Tattersalls Lodge

Seizing an opportunity bookmaker Charles Burton acquired four allotments of one rood 24 perches in July 1888, and there he erected ‘Tattersall’s Stables” for lease to horse trainers. Burton sold them on to James Clark in 1890. It is likely this house was erected as part of ‘Tattersall’s Lodge’ in 1890., and used by the trainers such as George Burgess from 1890 and then Eric Trew (1897– 1902). 

Clark sold in 1899 to Gilbert Powell Wyndahm Heathcote, hotelkeeper at Wilcannia NSW, who died in 1901. The property was auctioned after Heathcote’e death, where it was described as: “Tattersall’s Lodge. Situated at Ascot. Corner of Oriel Road and Yabba Street.’ The building was noted as “Substantial six-roomed cottage. With half-hall, and verands on three sides with racing stables, 130 ft x 16 ft, built of hardwood, and containing 10 stalls, feed and man’s rooms.”

Grazier James McGill, known as the ‘Squire of Blacklands’ acquired the property and took up residence in 1902. McGill, who also ran a horsestud, changed its name to ‘Fitzgrafton Lodge’ after one of his horses. Much of the stud business was sold in 1910 when McGill, described as ‘one of the fathers of the Queensland turf’ retired. James McGill died in 1918 leaving the house to his son James Charles McGill, who held it from 1920 until 1925. It has since passed through a number of owners, and the stables have disappeared.

1. Brisbane City Council Detail Plans

2. Queensland Title Deeds

3. Queensland Post Office Directories

4. Queenslander, 1866- 1939

5. Brisbane Courier, 1864-1933