The history of the Rose Shamrock and Thistle Hotel dates from 1854.Early history taken from the local council rate books.2 foolscap pages, typed.rose shamrock and thistle hotel, hotels, preston

"Marydale", at 2270 McIvor Hwy., Axedale, was part of the original Campaspe Plains and Axe pastoral runs. By 1857 William Heffernan(1803-1891) had purchased the property from the "Axedale Station's" Robert Ross. it's heritage listing includes the outbuildings that remain in their original format and include the summerhouse and the schoolroom. Also included in the listing are the extensive gardens of mature trees. 1. William Heffernan (1803-1891) was born in Tipparary, Ireland and came to Australia in 1853 with Mr J Crowley. Together they first went to the Heathcote goldfields before moving on to Bendigo where they initially opened a tent restaurant. This successful endeavour allowed them to purchase the Pall Mall site of the Shamrock hotel. They built their first hotel and a large hall for entertainment that was later called the Theatre Royal. They continued to grow and expand until they built the current Shamrock building. He went on to several other successful theatres and hotels before retiring to "Marydale" in 1879/80. Before moving to New Zealand in 1884/5 he sold "Marydale" to Jeremiah Heffernan. He went to NZ to manage a hotel for his newly widowed sister and then built the Pier Hotel in Dunedin. By the time of his death in Dunedin he had lost most of his fortune. 2. Jeramiah Heffernan (1831-1897) was also born in Tipparary, Ireland but was no relation to William. He came to Australia in 1854 and to Bendigo in 1855, where he was employed by William and his partner, Mr Crowley at the Shamrock Hotel in Pall Mall. Twelve months later he became the manager of Heffernan and Crowley's Rose Shamrock and Thistle Hotel at Epsom. After twelve months in this position he bought the Albert Hotel in McCrae Street, Bendigo. He was a successful businessman who later purchased the Victoria Hotel in Pall Mall before retiring in 1887,firstly to "Marydale" that he had bought from William Heffernan in the early 1880's and then to his home in St Kilda. On doctors orders he returned to "Marydale" where he died 13/5/1897.Bendigo Advertiser from 18/07/1970. Article titled "Before Bendigo was....Marydale was." by Toora. The article describes the historic homestead of Marydale at Axedale.In red pen "Bendigo Advertiser 18-7-70"marydale, axedale, historic homestead