Dark Tours!
Interactive History and Ghost Tour/Paranormal Investigation!
Dark Tours welcomes you to the Valley Hotel in Muswellbrook. The Valley Hotel was built in 1843 and was previously known as Thornton's Family Hotel which was owned by Sylvester Thornton. Sylvester Thornton at the age of 14 was convicted of arson at a rope works in Lancaster England in September 1824 and was sentenced to transportation for life.
Sylvester was incarcerated at Lancaster Castle and then sent to the Justica Hulk where he was punished on one occasion for theft. Sylvester then transferred from the Justica Hulk to the convict ship Marquis Huntley on May 9th 1825, and was transported to NSW. On arrival he was sent to the Carter's Barracks where he had escaped twice. By 1835 Sylvester turned his life around and married Sarah Lewis at Gleason in 1835. In 1836 Sylvester was granted his ticket of leave and pardoned in 1841.
In 1843 Sylvester and Sarah ran the Thornton's Family Hotel at Muswellbrook where Sylvester held the licence for the hotel from 1843 to 1844, although Sylvester ran into financial difficulties by the end of 1844. Sylvester died in April 1845 at the hotel aged 35 from illness and the hotel was advertised to be let for a term of 3 to 5 years. The advertisment provided a desciption of the premises as it was at that time.
On the ground floor, one large parlour and large bar, an inner parlour, sitting room, kitchen, laundry, offices, servants quarters, bedroom, one six stall stable and coaching house, garden and yard attached. The upper flat contained four bedrooms the whole length and width of the main house. There was also a small cottage adjoining which was included along with the hotel.
In June 1846 until 1850, Alexander Johnston held the license until he moved to the Woolpack Inn and left his son Gilbert Johnston to run the family hotel until September 1851 when he advertised the premises for sale. There were two applicants for general licenses, one from Mr Hugh Cauley and one from Mr Edward Richardson. Mr Edward Richardson was granted the license.
In the 1900's the hotel was owned by Mr Issac Budden and the hotel was named Budden's Family Hotel and is also where Mr Issac Budden passed away. The hotel continued to be owned by serval owners from this point forward and today it operates as accomodation for travellers.
Does anyone still reside at the hotel? What stories have been left behind? Join us and lets discover the past history behind this hotel!
14+ years with an adult - tour only! 8pm to 10pm Tour guests meet in the carpark behind the hotel at 7:45pm!
18+ years overnight - checkin 3pm, checkout 10am! Rooms are located within the hotel next door to the Muswellbrook Workers Club, parking is available behind the hotel.
7 rooms with 2 shared bathrooms. Rooms are currently being renovated to include ensuite bathrooms in all rooms which will be completed by the end of May.
Please be aware that room accomodation in the hotel is located on the second floor and is accessible only by stairs.
Lunch/Dinner is available to purchase in the restaurant next door at the Muswellbrook Workers Club from 12pm to 8pm.
Cold drinks, tea, coffee and light snacks will be free for all guests during your stay at the hotel or while attending the tour.
