Hunter Valley Inns and Publicans Index

There was a lack of public facilities in early Hunter Valley townships and Inns were used in many of the activities of the day. The larger Inns often became the venue for public meetings, balls, celebratory dinners, horse races, pigeon shooting, fairs, cricket and raffles. They provided accommodation and sustenance for visiting Magistrates, lawyers, theatrical troupes, travelling portrait painters and later photographers offering Daguerreotypes. Arrangements for churches, hospitals, clubs, and societies were often planned in one of the many Inns throughout the Valley and inquests by the were also often held at the nearest Hotel.