Queens Head Inn, Wellington

[Eyesee]

Thanks to the release of some more NZ Spectator and Cook Strait Guardian on Paperspast, have found some more articles about this place.

In late 1852, early 1853 there were various for sale adverts for the place, being at the time in the tenure of Mr J STEVENS. The land was leased from the Council but he owned the buildings.

Trying to find out who this J STEVENS is. Believe there were two James STEVENS in Wellington at this time and he is more than likely one of them, but which one. There was also a James John Hopkins STEVENS who married Isabella FRASER in 1847 and who about this time or a bit later moved up to the Lower Rangitikei area and established a hotel there. Both these J STEVENS lived on or near the Thorndon Flat.

Thomas Henry CLAPHAM had acquired the Queen's Head by 1854. Not sure if he bought it off J STEVENS or not.

Hoping someone can help.

Thanks
Ian C

[shanreagh]

Pat Lawlor wrote a book about old hotels of Wellington in the mid 1970s.

Old Wellington hotels : some history, personalities, and anecdotes
by Lawlor, Pat

There may be some mention of the early owners of the Queens Head Inn in it.

[mckha489]

1853 electoral roll has a John Stevens, a licensed victualler, Household. Molesworth Street

Added, and here he is

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WI18530420.2.6?end_date=31-12-1860&items_per_page=10&page=5&phrase=2&query=John+stevens+&snippet=true&start_date=01-01-1839


(Might have died 1860? )


Mortgagee sale

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZSCSG18530115.2.6.1?end_date=31-12-1860&items_per_page=10&page=6&phrase=2&query=John+stevens+&snippet=true&start_date=01-01-1839