Haunted Historical Brisbane: Plough Inn

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Historical Facts

This two-storeyed former hotel designed by architect Alexander B. Wilson and constructed in 1885 by contractor Abraham James was commissioned for Brisbane publican Daniel Costigan. The building was saved from demolition in 1987 and modified (internal walls removed) to function as a tavern during Expo '88. Less than five years later the original interior was fully refurbished and the front verandah reconstructed thanks to a conservation plan prepared by Bruce Buchanan architects.

Haunting Folklore

Miss Selina Mary Brown Drowned Ghost

Miss Selina Mary Brown, just 16 years of age drowned at her home, the Plough Inn, whilst attempting to save furniture which had floated out of the house and into the yard due to flooding. Ignoring bodily fatigue after hours of painstaking furniture retrieval, she attempted to recover an article from the Billiard Room. Although she was a very good swimmer, cramps set in and she drowned. Since this time a young girl has been repeatedly sighted and heard inside guest room no. 7, the area that held the original lodgings of the publicans family. Even though the building has been refurbished and altered a number of times, the sightings have continued to plague the hotel. To find out more read The Week's (1930, p. 13) news article "Miss Brown's Death".

Captain Patrick Logan, the Fell Tyrant

Another common ghost seen intermittently is that of Captain Patrick Logan, the Fell Tyrant himself. He has been spotted in numerous places along Southbank. Sightings have been recorded from both staff and guests of the Plough Inn since 1830, including on the day of his death. He is always seen atop his horse, riding at a gallop along the stretch of river frontage between the current location of the Maritime Museum through to the Performing Arts Centre.

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