Abbotsford Hotels Listing

149 Gipps Street
Collingwood 3066
Australia
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Abbotsford

Laird O'Cockpen Hotel (1869 to present)

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149 Gipps Street
Collingwood 3066
Australia
Map It

1869

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Existing hotel

1888/89; 1989/95 Conservation Study suggests possibly re-built around 1912

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Part A, pp.155-156

Volume 3, Appendix B, individually listed within precinct

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Maps: Kearney 1855: N ; Hodgkinson 1858: N ; MMBW: Detail Plan 1312, 1901

The name derives from a traditional Scottish song. The 1880s photos show a single storey corner building. In November 1888 architect Sydney Smith invited tenders for the pulling down and re-building of the Laird ( Building Engineers and Mining Journal 17 Nov 1888, supplement 7) .

The hotel was bought by the Burton Brewery, and then in 1912 Carlton & United Breweries acquired it.

The current building is brick, two storeys, with neo-classical detail and facade treatment. The brickwork has been overpainted, and ground floor windows and doors have been altered.

The Laird o' Cockpen

The laird o' Cockpen, he's proud an' he's great,
His mind is ta'en up wi' things o' the State;
He wanted a wife, his braw house to keep,
But favour wi' wooin' was fashious to seek.

Down by the dyke-side a lady did dwell,
At his table head he thought she'd look well,
McClish's ae daughter o' Claversha' Lee,
A penniless lass wi' a lang pedigree.

His wig was weel pouther'd and as gude as new,
His waistcoat was white, his coat it was blue;
He put on a ring, a sword, and cock'd hat,
And wha could refuse the laird wi' a' that?

(and many more verses to follow)