Repost 2015:
1843! Didn’t realise it was that old! The Devonshire Arms is not only Melbourne’s oldest (former) pub, but nearly Melbourne’s #oldestbuilding. Hidden away amongst the jumble of #stvincentshospitalmelbourne buildings, almost demolished in the 80s I think before it was realised how old it was (hence national trust pic from 1981). Restored and now used as an alcohol detox centre (at least that’s what I heard). Update 2024: yes it was the detox centre but now houses St Vincent’s historic archives.
The #heritagevictoria citation says it was originally face brick, then rendered and the pub window added in c1870, so it doesn’t look at all like it did in 1843. Also looks to me like it was built as a small corner bar with a couple of tiny terraces attached to the left, or maybe those doors are later. Built by a property speculator in the first ‘suburban’ expansion of Melbourne, at first known as Newton, and eventually the separate municipality of #Fitzroy in 1858.
HV says: “The original building contains early construction materials such as pit-sawn timber and hand-made nails.” And remnant timber shingle roof under the corrugated iron.
Storey of Melbourne 