Dark Tours History and Ghost Tour/ Paranormal Investigation

Dark Tours welcomes you to the Valley Hotel in Muswellbrook.

The Valley Hotel was built in 1843 and was previously known as Thornton’s Family Hotel which was owned by Sylvester Thornton. Sylvester Thornton at the age of 14 was convicted of arson at a rope works in Lancaster England in September 1824 and was sentenced to transportation for life. Silvester was incarcerated at Lancaster Castle and then sent to the Justica Hulk where he was punished on one occasion for theft. Silvester was then transferred from the Justica Hulk to the convict ship Marquis Huntley on May 9th 1825 and was transported to New South Wales.

On arrival he was sent to the Carters Barracks where he had escaped twice. By 1835 Silvester turned his life around and married Sarah Lewis at Gleason in 1835. In 1836 Silvester was granted his ticket of leave and pardoned in 1841. In 1843 Silvester and Sarah ran the Thornton’s Family Hotel at Muswellbrook where Silvester held the licence for the hotel from 1843 to 1844, although Silvester ran into financial difficulties by the end of 1844. Silvester died in April 1845 at the hotel aged 35 from illness and the hotel was advertised to be let for a term of 3 to 5 years. The advertisement provided a description of the premises as it was at that time.

On the ground floor, one large parlour and large bar, an inner parlour, sitting room, kitchen, laundry, offices, servants quarters, bedroom, one six stall stable and coaching house, garden and yard attached. The upper flat contained four bedrooms the whole length and width of the house. There was also a small cottage adjoining which was included along with the hotel.

In June 1846 until 1850, Alexander Johnston held the license until he moved to the Woolpack Inn and left his son Gilbert Johnston to run the family hotel until September 1851 when he advertised the premises for sale. There were two applicants for general licences, one from Mr Hugh Cauley and one from Mr Edward Richardson. Mr Edward Richardson was granted the licence.
In the 1900’s the hotel was owned by Mr Issac Budden and the hotel was named Budden’s Family Hotel and is also where Issac Budden passed away. The hotel continued to be owned by several owners from this point forward and today it operates as accommodation for travellers.

Does anyone still reside at the hotel? What stories have been left behind? Join us and let’s discover the past history behind this hotel.

14+ years with an adult

Tour only 8-10pm

Tour guests meet in the car park at the back of the hotel at 7:45pm!

Overnight Guests

Checkin 3pm Checkout 10am

Rooms are located within the hotel next door to the Muswellbrook Workers Club. Parking is available behind the hotel

7 hotel rooms with 2 shared bathrooms

Room configurations

Room configuration will be specified on each room ticket

Please be aware that room accommodation in the hotel is located on the second floor and is accessible only by stairs

Lunch/Dinner is available to purchase in the restaurant next door at the Muswellbrook Workers Club from 12pm to 8pm

Cold drinks, tea and coffee and light snacks will be available free for all guests during your stay at the hotel or while attending the tour