Batman Street has previously been called Roebuck Street (1a 1b) then in 1851 it was changed to Franklin Street West (2) according to old maps, Sands & McDougall directories and the Government Gazette.
“Colonial Secretary’s Office, Melbourne, 6th November, 1851, HIS Excellency the Lieutenant Governor having been pleased to sanction the alteration of the names of the undermentioned Streets situate in the City of Melbourne, in the Colony of Victoria: Notice is hereby given, that such alteration will take effect from and after the day if the day of the date of this notice. By His Excellency’s command, W. Lonsdale”
In 1895 Franklin Street (as it was known) had 50 Victoria era homes, a Wesleyan church, a vinegar brewery, a paper mill, a hotel and the rear of Victorian Iron Rolling works. Long gone are all of the historically valued terrace homes, these days the street hosts high rise blocks of flats, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and St Jame’s Old Cathedral on the corner of Batman and King Street.
(1a) 1852 map Plan of the City of Melbourne And Its Extension Northwards created by Charles Laing, surveyor, held by State Library of Victoria.
(1b) John Arthur Roebuck (28 December 1802 – 30 November 1879), British politician, born at Madras, in India.
(2a) 1864 map Building Allotments Melbourne held by State Library of Victoria.
(2b) Sir John Franklin KCH FRS FLS FRGS (16 April 1786 – 11 June 1847) was a British Royal Navy officer, Arctic explorer and Governor of Van Diemen’s (Tasmania) 1837-1843.
(3) John Batman, (21 January 1801 – 6 May 1839) was an Australian grazier, entrepreneur and explorer.
Also known as Address Australian Vinegar Brewery Co. Ltd
Previous Address 38 and 40 were previously known as 188-196 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 38 and 40 were previously known as 188-196 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Also known as Address John Dixon & Co cordial and vinegar manufacturers
Previous Address 42 was previously known as 198 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 48 was previously known as 202 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 50 was previously known as 204 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 52 was previously known as 208 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 54 was previously known as 210 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 60 was previously known as 214 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 62 was previously known as 216 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 64 was previously known as 218 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 66 was previously known as 220 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Constructed 1st 20/6/1853. 2nd ?
Builder Thomas Stevens
Constructed 1st 20/6/1853. 2nd ?
Builder Thomas Stevens
Previous Address 68 was previously known as 222 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 70 was previously known as 224 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Previous Address 72 was previously known as 248 Franklin Street before street renumbering.
Constructed 13/7/1853
Builder Jones & Allender – Collingwood
Constructed 13/7/1853
Builder Jones & Allender – Collingwood
Also known as Address W.G. Goetz & Sons Engineers & Machinists
Previous Address 399 Batman (changed by Council street renumbering)
Previous Address 399 Batman (changed by Council street renumbering)
