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In 1855, following the dust strewn days of John Batman's
Melbourne, one R. Hepburn esq., acquired a group of three
blue-stone cottages, which became known as 'Pelham Cottages'
opposite a bush reserve now called University square.
Licensing records show publican George Edmunds esq. as the first
licensee ... paying the rates on a four roomed building with stable
'annual value of 55 pounds and rates payable at a considerable one
pound, seven and six twice yearly in 1856. Of the original cottage,
substantial blue-stone walls and convict hand pressed bricks still
remain in the lounge bar. At the rear were once stables facing a
cobbled mews and lane. At this time, Mr Edmunds had the dual role
of publican to the populace and 'postie' to the newly established
University of Melbourne.
After extensive renovations and additions through the early 1860's,
the 1867 rate book describes the Carlton Inn as of 'eleven rooms
and a cellar' incorporating the two remaining 'Pelham
Cottages'.
Although a very different colour, today's façade with its
balustraded parapets, urns, restrained cornices, rectangular
windows and shallow architraves owes much to the prosperity and
architectural awareness of John Cozen esq..Publican owner and
renovator from 1859 - 1881. At this time, the pub was still known
as the Cartlon Inn right up until Feb 28th, 2003.
Owners Chris Fitzgerald and Kieran O'Connell
On Feb 28th 2003, The Carlton Inn became known as
the Corkman Irish Pub The pub itself is reputedly haunted by the
ghost of a young woman ... mistress-maid to a groom in the Pelham
Cottage stables now long since gone. This woman, known as Mary, has
aquainted herself very well with the Corkman staff , and is now a
very fond member of the Corkman Irish Pub team!.
Of unique interest is the superbly crafted lead glass American
eagle . As there are but 13 stars on the 'Stars and Stripes' it
suggests that the origins lay in North America before the Civil War
and Union.
Now restored to its traditional 'pubby' charm and atmosphere the
Corkman Irish Pub (formally the Carlton Inn) is the place where one
can relax by a warming winters fire, enjoy a drink and a meal by
soft light as did the earliest residents of Melbourne.
Below are two photos of a picture that was taken
off of the wall when the pub was painted ,it shows a Ghostly image
that the staff believe to be one of our friendly spirits that makes
their presence felt on occasions at The Corkman !!
(These are genuine photo's and have not been
manipulated or altered apart from adding text) Why not come in and
see for yourself !!
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