This lovely building was constructed by one William Turner
in 1845. Turner was an enterprising man who spared no expense in having his
hotel furnished and decorated with a style of opulence and elegance, providing
all the requirements of accommodation for both man and horse.
The Colonial Times newspaper of the time stated that the
property was “without exception, the most elegantly fitted out house of any we
have yet seen in the Colony” Turner went on to apply for a license to sell
wine, spirits and beer at his establishment and his application was fully
supported by many of the most influential and respected citizens in town.
Advertisements from the time noted that the hotel had all the comforts of a
private residence including spacious sitting rooms and large, airy bedrooms.
Whilst the hotel was undoubtedly a classy establishment, a
unique part of the property was a square bowling green that Turner laid down at
the rear of the hotel, giving the hotel its name, The Bowling Green Hotel. The
sides of the bowling green measured over 120 ft. The grounds were constructed
on a slope so the lower part was raised by means of brick arches to form
accurately levelled playing surface which was said to be as smooth and as soft
as velvet. Participants were able to enjoy river views and mountain views of
the finest descriptions whilst playing their games.
In October 1846, Turner formed the first bowling club in
Australia which included army officers from the nearby Anglesea Barracks. The
military men who had come out from Britain had provided a superior
understanding and knowledge of the game but local players slowly began to
acquire the required skills. The bowling green was reserved for members on
Wednesdays and Fridays but was made available to the public at other times during
the week. Newspaper reports noted that on a fine summer evening, there is
nothing more pleasant than a gentle & friendly game of bowls to help the
participants unwind after a day’s labour.
In 1852, there was a great match between a military team and
a team of local bowlers. Over 500 spectators paid admission to the green to
witness a surprise victory for the locals.
Despite his huge investment in the property and undoubted
success as a businessman, Turner decided to return to England and in 1853, he sold
the hotel and the bowling green for 3,500 pounds. The new owners decided not to
keep the license as a public house and the bowling green was subsequently
closed down and the area occupied by the bowling green was subsequently built
upon over the years.
The former Bowling Green Hotel building survives to this day
and retains much of its original appearance and appears to be utilised today as
private residences. It is still a significant part of the Sandy Bay streetscape
and is truly a significant historic building in the Sandy Bay area.
Main Text & Information Source –
“The Story of Sandy Bay – Street By Street” – Donald
Howatson 2016
