Beale Cottage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beale Cottage |
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Beale Cottage in 2009
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| Location | Hamilton, New Zealand |
| Built | 1872 |
| Architect | Bernard Charles Beale |
| Governing body | Hamilton City Council |
| Designated | 19 March 1987 |
| Reference no. | 769 |
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Beale Cottage is a very old house in Hamilton, New Zealand. It was built in 1872, making it one of the oldest homes still standing in the city. A doctor named Bernard Beale, who was one of the first European settlers in Hamilton, designed it.
Dr. Beale used the cottage as his family home, his doctor's office (surgery), and a place to keep important records. The cottage is important because of its link to Dr. Beale and how modern medicine started in Hamilton. Because of this, the Hamilton City Council made the cottage an Historic Reserve in 1994. It is also listed as a Category I heritage site by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
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Who Was Dr. Bernard Beale?
Bernard Charles Beale was born in London, England, on September 10, 1830. He studied at London Hospital from 1849 to 1852 to become a doctor. In 1861, he moved to Nelson, New Zealand. Four years later, in 1865, he settled in Hamilton as part of the Waikato militia.
Militia members were given land for their service. On July 3, 1872, Dr. Beale bought the land where Beale Cottage stands today. He became a member of the Hamilton Borough Council in 1878 and later became the Mayor. However, his time as Mayor was short because he was known for being easily angered.
Dr. Beale faced financial difficulties and was declared bankrupt in 1879. In 1881, Beale Cottage was sold to Edward Aeneus Harker. Dr. Beale left Hamilton in 1886 with his wife and nine children, moving to Auckland. He retired there and passed away in 1910 at the age of 79. Dr. Beale was a respected man, and many people appreciated his work as a doctor.
What Does Beale Cottage Look Like?
Dr. Beale designed the cottage himself. It looks like a typical colonial house from the early days of settlement. Beale Cottage has lasted through many years and different weather conditions. The house is still in good shape, and most of its original parts are still there.
The design of the home shows what life was like for an early doctor, both in his work and at home. It is thought that the original house had a square shape with four rooms and a hallway in the middle. The front two rooms were likely the bedroom and living room. The back rooms were probably the doctor's office and the kitchen. Beale Cottage was larger than most settlers' homes from that time, which usually had smaller rooms.
Who Owned Beale Cottage?
Over the years, Beale Cottage had several owners:
- 1872 — On July 3, the land was given to Bernard Charles Beale.
- 1881 — Ownership was transferred to Edward Aeneus Harker.
- 1887 — Ownership was transferred to John Sloper Edgecumbe.
- 1919–1927 — The original land was divided into four smaller pieces. Beale Cottage is on lot 4.
- 1920 — Ownership was transferred to George Earnest Forrest.
- 1927 — Ownership was transferred to G F E Edgecumbe and J H Edgecumbe.
- 1927 — Ownership was transferred back to George Earnest Forrest.
- 1959 — Ownership passed to George Fredrick Forrest and Thomas Christopher.
- 1961 — Ownership was transferred to Louisa May Forrest.
- 1992 — Ownership was transferred to the Hamilton City Council.
Why Is Beale Cottage Protected?
In 1994, the Hamilton City Council declared the land where Beale Cottage stands an Historic Reserve. This means the council must make sure the land and the cottage are kept in their original condition. This helps protect an important part of Hamilton's history for everyone to enjoy.
Visiting Beale Cottage
If you want to visit Beale Cottage, you can do so by making an appointment. It's a great way to see a piece of Hamilton's past!
