All Hallows' School Buildings facts for kids

Quick facts for kids All Hallows' School Buildings
Adderton Building, 2007
Location	547 Ann Street, Fortitude Valley, City of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Queensland Heritage Register
Official name: All Hallows Convent and School, Adderton (Convent)
Type	state heritage (landscape, built)
Designated	21 October 1992
Reference no.	600200
Significant period	1850s+ (soc) 1850s–1900s (hist) 1850s–1960s (fab-convent) 1880s–1940s (fab-main bldg) 1870s–1880
Significant components	lawn/s, gate – entrance, stained glass window/s, laundry / wash house, studio – artist's / craftsman's, aviary, garden/grounds, school/school room, classroom/classroom block/teaching area, sports field/oval/playing field, formation – tramway, terracing, gatehouse, wall/s – retaining, trees/plantings, sculpture, grotto, convent/nunnery
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The All Hallows' School Buildings are a special group of buildings in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. They belong to a Catholic private school called All Hallows' School. These buildings are very old and important. They were designed by many famous architects over many years. The oldest building is the All Hallows Convent, also known as Adderton. These historic buildings were added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992.

All Hallows' School: A Look at Its History

All Hallows' Convent and School started in 1863. It was the first permanent home for the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland. The school is located on a hill called Petrie Bight. Many important buildings show how the school grew over time. The way the school is set up shows how land was bought and how the school was planned.

How All Hallows' School Began

Queensland became a separate colony from New South Wales in 1859. A new Catholic area, called a diocese, was created for Queensland. In 1859, James Quinn was chosen to be the first Bishop of Queensland. He arrived in Brisbane in 1861. Bishop Quinn brought several priests and five Sisters of Mercy with him from Ireland. Mother Mary Vincent Whitty led the Sisters.

The Sisters of Mercy were mainly teachers. Their group was started in Ireland in 1831 by Catherine McAuley. Setting up religious schools was very important in the new colony. They wanted to help people strengthen their faith. The Sisters quickly found a place to stay in Brisbane.

Adderton: The First Convent Building

In December 1863, Bishop Quinn bought a house called Adderton for the Sisters of Mercy. It used to belong to Dr. George Fullerton. Adderton was one of the biggest and best homes in Brisbane at that time. It was located on Petrie Bight.

Adderton was used as a convent for the Sisters of Mercy. It also became a boarding school. Bishop Quinn wanted to create a Catholic education system. This was why he brought the teaching Sisters to Queensland.

The school was likely named All Hallows' by Mother Vincent. It was named after All Hallows' College in Dublin. This college was named after an old church in London. All Hallows' in Brisbane worked with another school at St Stephen's. The Sisters took over managing the St Stephen's school. All Hallows' was a "select" school. Money from its fees helped support "poor" schools, like the one at St Stephen's.

Adderton was probably built in the late 1850s for Dr. Fullerton. It was on a hill that offered great views of Brisbane. The original house was a simple stone building. It had a central doorway and windows with wooden shutters. It also had chimneys and a simple roof. Many parts of the old house are still there today. These include a special winding staircase, the entrance door, and fireplaces.

On November 1, 1863, the Sisters and some students moved into Adderton. Classrooms were set up on the ground floor. The study room became a chapel. The upstairs floor was used for sleeping. This was the start of All Hallows' School and Convent. It is still the main convent for the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland. From here, the Sisters quickly started more schools and social programs.

The Sisters offered a high-quality education for young women. Students came from all over Queensland and New South Wales. For many years, more non-Catholic students attended than Catholic students. The Sisters taught music, home economics, and academic subjects.

Changes and Additions to the Convent

Adderton stayed the same until 1890. Then, big changes were planned. The old two-story house was made much larger. Another floor was added, and the building was extended. New sections were also built on the sides. These changes were designed by architects Hunter and Corrie in 1892.

The basement of the new convent had rooms for girls from the "House of Refuge." It also had work rooms and storage. The ground floor had reception rooms, offices, and dining areas. A chapel was built in one of the new sections. This chapel had beautiful stained glass windows from Munich. Verandahs were added to the front and back of the central part of the building.

A walkway was built in 1892 to connect the convent to the school building. This walkway included a bell tower. An Angelus bell was placed in the tower. This bell came with the Sisters from Ireland in 1861. It still rings every day at noon.

The Sisters of Mercy also helped people in need. In 1875, they started a House of Mercy at All Hallows'. This place helped women who were poor or had problems. It gave them a safe place to stay and work. A separate building for the House of Mercy was built in 1878. A large laundry was built nearby in 1897. This was a main workplace for the women in the House of Mercy.

