The Cottage of Content, East Maitland

Free Settler or Felon?

Hunter Valley Inns & Hotels

The Cottage of Content

Bank Street, East Maitland

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Samuel Bailey was the licensee of the Cottage of Content in Bank Street, East Maitland in the early 1840's.

Bailey announced in 1844 that he had built a new public house to which he hoped to move on 1st July (39) The sign of the Cottage of Content was moved to this new building. The old Cottage of Content was advertised for lease by Thomas Dee, the guardian to the children of the late Peter Riley at this time. It became the Blue Bell Inn.

In 1849 The 'Cottage of Content' was the

venue for a ball and supper for Captain Pattison who had been captain of the Rose' steamer but was shortly departing for the Californian gold fields. The ball was very well attended with more than one hundred people attending including the 'youth and beauty' of Maitland.

A good band had been engaged for the evening and dancing was kept up without intermission from 9pm until sunrise the following morning. The long room of the Inn had been tastefully decorated and the front balcony was enclosed by flags forming a promenade from which guests could view the gay scenes and enjoyment within the adjoining long room to great advantage. A separate refreshment room held a profusion of tastefully arranged food and drinks and a toast to Captain Pattison was held here at midnight (49)

Samuel Bailey still held the license in April 1854.

(39)MM4 May 1844

(49) MM 10 November 1849