Brough House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brough House |
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Brough House on Church Street, 2018
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| Location | Church Street, Maitland, City of Maitland, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1860–1862 |
| Owner | National Trust of Australia (NSW) |
| Official name: Brough House; Grossman and Brough House Group | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 1 March 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1495 |
| Type | House |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
| Builders | Isaac Beckett, Samuel Owens. |
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Brough House is a special old building in Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. It used to be a home, then a school, and even an art gallery! Today, it's a house museum where you can learn about its past.
This historic house was built between 1860 and 1862. Two builders, Isaac Beckett and Samuel Owens, worked on it. Brough House is now looked after by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). It's right next to Grossmann House, which is also a historic building owned by the National Trust. Brough House was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on March 1, 2002, because of its important history.
Contents
Discovering Brough House History
Maitland's Busy Past
In the 1800s, Maitland was a very important town. It was a big business hub in the Hunter Valley region. The town started as a camp for convicts who cut down timber. People soon realised the soil was super fertile, perfect for farming.
By the 1840s, Maitland became the main town in the area. Its population was even bigger than Sydney's! Businesses thrived as Maitland became a trade centre. It provided services and supplies to farms and other industries.
Building Two Special Homes
During this successful time, two local businessmen, Samuel Owens and Isaac Beckett, built their homes. They were partners in business since 1838. However, their houses, Brough House and Grossmann House, weren't built until 1860.
Their business, the Owen and Beckett Partnership, sold many things. They were general merchants, tailors, and even sold wine and tobacco.
In 1860, Grossmann and Brough House were built. They were placed across from St Mary's the Virgin Anglican Church. This spot was also near the railway and safe from floods.
Who Lived in Brough House?
Samuel Owen and his wife, Margaret, lived in Brough House first. After Samuel Owen passed away, the house was sold in 1904. Mr. J. G. Rigney bought it for £1630.
Later, in 1919, the Department of Education bought the house. They wanted to turn it into a hostel for a school.
Brough House Today
In 1972, the Department of Education allowed the National Trust of Australia (NSW) to use the house. Two years later, in 1974, the Maitland City Council agreed to put the Maitland Art Gallery there. The gallery shared the top floor with a music school. The National Trust still manages Brough House with the help of the Maitland City Council. The Maitland Art Gallery opened its doors to the public in 1975.
In 1978, the State Government added Grossmann House to the Brough House historic area. The National Trust was then put in charge of managing both buildings.
The Maitland Art Gallery, now called Maitland Regional Art Gallery, moved to a new place in 2003.
What Brough House Looks Like
Isaac Beckett and Samuel Owen built Grossmann and Brough House between 1860 and 1862. These two businessmen were strong partners. This is why their houses are identical two-storey Victorian homes, built right next to each other.
Building Materials and Design
The houses are mainly built from local red sandstone bricks. They also have nice details using buff sandstone, painted cast iron, and timber. Large verandahs (covered porches) are at the front and back of the houses. These verandahs were a key part of the design. The roof is a hipped roof shape and is covered with corrugated iron.
Inside the House
The inside of Brough House is designed to be easy to move around in. It has spacious main rooms. The front doors actually lead into a central hallway, making them side entrances. The house stretches along Church Street, which gives the best views from the verandahs. The original wooden parts inside are made of cedar. Other parts, like the plaster, tiles, and timber floors, are simple and elegant.
The gardens around the houses were quite large. Since the two houses were built to be symmetrical, the laundry building was placed right in the middle of both properties. This simple, rectangular building had a wall in the middle. This gave each house its own semi-private laundry space.
Brough House was in good condition in 2000. Most of its original features are still there.
Changes Over Time
- 1920s: A kitchen and upstairs washrooms were added to Brough House.
- 1965: Shutters were put back on the ground floor. A small apartment was made on the first floor for a person who lived there to look after the house.
- 1974: Small changes were made to Brough House. This was to help it work as an art gallery. It also allowed the Newcastle Conservatorium to use two music practice rooms upstairs.
- 1979: The front verandahs were put back after being missing for a long time.
- 1986: The verandahs facing the street were restored again.
Why Brough House is Important
Brough House is a large Victorian town house. It forms an interesting pair with its twin, Grossmann House, next door. Both are now mostly restored to their original look. They were built by business partners and show an impressive residential style from the 1860s. The history of these two buildings is very interesting. This includes their first owners and their later use as part of the Maitland Girls' High School.
Brough House was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on March 1, 2002. It met several important requirements.
A Glimpse into History
Brough House shows how public education started in New South Wales. It also highlights how rich and important Maitland was in the 1800s. Its location, between the railway station and High streets, was very strategic. The design of these Victorian houses also adds to the historical importance of how the town grew.
Beautiful Design and Location
Brough House is a key part of Maitland's historic 1800s town view. This view includes St Mary's Church, large fig trees, and other old homes and gardens. Brough House is on Church Street, right next to St. Mary's Church. It looks just like its neighbour, Grossmann House. These two buildings were built side-by-side in a Victorian style, but with a simple Georgian feel. They are typical of the large homes built during that time. The buildings show a time when Maitland was very successful. So, Brough House makes the street and the whole area look beautiful and historically rich.
Important to the Community
Brough House is important to the community for social reasons. It has been used by the public for a long time. It was a schoolhouse, a museum, and an art gallery. This long connection with the public makes it socially recognised and valued.
Learning from the Past
Brough House acts as a museum. It helps us understand what urban life was like in early Maitland. It connects well with other 1800s buildings nearby.
A Rare Find
Brough House is a rare and well-preserved Victorian townhouse. It gives an accurate look at the 1800s through its furniture and architecture.
Showing a Type of History
These properties represent 1800s architecture. They are two intact, identical Victorian townhouses. The furniture inside shows what life was like back then. Their long connection with the Education Department also tells an important story.
