Royal Naval House, Heritage building in The Rocks, Australia
Royal Naval House is located at 32-34 Grosvenor Street in The Rocks and features Federation Free Classical architecture with three upper stories and an ornate facade. The building now functions as part of the Grosvenor Place complex, serving as modern office space with meeting facilities.
The building opened in 1890 with public funding to provide accommodation for sailors and became a central facility for naval personnel. It housed up to 1,500 men during World War II, making it a major hub during the conflict.
Superintendent John Samuel Shearston established reading rooms, dining areas, billiard rooms, and gyms, creating a social center for naval personnel.
The building is now a modern office complex used primarily for business purposes. Visitors can view the exterior facade and street-facing side, but keep in mind it is an active workplace.
Sailors nicknamed the building 'Johnny's' and called its bar 'the snakepit', terms that became embedded in naval culture and conversation. These informal names reveal how personnel experienced and talked about the place during their time there.
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