an extensive shop, capable of carrying on a first-rate Business, being in the most commanding situation in town, situated at the corner of Elizabeth and Wellington-streets. Any person wishing to continue the license, early application is necessary, in order that it may be transferred the ensuing quarter. The stock on hand may be had at a fair valuation, which consists of Champaigne, Constantia, Port, Sherry, Madeira, Brandy, Gin, Rum, Cordials, Bottled Ale, Porter, Segars, Tobacco, Pipes, Furniture, and a variety of other goods. A first-rate Billiard Table, complete, by Curie and Co., Calcutta, the best finished in this colony. N. B.— The undersigned being called away on urgent business for a short time, is the only reason for letting the premises. All particulars may be known on application to Mr. J. B. HARWOOD, on the premises, or to Mr. Henry Davis, Auctioneer, Hobart Town.
Launceston, Feb. 28, 1835. Launceston Advertiser, 5 March 1835
TO BE SOLD. TO be Sold by Private Contract, an Allotment situate in Elizabeth-street, adjoining the Freemason’s Tavern, and on which there are erected two weather-boarded Houses, fronting the street, with garden behind the me, stable, and other conveniences. Apply the office of Mr. Paterson, St. John-street, or the owner, Robert Stenhouse, of the Crown Public House, Bathurst-street. Launceston Advertiser, 4 June 1835
TO BE LET. ALL those well-known premises situate in Elizabeth-street, at the principal entrance to Launceston, known as the “Freemasons’ Arms,” the proprietor Intending to leave the Colony. Particulars may be known by applying to Robert Day, the proprietor, on the premises. Launceston, July 8, 1835. Launceston Advertiser, 23 July 1835
Launceston, February 6, 1836.— At a Quarterly Meeting of Justices held on at the Court House, Launceston, on Monday, the 1st of February instant, the following transfers of Licenses were approved of :- To John Peter Armstrong, of Launceston, to keep the house known by the sign of the ‘ Freemasons’ Arms,” in Elizabeth-street, Launceston, formerly licensed to Henry Harris Launceston Advertiser, 18 February 1836
TO THE PUBLIC.JOHN H. JACOB,HAVING Transferred his License from the British Hotel, to the Freemason’s Tavern, respectfully solicits their continuance and support, trusting by attention, respect, and good liquors, to merit a share of their patronage.N. B.— Those Gentlemen frequenting the Billiard Table, will at all hours find tea, coffee, chops and steaks, with other refreshments, ready at the shortest notice.Freemason’s Tavern, corner of Elizabeth Street.Cornwall Chronicle, 5 March 1836
