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Inn the history books

Holly ThompsonSound Telegraph
The Chesterfield Inn.
Camera IconThe Chesterfield Inn.

Rockingham’s Chesterfield Inn has been recognised for its role in the region’s pioneering history, listed as a heritage building last week.

The inn was once used as a rest stop for travellers on the road between Fremantle and Mandurah.

It dates back to the 1850s and has now been included in the State Register of Heritage Places.

Heritage Minister David Templeman said the register was reserved for buildings and sites with significant heritage value that had shaped WA’s story.

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“It is important that we recognise places like Chesterfield Inn as they remind us of our modern-day comforts and how our city and urban community have evolved and grown,” he said.

Rockingham MLA and Premier Mark McGowan said the Inn had links to the early pioneering history of the State.

“It is among several sites in East Rockingham, including Bell Cottage and Hymus House, that provide the area with a sense of history and permanence,” he said.

“I am pleased that another of our region’s significant heritage buildings will now reside in the State’s Heritage Register.

“This is a wonderful outcome for the local Rockingham community who have been so passionate in helping ensure we retain our important heritage places.”

In its early years the Chesterfield Inn was a licenced premises accommodating travellers and housed the area’s first post office. After the building was damaged by fire in 1912 the grounds were used for grazing and as a popular racing club.

The property found new life a decade later, housing a dairy business and, many decades later, was a youth hostel, before again being damaged by fire in 1992.

In 2018, the building underwent stabilisation and conservation works that will allow it to be reactivated in the future and add yet another chapter to the history books.

The Chesterfield Inn.
Camera IconThe Chesterfield Inn.

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