71 Harrington Street, The Rocks facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 71 Harrington Street, The Rocks |
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71 Harrington Street, The Rocks, New South Wales
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| Location | 71 Harrington Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1860– |
| Owner | Property NSW |
| Official name: House; Sailors Return Hotel; Stafford Apts.; 75 Harrington Street; Clocktower Development | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 10 May 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1551 |
| Type | House |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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71 Harrington Street, The Rocks is a special building in The Rocks, a historic area in Sydney, Australia. It is now used as serviced apartments. In the past, it was a terrace house and even had shops.
This building was constructed around 1860. It has also been known by other names like Sailors Return Hotel and Stafford Apartments. The property is owned by Property NSW, which is a part of the Government of New South Wales. Because of its important history, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002. This means it is protected for future generations to learn from and enjoy.
Contents
What is the History of 71 Harrington Street?
The land where 71 Harrington Street stands has a long history. In 1807, it was near the hospital garden of the early colony. Later, in 1840, a part of this land was given to a person named Thomas Weedon.
Early Buildings on the Site
Old maps from 1835 show some buildings already on the land. By 1845, city records described a small stone house with two rooms. This house had a shingled roof, which means the roof was made of wooden tiles. It was called a "very old building" even back then! This old house was mentioned in records until about 1882.
Frederick Oatley bought the property between 1867 and 1871. He owned it until around 1895. Then, E. B. McKenny became the new owner. It seems the land was empty for a short time.
The House We See Today
Around 1896, a new two-storey house was built for E. B. McKenny. This is the main building we recognize today. It first appeared in the city directory in 1898. Back then, it was known as 33 Harrington Street and was used as a shop. A person named George Jones ran it. The street number changed to 71 Harrington Street in 1924.
Government Ownership and Tenants
In December 1900, the NSW Government took over the land. This was part of a larger plan for the Observatory Hill area. George Jones continued to run a lodging house (a place where people could rent rooms) at 33 Harrington Street from 1903 to 1918. After him, Mrs. Mary Jones managed it for a couple of years.
During the 1920s and 1930s, many different people lived in the building. Tenants often struggled to pay rent. Records show they sometimes asked for lower rent or to move to cheaper places. In 1937, George Henry Johnson and his family moved in. They lived there for a very long time, until 1973! They paid rent weekly, which slowly increased over the years.
Changes and Renovations Over Time
Over the years, tenants asked for small repairs and improvements. For example, in 1944, they asked for the hall and kitchen to be updated. They also wanted a gas stove connected. In 1946, Mr. Johnson asked for a verandah or porch to be built. He also wanted a new entrance from the house to Harrington Street. These requests show that by the 1960s, the building was getting old and needed work.
The building was empty for about ten years. Then, in the late 1980s, it was part of a big project called the Clock Tower development.
How the Building Changed During Redevelopment
During the 1980s redevelopment, the back part of the house at 71 Harrington Street was removed. A plan from 1986 shows that about half of the back section and a chimney were taken away. A new brick wall was built at the western end of the house. Some inside walls were removed, and new doors and a window were added.
However, the front of the building, facing the street, and its general roof shape were kept. The important chimney was also saved. Even though the house lost some of its original size and shape, it still looks much like it did from Harrington Street. The work included replacing the roof, floors, and other original parts like fireplaces and windows with new ones that looked similar.
What Does 71 Harrington Street Look Like?
71 Harrington Street was built around 1895. It was first called a "shop," then a "lodging house," and finally, a regular house. The original roof was likely made of corrugated iron, which is a strong, wavy metal.
The building has two floors. The front of the building (the facade) is made of brick and has some render (a type of plaster). The roof is covered with iron.
Building Condition and Changes
As of 2001, the building's condition was good. The area under the building was partly disturbed, likely from its history and changes.
When Were Changes Made?
- 1986-1987: The front of the building was restored as part of the Clocktower development. The iron on the roof was replaced at this time.
Why is 71 Harrington Street Important?
This house and its land are very important for their historical and scientific value. They also add to the special heritage of The Rocks area, which is important on its own.
Historical Significance
The land is historically important because it was part of the Colony's hospital site in 1807. The building itself is important as an example of 19th-century houses in The Rocks. It shows how people lived in Sydney long ago. It provided homes for working-class families from the 1890s until the 1970s.
Aesthetic Significance
The building looks great as part of a group of historic buildings. It stands with other old houses at 55-69 and 42-52 Harrington Street, and the Harbour Rocks Hotel across the road. This creates a strong, historic look for the street. Even though the back of the house was changed, the front part helps keep the street feeling human-sized and reinforces the old character of The Rocks.
Social Significance
The house is connected to the daily lives of the working and middle classes who lived in The Rocks between the 1890s and the mid-1970s. It shows how people lived and worked in this area. The cottages in The Rocks are highly valued by people in Sydney and by visitors from all over the world. This is why they are listed on the National Trust Register.
What Else Makes it Special?
The sandstone cliff face at the front of the street reminds us of the original rocky landscape of The Rocks area.
