INTERESTING HISTORICAL FACTS ABOUT THE PRINCE

GLEBE COURSE - ROAD RACE
The Prince of Wales was the starting line for the Glebe Course - Road Race. Hundreds of cyclists gathered for the start of the Race from the doorstep of the Hotel on the 9th September 1922.

A Memorial race was organised in the early 90's to raise money for disabled children in the Newcastle area.

THE NEWCASTLE EARTHQUAKE
On December 28, 1989, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Newcastle, causing extensive damage and killing 13 people. This earthquake proved that even Australia is not immune from damaging earthquakes causing significant human and economic loss.

Most of the damage occurred to un-reinforced masonry buildings which had been built between 1900 and 1950. Over 3000 residences were damaged throughout the city. Until recently Newcastle was a steel manufacturing city, (BHP Steel closed late 1999) but at the time of the earthquake the steel mills were not severely damaged and gas and electricity sub stations did not incur major damage.

Generally speaking, most modern structures were generally not damaged. One exception was the Prince of Wales Hotel, the building suffered severe structural damage, forcing the pub to be completely demolished. The owners at the time did a amazing job, and rebuilt the hotel from scratch to its original state. The doors were reopened to very loyal and thirsty locals in 1991.