126 Windsor Street, Richmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 126 Windsor Street, Richmond |
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| Location | 126 Windsor Street, Richmond, City of Hawkesbury, New South Wales, Australia |
| Official name: House | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 45 |
| Type | House |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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126 Windsor Street, Richmond is a special old house in Richmond, Australia. It is officially listed as a heritage site, which means it's an important part of history that needs to be protected. People also know it as the Home of John Town or Heritage Cottage. This house was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
Contents
Discovering the Past of Richmond
The First People of Hawkesbury
Long ago, the land around the Hawkesbury River was home to the Dharug people. They lived near the Nepean River and South Creek, which were important places for finding food. The Dharug and Darkinjung people called the river Deerubbin. It was a vital source of food and also used for travel.
European Settlement and New Towns
In 1789, Governor Arthur Phillip explored this area. He was looking for good land to grow crops for the new colony. He found and named the Hawkesbury River. By 1794, European settlers had moved here. This region was very important for the early colony because its rich farmlands helped feed everyone.
However, the river often flooded, which was tough for farmers. In 1810, Lachlan Macquarie became the new Governor of New South Wales. He wanted the colony to grow and built many new public buildings and roads. Under his leadership, the Hawkesbury area became very successful.
In December 1810, Governor Macquarie visited the area. He decided to name the new towns. He called the town in the Green Hills district "Windsor". The town in the Richmond district he named "Richmond". These names reminded him of towns in England. Other towns like Castlereagh, Pitt Town, and Wilberforce were named after important English leaders. These five towns are often called Macquarie's Five Towns.
The Story of 126 Windsor Street
Building the House
The house at 126 Windsor Street was built around 1840. It was built for John Town (senior) and his wife, Mary Pickett. John Town had arrived in Australia in 1800. After gaining his freedom, he became a successful businessman and ran a milling business in Kurrajong.
Saving a Piece of History
In the late 1970s, there were plans to knock down the house to build a car yard. Demolition had already started! But the state government stepped in. They bought the building because the Heritage Council of New South Wales advised them to. This was one of the first times the government used new powers to save a heritage building.
The goal was to show how an old, damaged building could be restored and given a new life without costing too much. The Heritage Council sold the property in 1985. For a while, it was used as "Heritage Cottage," a museum and coffee shop, but it is no longer open.
What the House Looks Like
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126 Windsor Street is a single-story house with three main sections. It also has a two-story section that runs along the side street. The house is made of brick, covered with a special plaster (stucco) and painted on the outside. The main roof is sloped and made of iron. The front porch roof is held up by decorative wooden columns.
Most of the original wooden parts, like window frames, are still there. The "French windows" are especially nice, with their detailed carved panels. Outside, the yard still has some old, tall trees.
Why This House is Important
This house is a great example of a colonial town dwelling from the mid-1800s in Australia. It's also a very important part of the Richmond town view. It is the only house of its kind remaining on the roads leading into Sydney.
Heritage Listing Details
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126 Windsor Street, Richmond was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
