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. It used to be a home, then a school for girls, and even an art gallery. Today, it is a house museum where you can learn about its past.
The house is located on Church Street in Maitland, New South Wales. It was built a long time ago, between 1860 and 1862. Two builders named Isaac Beckett and Samuel Owens constructed it.
Brough House is now owned by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). This group helps protect important historical places. It is also connected to Grossmann House next door, which the National Trust also owns. Brough House was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on March 1, 2002. This means it is a very important historical site.
Contents
The Story of Brough House
Maitland's Early Days
In the 1800s, Maitland was a very important town. It was a busy trading center in the Hunter Valley. The area started as a camp for people cutting timber. Soon, people realized the soil was very good for farming.
By the 1840s, Maitland became the main town in the region. Its population was even bigger than Sydney's at one point. Businesses grew quickly as Maitland became a hub for trade. It provided services and supplies to farms and other industries.
Building the Houses
During this successful time, two local businessmen built their homes. Their names were Samuel Owens and Isaac Beckett. They were partners in business since 1838. However, they did not build their houses until 1860.
Their business was quite varied. They were general merchants, tailors, and even sold wool. They also sold wine, spirits, and tobacco.
In 1860, Brough House and Grossmann House were built. They were placed across from St Mary's the Virgin Anglican Church. The location was also near the railway. This spot was chosen to be safe from floods.
Who Lived There?
Samuel Owen and his wife, Margaret Owen, lived in Brough House. After Samuel Owen passed away, the house was sold. It was bought by Mr. J. G. Rigney in 1904.
Brough House as a School and Gallery
In 1919, the Department of Education bought the house. They wanted to turn it into a school hostel. A hostel is like a boarding house for students.
Later, in 1972, the National Trust of Australia (NSW) started looking after the house. They were allowed to use the building.
In 1974, the Maitland City Council decided to use Brough House. They opened the Maitland Art Gallery there. They also shared the top floor with a music school. The Maitland City Council helps manage Brough House for the National Trust. The art gallery officially opened in 1975.
In 1978, the State Government added Grossmann House to the Brough House area. This was done to protect both historic buildings. The National Trust of Australia (NSW) became the managers for both.
The Maitland Art Gallery moved to a new location in 2003. It is now known as the Maitland Regional Art Gallery.
What Brough House Looks Like
Isaac Beckett and Samuel Owen built Brough House and Grossmann House. They built them between 1860 and 1862. These two men were strong business partners. This is why their two-story houses look almost exactly alike. They are built right next to each other.
Building Materials and Design
The main material used is local red sandstone bricks. The builders also used buff sandstone for details. Painted cast iron and timber were used in a nice way. Large verandahs are at the front and back of the house. These verandas were a key part of the design. The roof is shaped like a pyramid and covered with corrugated iron.
Inside, the house is planned well. It is easy to move around, and the main rooms are large. The front doors are actually on the side of the house. This makes the house stretch along Church Street. It also makes the verandas and views even better. The original wooden parts inside are made of cedar. Other parts like plaster and floor tiles are simple.
The gardens around the houses were big. Since the two houses were built to be similar, even the laundry building was shared. It was placed exactly in the middle of both properties. This simple, rectangular building had a wall inside. This wall divided the space, giving each house its own laundry area.
As of 2000, Brough House was in good condition. Most of its original features were still there.
Changes Over Time
- 1920s: A kitchen was added to Brough House. Also, washrooms were put on the upper floor.
- 1965: The shutters on the ground floor were fixed. A small apartment was made on the first floor for a person who looked after the house.
- 1974: Small changes were made to Brough House. This was to help it work as an art gallery. It also allowed two rooms on the first floor to be used for music practice.
- 1979: The front verandas were put back on the house. They had been missing for a long time.
- 1986: The verandas facing the street were fixed up again.
Why Brough House is Important
Brough House is a large Victorian-style town house. It forms an interesting pair with Grossmann House next door. Both houses have been mostly restored to their original look. They were built by business partners. They show an impressive example of homes from the 1860s. These two buildings are also important because of their connection to the original owners. Their later use as part of the Maitland Girls' High School also adds to their history.
Brough House was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on March 1, 2002. It met several important reasons for this listing:
- It shows how history unfolded in New South Wales.
Brough House shows how public education started in New South Wales. It also shows how important and rich Maitland was in the 1800s. Its location near the railway and main streets highlights this. The way the houses were designed also shows how the town grew.
- It is beautiful and shows great skill.
Brough House is a key part of Maitland's historic town look. This look includes St Mary's Church, large fig trees, and other old homes. Brough House is right next to St. Mary's Church. It looks like Grossmann House next door. These two buildings are in the Victorian style. They show the grand homes built during a rich time for Maitland. They make the street look very attractive and add to the whole area.
- It has a strong connection to the community.
Brough House is important to the community. It has been used by the public for a long time. It was a school, a museum, and an art gallery. This long history of public use makes it socially recognized.
- It can help us learn about history.
Brough House acts as a museum. It helps us understand what life was like in early Maitland. It connects well with other 1800s buildings nearby.
- It is rare and special.
Brough House is a rare and complete Victorian townhouse. It accurately shows what the 1800s were like. This is seen through its furniture and how it was built.
- It shows important features of its type.
These properties show what 1800s architecture was like. They are two complete and identical Victorian Townhouses. The furniture inside also shows what the times were like. Its long connection with the Education Department is also important.
See also
