Godsall, Richard

Richard Godsall, Mayor of Toowoomba in 1872 and 1879, was responsible for the construction of many of the city’s early buildings.

Richard Godsall was elected as a council alderman from 1867 to 1871 and between 1873 and 1880.

He was the contractor for Toowoomba’s railway station, and city’s second. Opened in 1874, it is probably the oldest public building remaining in Toowoomba.

Godsall was responsible for rebuilding in brick one of Toowoomba’s most prominent landmarks, the Club Hotel. The hotel was located on the northeastern corner of Margaret and Ruthven Street.

It was demolished in February, 1958.

He also built the old Town Hall on the corner of James and Neil Streets, the now demolished original wing of the Toowoomba General Hospital, Clifford House, Tattersall’s Hotel, Gabbinbar Homestead, the Wesleyan Church and St James’s Church.

He also built the old School of Arts, the second Town Hall, the first North State School and Souths Boys School – all of which have since been demolished.

According to historian Mr Ron Douglas, Godsall may also have been the builder of De Molay House in Margaret Street, although this fact cannot be proven.

Richard Godsall also began work on St Patrick’s Church in James Street, but died before it was completed