Jules,
Throughout the 19th century, The New Inn, at Melbourne, was used by various auction houses as to the venue at to which to sell property. The Inn was also used to hold inquests, and meetings of all sorts, all reported in the Derby Mercury. For a long time the Inn was owned by the Warren family.
In 1811, on 30th April, a sale was advertised at the New Inn Melbourne, the house of a James Warren.
On Wednesday, March 26, 1823, the newspaper advertised:
TO BE SOLD by Auction at the house of Mrs. Ann Warren, the New Inn, in Melbourne, in the County of Derby, on Wednesday 2nd of April next at 3 0’clock in the afternoon, in such lots as shall be agreed…….various lots of property.
In 1832, the New Inn was known as Mrs. Warren’s.
On Wednesday 17, 1841, a marriage was announced between Samuel Warren of the New Inn, Melbourne and Fanny Gregory, daughter of a local farmer in Stanton.
On Wednesday, September 22, 1875, Messrs Oliver, Newbold, and Oliver respectfully give notice that they are instructed by Mr. Warren of the New Inn, Melbourne (who is retiring) to Sell by Auction, on the premises, the 27th and 28th September, 1875 the whole of the contents of the said Inn.
However, after Mr. Warren's retirement the Inn is still used to hold auctions.
I can't find a connection between Catherine Warren and the Peat family, however there are numerous reports regarding the Peat surname in Melbourne, Alderwasley, and Duffield. Even that area of land sold at the New Inn in 1830, seems to be mentioned earlier in possession of a Joseph Peat, it was sold at the White Hart Inn, Duffield in 1805.
Tom