The north-eastern part of the convent was extended in 1913. This added more dining, library, and bedroom areas. In 1921, the chapel was made much bigger. This extension was designed by architects Hall and Prentice. It had a simpler, more modern style. The chapel was updated again in 1968. This was to follow new rules for Catholic services.

In 1915, a small brick building was built in the garden. It was designed by architect George Henry Male Addison. This building held a life-size sculpture of Jesus' crucifixion. A grotto (a small cave-like shrine) and a statue of Our Lady were also added to the grounds by the 1930s.

The Wall, Lodge, and Gate

The Wall, Lodge and Gate, viewed from Ann Street, 2009

The area around the school changed over time. Ann Street, which was once a high road, was cut down several times. This made the convent seem like it was on top of a cliff.

In 1876, the original wall along Ann Street had to be rebuilt and extended. In 1879, a stone gatekeeper's lodge and entrance gate were built. They were designed by Rev. Joseph Augustine Canali. This gatehouse acted as a place where the convent gave help to the poor for many years.

More cuts to Ann Street happened in 1886 and 1927. The wall was made even longer. The gatehouse was also changed to be level with the new road.

The Main School Building

As the school grew, the Sisters of Mercy bought more land. In 1879, they bought land on the Ivory Street side of the school. This was for a separate school building.

Bishop Quinn laid the first stone for this new building in 1881. The architect was Andrea Giovanni Stombuco. He designed many buildings for the Catholic Church.

The All Hallows' school building is now known as the Main Building. It was finished in late 1882. It was a large three-story building. It had a central tower and two wings with open arched walkways. Bishop Quinn had planned for the central tower to be his office. He wanted to oversee the school's curriculum from there. However, he died before the building was finished.

The Main Building had classrooms, rooms for boarders, and a concert hall. A separate two-story building was also built for music practice rooms.

By 1901, the Main Building needed more space. A new section was planned by architects Hall and Dods. This new section looked very similar to the original building. It added a dining room for boarders, an extension of the concert hall, and more boarding rooms.

Thomas Ramsay Hall designed another extension to the Main Building in 1919. This section included the early music practice rooms. Two more additions were made to this wing in 1934 and 1940. These additions continued the arched walkways on the outside. As fewer students boarded at the school from 1969, the boarding rooms were changed into classrooms.

St Ann's Industrial School

In the 1850s and 1860s, there was more concern for homeless children in Australia. The government started placing neglected children in special schools. These schools offered religious and technical training.

The Sisters started an industrial school in 1868. It was called St Ann's Industrial School. It taught young girls domestic skills like cooking and sewing. The Sisters wanted to continue training girls who left orphanages. This helped them before they started working. St Ann's soon began accepting students who paid fees. The school became a highly respected training center.

In 1876, a new building was approved for the Industrial School. The land for it was bought in 1876.

Andrea Stombuco designed the new building. However, money problems delayed its construction. Tenders were called again in 1893. The new designs were by FDG Stanley and Son. St Ann's was finished in 1894. The Queensland Governor, Sir Henry Wylie Norman, officially opened it.

A newspaper report from the opening said the school was largely self-supporting. It was a place for dressmakers and needleworkers. It helped young people learn useful trades.

Changes in education led to St Ann's partly closing in the 1940s. The building was then used as a boarding house for young women. In 1964, the building was updated. Its lower floors became classrooms for the growing school.

Other Important Buildings

All Hallows' School and Convent grew a lot at different times. The 1880s and early 1890s saw the Main Building and the first big convent extension. In the 1920s and 30s, the convent was extended again. The Main Building was extended twice. Several smaller buildings were also built. These included the chaplain's residence, St Brigid's, and an art studio.

The art studio was built in 1922. It was designed by Hall and Prentice. This small building was made to have lots of natural light. It had large windows and skylights.

Hall and Prentice also designed two other buildings on the campus. These were a chaplain's residence built in 1936 and St Brigid's, a classroom block, built in 1924. These buildings have similar classical details.

Next to St Brigid's is a small eight-sided building. It has a high, pointed roof. This building was originally an aviary (for birds). Now, it is used for classrooms and meetings.

Newer buildings on the site include McCauley Hall (1958). It was the first Catholic teachers' college in Queensland. Aquinas Hall (1964) is a four-story building with labs for languages, history, and science. Loreto Hall (1985) is a gymnasium complex. It has a large auditorium and art rooms. Loreto Hall replaced an older building called Nazareth.

In 1913, All Hallows' got one of the first school swimming pools in Queensland. A new pool was built in 1960.

