In 1852 Crown land bounded by Chetwynd, Queensberry, Howard and Courtney Streets was granted to the Church of England and the Free Church of Scotland. The latter never occupied its portion.
Edward Courtney was one of the original assignees of the Court of Insolvency.
The court’s job was to manage a bankrupt’s estate on behalf of the creditors.
They were paid a commission on the amount of realised assets.
On September 12, 1849, the Diocesan Society held its first annual meeting in the Temperance Hall, when Edward Courtney was appointed its first secretary, at an annual salary of £150 ($300).
The Courtney families English residence dates back to 1161. It held the Earldom of Devon –one of the poorest — but, through marriages, royal blood seeped into its veins.
A Courtney was uncle to Henry VIII, and another was one of the foundation members of the Order of the Garter.
There were also bishops in the family tree. William Courtney was the 59th Archbishop of Canterbury.
He led the Church against Wycliffe and the Lollards, but popular opinion forced him to soft pedal his attack.
The family had its origin in France. According to an old French epic, the name was derived from “court-n e z ” meaning “short nose.”
This was an honorable nickname bestowed on Guillaume d’ Orange, who, when a Saracen foe slice off a hefty bit of his nose, undauntedly.
“Though I have my nose a little shortened, I know well that my name will be thereby lengthened.”
It was a long hop through time and space to North Melbourne, but the old man made it. With Edward for proxy, he landed in our Courtney Street.
He then hopped across the Tasman, and, with another proxy, landed in Courtney Place, Wellington, New Zealand. But that is another story.(1)
Source. Northern Advertiser, 22/6/1972. Blanchard collection, “What’s in a Name” at North Melbourne Library.
Also known as Address Robert Burns Hotel [27] 1865-1904.
Also known as Address The Australian Clubhouse 1854-60s; used as a school 1864-1869, demolished circa 1875, rebuilt as The Metropolitan Hotel [29] 1880
Style Victorian, Late: 1875-1901
Style Victorian, Late: 1875-1901
Also known as Address Corner of Courtney and Chetwyn Streets
Previous Address 35 Courtney before street renumbering
Also known as Address The Edinburgh Castle [30] 1853. Now know as The Castle Hotel
Previous Address Thurgood Terrace
Constructed 1882
Builder James Thurgood
Constructed 1882
Builder James Thurgood
Also known as Address This is a plantation maintained by local residents
Also known as Address 86 – 92 Courtney Street
Previous Address 90 -92 Courtney Street
Previous Address 90 -92 Courtney Street
Previous Address Previously the site of the Wheatsheaf Hotel
Style Late twentieth century: 1960 – 2000
Style Late twentieth century: 1960 – 2000
Constructed 1887
Style Victorian, Late: 1875-1901
Architect Not known
Builder Not known
Style Victorian, Late: 1875-1901
Architect Not known
Builder Not known
Also known as Address Previously the Wheatsheaf Hotel. Now Housing Commission units
Style Late twentieth century 1960 – 2000
Style Late twentieth century 1960 – 2000
Also known as Address Corner of Harcourt and Courtney Streets
Previous Address 94-112 Courtney Street, North Melbourne
Style Early twenty first century 2000-2030
Previous Address 94-112 Courtney Street, North Melbourne
Style Early twenty first century 2000-2030