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THE QUEEN VICTORIA INN - JERRY'S PLAINS
Richard Alcorn had previously been the
proprietor of the
Greyhound Inn
at Falbrook. In 1838 he built
the sandstone
Queen Victoria Inn at Jerry's Plains.
The settlers had
long complained about the state of the roads in the district and in 1842
a communication was forwarded to the Governor setting out an idea for a
better road. However it seems that Richard Alcorn was not prepared to
wait for government funds. By May 1842 the Hunter River Gazette
recorded that the Messrs. Alcorn had not only marked but cleared a road
between Jerry's Plains and Patrick's Plains avoiding the high stony
ridges and valleys the previous track had passed through There was said
to be always a plentiful supply of grass and water by this line. The new
road would save five miles between Jerry's plains and Patrick's Plains
and fifteen to Maitland. In April 1843 Richard Alcorn was to receive
tenders for opening the road. By this time he was once again proprietor
of the Queen Victoria after passing the proprietor ship to others
for three years
Sir Charles Fitzroy passed through Jerry's Plains in 1847 and Richard Alcorn was expecting to entertain the governor before he moved on to Merton. However Sir Charles made only a very short stay of about ten minutes at Alcorn's Inn, the horses of the party being held at the door. He then proceeded to the Police Barracks where he dined with Lieutenant Gall. Richard Alcorn had made a rather expensive preparation for his Excellency's reception and was somewhat disappointed at missing the honor of entertaining him 3In 1848 he suffered a loss of part of his flock of sheep in a remarkable storm that hit Jerry's Plains leaving huge hailstones that remained unthawed for several days despite the heat. Thirty of Alcorn's sheep were killed when when lighting struck them during the storm. They were found laying altogether in the space of a few yards, their 'bodies much discoloured' . 4Richard Alcorn remained licensee of the Inn until the early 1850's |
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