What the All Hallows' Buildings Look Like

All Hallows' Convent and School is in a very noticeable spot in Fortitude Valley. It is surrounded by several streets. The school has great views of Spring Hill, the Brisbane River, and the Brisbane CBD.

Most of the buildings face inward. They are arranged around a central terraced area. This area looks out over the Brisbane River. The main entrance to the school is from Ann Street. A driveway goes through the school and convent grounds.

The buildings include the convent, St Ann's (the old Industrial School), the Main Building, McCauley Hall, Aquinas Hall, and Loreto. There are also smaller buildings like the art studio, St Brigid's classrooms, the chaplain's residence, and the gatekeeper's lodge. The school also has beautiful outdoor areas. These include the central terraced area, lawns, playing fields, and gardens.

The Convent Building

The convent is a large four-story stone building. It includes the original Adderton house, the chapel, and other additions. There is also a former House of Mercy and a wooden laundry building.

The central part of the convent runs parallel to Ann Street. The chapel is in the south-western wing. The north-eastern wing is used for bedrooms. The convent was built in three main stages. These were the Adderton house (1850s), the 1891-92 extension, and the chapel extension (1921).

The front of the convent has projecting sections at both ends. These sections have sloped roofs hidden by decorative walls. They have round and square arched windows. The south-western wing has a newer entrance porch for the chapel.

The building has a slate roof. Decorative gables are spaced along the roofline. Verandahs surround the central section and north-eastern wing on the lower two floors. These verandahs have cast iron columns and railings. The windows have wooden shutters.

Many parts of the original Adderton house are still there. These include the front, old windows, and the doorway with a stained glass fanlight.

Inside, the entrance door opens into a hallway. Parlours are on either side. These rooms have marble fireplaces. A winding wooden staircase leads to the first floor. The convent has plastered walls and wooden floors. Old fireplaces and other features are still in the basement.

The chapel wing has two parts. The older 1890 chapel is at the front. The 1921 extension is at the back. The extension has a simpler classical style. It has arched windows and decorative details. The chapel has a traditional layout with a central nave and side aisles.

Inside, you can clearly see the two building stages. The older part has wooden ceilings and paneled walls. A row of arches separates it from the 1921 extension. A pipe organ is on the floor above the older chapel section.

The chapel extension has a classical design. It has arched doorways and openings. The ceiling is curved. The sanctuary, at the end of the chapel, is semi-circular. It has a large painting of Jesus. Stained glass windows from Munich are on either side.

The former House of Mercy is a two-story building. It is U-shaped and located in the rear courtyard of the convent. External walkways lead to many small wooden rooms.

Behind the convent is a simple wooden building. It has a sloped roof and large vents. This building was used as a laundry.

The Main School Building

The Main Building is the main school building. It is in the eastern corner of the school grounds. It has great views of the Brisbane River and the city. This three-story stone building is inspired by classical architecture.

The building was constructed in several stages over about 60 years. However, it looks quite unified. Especially on the sides facing the school's open areas. These sides have arched walkways, similar to the original 1882 building.

The building is mostly rectangular. A long wing extends from the eastern corner. The roof is gently sloped and partly hidden by a decorative wall. Small towers stick up through the roof. The main entrance section of the 1882 building has a larger tower with a steep roof.

Arched walkways are on the ground and first floors. Round arched windows are on the second floor. The main entrance leads to a hallway with a tiled floor. A dark wooden staircase goes up to the first floor. The concert hall has a decorative ceiling and arched windows. A stage is at one end of the hall.

The building has large rooms connected by walkways. Staircases are located near the main entrance and in the extensions. Concrete fire escape stairs and a lift are also in the building.

The north-western wing of the Main Building continues the arched design on its inner side. However, the outer side shows the different building stages.

An early two-story building for music practice rooms is part of the later wing. It is hidden on one side by new arches. This building has a decorative roof vent. Its floor levels are different from the surrounding buildings. So, small internal staircases connect the rooms.

A tuckshop wing is next to the Main Building. It is a mix of a 1933 concrete building and a brick addition from the 1960s. The 1933 part still has its original roof and details.

St Ann's Building

St Ann's, seen from Ann Street, 2009

St Ann's is a large three-story stone building. It faces Ann Street and is the only building on the site that directly faces the street. The building's design shows influence from Gothic revival architecture. This can be seen in its pointed arched windows and decorative details.

The building has a central section with balconies. It is flanked by two side wings. These wings have steep, decorative gables. They also have groups of tall, narrow windows. Small round windows and statue niches add to the decoration. The stone on the Ann Street side is carved to look like blocks.

A central staircase with a stone railing leads to the ground floor verandah. The verandah has a corrugated iron ceiling. It is supported by cast iron columns. The railings also have a decorative pattern.

