Look at what used to stand on Lonsdale Street.
Opposite the QV complex now, John Black’s Tattersall’s Horse Repository took up much of the south side of Lonsdale Street between Swanston and Russell Streets.
This engraving of 1853 shows the structure, occupying 66 by 360 feet.
The repository had carriage stands, stalls, loose boxes accommodating 200 horses, blacksmiths’ forges, veterinary stalls and harness rooms.
It was written that the whole establishment ‘impresses every visitor with wonder and admiration’.
The structure was considerably altered in 1858 to become the American Hippodrome circus and concert hall.
In 1860 it was changed to the Prince of Wales Theatre and in 1863 to the Lyceum, Theatre.
Today the area is occupied mainly by small Greek shops and restaurants.