The Royal Oak, Toodyay (1853–1860)

It stood on lot R11, upstream from where the first Royal Oak (owned by Herbert's brother, William) had been until it closed in November 1851.

Accommodation and good food was offered together with items such as wine, corn, porter, groceries and clothing.

The Toodyay, Northam and Victoria Plains Agricultural Society was formed, over fifty members having enrolled.

On 30 October 1856, the first Agricultural Ball was held[8] and Charlotte Herbert served one of the best dinners ever eaten on such an occasion.

Indeed, much of the success of the Royal Oak can be attributed to the skill and business management of Charlotte Herbert.

[6]: 120–123 During the ensuing years, the Agricultural Society played a significant role in the affairs of the Toodyay Valley.

It exercised a voice on such issues as roads, land sales, the convict system, the Emigrant's Depot, bush fire control, native dogs and so on.

[6]: 154  It was also revealed that Charlotte Herbert had failed to notify the District Magistrate of her husband's removal to the Fremantle Lunatic Asylum.

John Herbert remarried on 16 January 1888 in Toodyay to Emily Diana Huggins, a school teacher.