The main entrance door has stained glass panels from Munich. It opens into a hallway. A decorative archway separates the entrance from the main hallway. Inside, the building has plastered walls, wooden ceilings, and wooden floors.

The main staircase is in a special section. It has turned wooden balusters and carved newel posts. Another simpler staircase is in the southern corner.

The chapel is in the north-eastern wing of the ground floor. It is a long room. The end of the room has a decorative wooden ceiling and stained glass windows. A sanctuary, with a small marble altar, is at the end of the chapel. Classrooms fill the rest of the ground and first floors. The second floor has old bedroom cells. The basement has parts of old brick fireplaces.

A one-story brick extension is next to St Ann's. It has a sloped roof and a verandah.

Other Important Features

Many smaller buildings and outdoor areas are also important at All Hallows'. These include the Ann Street and Kemp Place retaining wall, the gateway, and the lodge. There is also a chaplain's residence, St Brigid's classroom block, and the art studio.

The stone retaining wall runs along Ann Street and Kemp Place. It is made of rough stone and varies in height.

The gatekeeper's lodge and gateway are part of the Ann Street wall. The gateway is the main entrance to the school. It is made of stone and has classical details. The archway has a cast iron plate with the letters AMDG. Stone carvings of urns are on top of the gateway. A carved globe with a copper cross is in the center.

The gatekeeper's lodge is next to the gateway. It is a two-story building. Its Ann Street side is a continuation of the school's wall. It has two stories of arched windows. Inside, the building has wooden floors, plastered walls, and a wooden staircase.

Next to the gatehouse is a small stone building. This is the chaplain's residence. It is a one-story building with classical details. It has two main rooms inside. St Brigid's, a classroom block, is similar in detail. Between St Brigid's and the chaplain's residence is a six-sided building. It has a pointed roof and was once an aviary. Now, it is a classroom.

The old art studio is between the Main Building and the convent. It is a single-story concrete building. It was designed to have lots of natural light and air. It has large windows and a central doorway.

McCauley Hall is a four-story brick building. It was built in 1958. Aquinas Hall is also a four-story brick building. It was opened in 1964.

In the gardens near the chapel, there is a small brick building. It holds life-size statues of Jesus' crucifixion. This structure has a sloped roof and decorative brickwork.

Many of the open spaces, gardens, and old trees are important to the school's look. The split-level Terrace is a lawn area that offers views of the river. St Gertrude's playing grounds have important plants, like a bougainvillea hedge and a large weeping fig tree. The gardens around the convent create a quiet space. There are many large, old trees on the site.

Heritage Listing of All Hallows' School Buildings

All Hallows' Convent and School was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it is a very important historical site.

• Shows Queensland's History: All Hallows' Convent was the first permanent home for the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland. It has been a key place for their work ever since. The school shows how education developed, especially in private schools in Queensland.
• Rare Historical Features: Some buildings show old customs that are no longer common. St Ann's was one of the few Industrial Schools in Brisbane. It provides rare evidence of early technical education. The gatehouse was used to give help to the poor. The convent, with the House of Mercy, shows how the Sisters of Mercy helped women in need. The core of the convent, Adderton, is one of Brisbane's oldest surviving houses. It has rare features like a special winding staircase.
• Potential for Historical Information: Studying Adderton could reveal old building methods and how the land was used.
• Shows Key Characteristics of Cultural Places: The site has changed a lot, but very few buildings have been torn down. This means it shows a complete record of the school's growth. It is a great example of a 19th-century convent and school. The way the site is planned shows the Catholic approach to female education.
• Aesthetic Significance: All Hallows' is a very noticeable part of inner Brisbane. It is a major landmark because of its dramatic skyline. The school is planned in a connected way, focusing on central courtyards. Many individual buildings are beautiful and show the work of Brisbane's best architects. The site has both large, well-designed buildings and smaller structures. These smaller buildings add to the overall look. The buildings have good design for Brisbane's climate. Many features, like the wooden carvings and stained glass, show high-quality craftsmanship.
• Strong Community Connection: The school and convent are strongly linked to many important people in Queensland history. These include Archbishops Quinn, Dunne, and Duhig. Mother Mary Vincent Whitty started the Sisters of Mercy in Queensland. Many famous architects and builders also worked on the site.
• Special Association with Important Groups: All Hallows' has special connections with the Catholic Church as a major secondary school for girls. It is also the main convent and school for the Sisters of Mercy.

See Also

• All Hallows' School

Images for kids

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  Adderton Building, 2007

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  The Wall, Lodge and Gate, viewed from Ann Street, 2009

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  St Ann's, seen from Ann Street, 2009