Thomas Given Watchmaker & Jeweller

Thomas Given established a shop and residence at the intersection of Nicholas and Brisbane Streets, Ipswich about 1862. The Melbourne Hotel was on the opposite corner of the two streets. Given was a jeweller and watchmaker. His relatively new business was destroyed by fire in 1863 however the business rebuilt and recovered. Given had erected a clock over the entrance of his store which was highlighted by the installation of a street lamp so that residents could view the time at night. This made the corner something of a landmark back in those very early days of Ipswich, and it became known locally as Given's Corner.  The corner was considered to be a significant retail and commercial position in the Ipswich CBD.

In 1863 F. E. Clark (tailor and outfitter) moved next to Given's on Brisbane Street. In 1864 Panton & Co. in Hughes' Auction Rooms were next door on Nicholas Street and in 1865 T. Murray was next door on Nicholas Street. In about 1925 Bayards moved into the premises next door on Brisbane Street.

Thomas Given appears to have left Ipswich about 1872.

Afterwards, T. B. Lyons ( jeweller) occupied Given's old premises. Around 1890 McFarlane & Sons drapery inhabited this site. In the early 20th century when John Hunter's bootery was located at the corner of Nicholas and Brisbane Streets, Given's Corner became known as Hunter's Corner. In 1930 this corner became the site of the new Commonwealth Bank. When the Commonwealth Bank vacated the spot, Ipswich City Council and Safe City occupied the building for some years.