Stirling Arms Hotel History

Guildford, Western Australia | Established 1852

The Stirling Arms Hotel is the oldest continually licensed hotel in Guildford and one of Western Australia’s most historically significant pubs. Since opening in 1852, it has mirrored the social, economic and cultural evolution of Guildford itself — from convict settlement and railway expansion to wartime service and modern revival.

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Historic Timeline & Key Licensees

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1852–1857 | Foundation Years

Owner: John Welbourne
First Licensee: Charles Glass

The Stirling Arms was built by early settler John Welbourne, a prominent Guildford carpenter, builder, police constable and civic figure. The hotel opened in 1852 under licensee Charles Glass, during the early convict period. Its strategic location placed it at the centre of Guildford’s Convict and Government Precinct, near the gaol, courthouse and depot.

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1857–1869 | Establishment as a Community Hub

Licensees:

• William Tregoning (1857–1863)
• James Herbert (1863–1865)
• William A. Rummer (1865–1869)

During this period the Stirling Arms became a vital social centre, hosting sporting lunches, meetings and local events. William Rummer, an experienced publican, raised the hotel’s profile by brewing his own ale and actively supporting community sport.

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1870–1872 | The Circus Era – Harry Percival Lyons

Licensee: Harry Percival Lyons

This is the most colourful and unique chapter in the hotel’s history.

Harry Percival Lyons was an internationally connected circus performer, promoter and impresario. He arrived in Western Australia in 1869 with the Rocky Mountain Troupe of Acrobats, one of the most accomplished performance groups ever seen in the colony.

When Lyons took over the Stirling Arms in 1870, the hotel was transformed into an entertainment hub:

• Hosted fireworks displays, sporting carnivals, pony races and Boxing Day events
• Advertised first-class accommodation for tourists and wedding parties
• Used the rear grounds as a circus training area, including rehearsals for performing animals
• Became the operational base for the Wieland & Lyons Circus

From Guildford, Lyons launched performances across WA and later Australia. After selling the hotel in 1872, he went on to international fame, becoming an agent for major circuses and performers, including Charles Blondin, the legendary tightrope walker whom Lyons famously accompanied across Niagara Falls.

This brief period elevated the Stirling Arms beyond a local pub — it became a launchpad for international entertainment history.

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1872–1886 | Stability & Growth

Licensees:

• Malachi (Miall) Meagher (1872–1877)
• William Wheatley (1877–1886)

Former convict turned respected civic leader Malachi Meagher restored stability and prestige, hosting community dinners and serving on local councils. Under William Wheatley, the hotel expanded with additional rooms, large stables and teamsters’ facilities, reflecting Guildford’s role as a transport and railway hub.

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1886–1906 | Railway & Gold Boom Era

Licensees:

• George Yates
• Richard & Hannah Clark
• Donald McDonald
• Agnes & George Ireland

With the arrival of the railway and population growth driven by the goldfields, the Stirling Arms modernised. Ownership shifted to major breweries, including Swan Brewery, and the hotel underwent maintenance and upgrades to remain competitive.

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1911–1921 | Major Expansion & Wartime Importance

Licensees:

• Ellen Carmichael
• John Comer
• Louis Claud Monck

In 1912, major brick extensions doubled the size of the hotel. During World War I, Guildford became a military base, and the Stirling Arms accommodated soldiers, recruits and visitors, reinforcing its civic role.

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1921–1966 | The Haines Family Era

Licensees: Harry Haines and family

This was the longest and most stable period in the hotel’s history. Harry Haines ran the Stirling Arms as a true community pub, known as the “Home of Sport.”

• Strong ties to local sporting clubs
• Charity support and community fundraising
• Family-operated, loyal staff, local patronage

After Harry’s death in 1942, his wife and son continued the business until 1966.

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1966–1983 | Sporting Revival

Licensees:

• Thomas Thirsk
• William (Billy) Walker

Former Swan Districts football legend Billy Walker revitalised the hotel, adding:

• Drive-in bottle shop
• New lounge facilities
• Strong football club connections

The Stirling Arms became a popular sportsmen’s hotel and social meeting place.

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1984–2011 | Challenging Years

Licensees:
Tony Moroni, Wayne Holmes & Heather Pritchard, Frank Lunney, Donald Ryan

Competition from restored historic hotels and social issues impacted the venue. Despite efforts, the hotel struggled during this period, though it remained continuously licensed.

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2012–2024 | Heritage Reconnection

Licensees:

• Nick Yurisich (2012–2017)
• Brendan Craig (2017–Present)

Under Nick Yurisich, the Stirling Arms re-embraced its heritage and community role. Since 2017, Brendan Craig has continued this legacy, recognising the hotel’s extraordinary history and its place as a cornerstone of Guildford’s identity.

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2024–Present | Local Family Run Venue

Licensees:

• Jesse
• Dave

Jesse, Dave and their families are the proud new custodians of the Stirling Arms, taking on the pub with a simple but meaningful goal:
to create a true community pub, grounded in history, filled with familiar classics, and brought to life in a modern, welcoming way.

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Legacy

From convict settlement to circus spectacle, wartime refuge to sporting hub, the Stirling Arms Hotel stands as a living record of Guildford’s social history — a rare venue where entertainment, community and heritage have intersected continuously for over 170