Robert Louis Stevenson said of the Scot abroad: “each new impression only deepens the sense of nationality , and the desire of native places.” This trait accounts for North Melbourne’s cluster of Scottish street names.
Errol — a name famous in legend and history — is one of them.
With its many color-washed houses, notable orchards and extensive, fields of flax, Errol is an important and attractive village — almost a town — in Perthshire, Scotland.
Dominating its western, end is the wooded estate of Errol Park, seat of the chief of Clan Hay.
Legend has it that the peasant ancestors of the line turned up unexpectedly at the battle of Luncarty in 990 and saved the day for King Kenneth III, laying about them with ox-yokes to such effects that the Danes were completely demoralised.
They were rewarded with as much of the rich alluvial land around Errol as their hawke could fly over in one flight. History records that Sir Gilbert Hay, of Errol, was one of the Bruce’s staunchest supporters when he routed the English at Bannockburn in 1314.
As a reward he was made High Constable of Scotland. Sir William Hay, ninth chief of the clan, was created Earl of Errol in 1452.
In the turbulent days of the Reformation, the Earl of Errol was a leader of the militant Roman Catholic party. Exiled, he returned at last under at last under a King’s Pardon — granted for political reasons – and was made one of the commissioners appointed to look into the question of union with England.
Diana, Countess of Errol in her own right, is now was one of the the 23rd holder earldom and 31st chief of Clan Hay, High Constable. When the Honors of Scotland – crown, sceptre and sword — are carried in public, the high constable bears the sword. This being a weapon of war, it is thought fitting that, on such occasions, a man should deputise for the countess.
There are five streets named Errol in greater Melbourne.(1)
Source. Northern Advertiser, 17/8/1972. Blanchard collection, “What’s in a Name” at North Melbourne Library.
13 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address The Hotham Hotel 1872-1899 [15], New Empire 1899-1904
27 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
33 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address The Errol Hotel 1872-1873, renamed The Town Hall Hotel [16] 1874
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
34 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address KI Bunga Raya Malaysian restaurant. Corner of Raglan Street
40 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address The Empire Hotel [17] 1853- 1896
66 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address The Peacock Hotel
69 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address Errols Cafe
86 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address 86 – 90 Errol Street
101 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
103 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Previous Address Previously W B. Ellis Auction Rooms (1864). Now Auction Rooms Cafe
110 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address Previously the Imperial Theatre
Constructed 1913
Style Federation: 1890–1915
Architect R. J. Haddon (a British architect)
116 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address Affinity Cafe
118 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address Illuminati Hair
119 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address The Oxford Hotel
121 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
139 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
145 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
161 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address The Limerick Castle Hotel [36] 1863.
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
183 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
184 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
185 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
187 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
191 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
205 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
207 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
209 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
211 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
213 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
215 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
217 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
221 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
222 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
229 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
231 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
233 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
235 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Previous Address 205 Errol before council street renumbering
Constructed after 1865
Builder brothers James, John & Albert Thurgood
237 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Constructed after 1865
Style Victorian, Mid: 1860-1875
Builder brothers James, John & Albert Thurgood
241 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
Also known as Address Works on Paper Gallery
259 Errol Street
North Melbourne VIC 3051
