On Wednesday 19 January 1910 J.M. Jamieson applied to Ipswich Licensing Authority for a liquor license and approval to build a new hotel in Ipswich. He was granted a provisional certificate and allowed nine months to build. The new pub was built at 5 Union Place in the heart of Ipswich, next to T.C.Beirne’s, and opposite the main entrance of the railway station.^1.

The Commonwealth Hotel, Union Street, Ipswich, ca.1985 -Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

The hotel opened October of that year featuring four sitting rooms, a bar and dining room, with 13 bedrooms. It was two storeyed and equipped with a kitchen, pantry, scullery and large cellar. Local tradesmen were engaged. H.E. Wyman of East Street was the architect, with brickwork by George Williams (Junior), and carpentry by William Thain. Messrs. A. Foote & Sons of North Ipswich was responsible for the joinery. The Riverside Foundry in Bremer Street supplied the ironwork. The hotel was painted by Messrs. Wallace and Minnet of Nicholas Street.^2. The new Commonwealth Hotel was truly a local achievement, exhibiting artistry and expertise.

At this time people interested in becoming hotel licensees had to demonstrate their good character and apply to the Ipswich Licensing Authority which met monthly or sometimes quarterly at the Court House. Their evidence and argument were part of the process like in a court of law. A Police Magistrate and Licensing Inspector were involved in the approval process. If the applicant was known to police for bad behaviour (such as drunkenness, swearing or criminal activity) it was likely that a license would not be granted. ^3.

Almost immediately James Brisbane became the licensee of the Commonwealth Hotel in 1910 but he applied to transfer his license to William Hartigan in 1911.^4. From there a succession of licensees followed until around 1924 when Stephen Bentham took over and held the license for 23 years until his death. Following this event his wife Emma took over as licensee for several years.^5. Interestingly, a number of other women were also licensees of the Commonwealth Hotel from about 1917 to 1923 including Mary Lonergan and Margaret Calvert,^6. Mrs Ajax ^7. and Mrs M’Rae Malcolm. ^8.

When Harry Green was licensee (1911-1914) the pub was popular as a meeting place for local sports clubs. The British Football Association regularly held meetings at the Commonwealth during this period, as did Ipswich Rugby League, and the Soccer Referees Association. Harry also seems to have formed a relationship with Ipswich Amateur Turf Club. On at least one occasion he obtained a booth license for the Saturday races, ^9. and the club held its annual general meeting at the pub in 1913.^10. Harry also made improvements to the establishment including: a mineral water manufactory, an electric lighting plant that powered lights for the entire building plus fans in the bars and dining room. Apparently, this made ‘the hotel one of the coolest in the city’.^11.

In 1960 the McLachlan family purchased the pub and were associated with it for many years.

In line with the re-development of the Ipswich city centre and construction of the Mall in the late 1980s, owners of the Commonwealth Hotel decided to update their pub too. After re-decorating and modernising, the new venue opened in July 1989 as Murphy’s Town Pub with Wayne McLachlan as owner/operator.^12.

Murphys Pub, 5 Union Place, Ipswich, 1992 -Image courtesy of Picture Ipswich

The pub continued to trade until 2014 when Ipswich City Council bought the business. Then Murphy’s stood idle and unloved for a couple of years until the building was de-constructed brick by brick for site remediation to proceed. ^13.

One theory is that the pub may have become undermined by redevelopment and construction in the close vicinity, occurring over decades. The former Commonwealth Hotel was now in need of work to its foundations and of shoring up the structure.

After restoration and a commitment by Council the Commonwealth Hotel is set to live again and beautify central Ipswich. Its façade is ICC heritage-listed.^14.

The re-constructed Commonwealth Hotel is standing on its original ground in Union Place however the neighbourhood has changed. Next door is the newly opened Ipswich City Council administration building at 1 Nicholas Street.

It is projected that The Commonwealth will re-open its doors to thirsty citizens of Ipswich around Easter 2022.

Information taken from :

1. Queensland Times, Thursday 20 January 1910, P4, Another Hotel for Ipswich.
2. Queensland Times, Tuesday 18 October 1910, P5, The Commonwealth Hotel, Union Street.
3. Queensland Times, Thursday 12 May 1910, P4, Ipswich Licensing Authority.
4. Queensland Times, Tuesday 11 April 1911, P8, Advertising.
5. Queensland Times, Friday 7 March 1947, P8, Obituary.
6. Queensland Times, Thursday 6 December 1917, P4, Licensing Court.
7. Queensland Times, Thursday 6 February 1919, P4, Ipswich Licensing Court.
8. Queensland Times, Saturday 13 October 1923, P8, Hotel License Transferred.
9. Queensland Times, Monday 28 April 1913, P4, Booth License.
10. Queensland Times, Wednesday 29 January 1913, P7, Ipswich Amateur Turf Club.
11. Queensland Times, Friday 4 December 1914, P4, Commonwealth Hotel.
12. Ipswich Advertiser, Wednesday 26 July 1989, P19, Murphy’s is Here – and it is Outstanding.
13. The Fassifern Guardian & Tribune, Wednesday 16 June 2021, P14, Commonwealth Hotel Set for Further $5 million Works.
14. Ipswich Heritage Study. Volume 3, Inventory of heritage items public commercial and residential (Amberley to Ipswich). Brisbane: University of Qld/Ipswich City Council, 1992.