Goulburn Court House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Goulburn Court House |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Court house |
| Architectural style | Victorian Free Classical |
| Location | Goulburn, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 34°45′21″S 149°43′09″E / 34.7557335049°S 149.7190884150°E |
| Construction started | 1885 |
| Completed | 1887 |
| Opened | 14 October 1887 by Sir Frederick Darley, Chief Justice of NSW |
| Cost | A£24,593 |
| Owner | Government of New South Wales |
| Landlord | Department of Justice |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Sandstone; internal timber joinery; copper sheeting in roof and dome |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | James Barnet with Edward Rumsey |
| Architecture firm | Colonial Architect of New South Wales |
| Main contractor | David Jones |
| Official name | Goulburn Court House and Residence |
| Type | Built |
| Criteria | a., c., d., e., f., g. |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 00793 |
The Goulburn Court House is a very old and important building located at 4 Montague Street in Goulburn, Australia. It was designed by James Barnet, who was the main architect for the New South Wales government at the time, along with his assistant Edward Rumsey. The building was constructed between 1885 and 1887 by a builder named David Jones. Today, it is owned by the New South Wales Department of Justice. Because of its historical and architectural importance, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
Contents
A Look at Goulburn's Court Houses
Goulburn has had four different courthouses over time. The very first one was built around 1830. It was a simple building made from rough timber.
A design for a second courthouse was made in 1834, but we don't know if it was actually built. The third courthouse was designed in 1835 by Mortimer Lewis. However, it wasn't built until 1847.
This current building, the fourth courthouse, was designed by James Barnet. Its construction was delayed because a new jail was being built in Goulburn. The new courthouse was finished in 1887. The third courthouse then became the Lands Office in 1888.
Who Built the Goulburn Court House?
The builder for this impressive courthouse was David Jones, who came from Bathurst. He had just finished building the Bathurst Courthouse. The Goulburn Court House took two and a half years (30 months) to build. It cost about 24,593 Australian pounds at that time.
The building was designed to have separate rooms for different types of courts. This included the Circuit Court, which handled more serious cases, and the Magistrates Court, for smaller legal matters.
Changes to the Grounds Over Time
The stone wall and iron fence around the courthouse were not built until 1900. The local newspaper, the Goulburn Herald, announced that bids for building the fence were open until October 1899. The gardens around the courthouse were also planted at this time.
What the Goulburn Court House Looks Like
The Goulburn Court House is a grand and impressive building. It was designed in a style called Victorian Free Classical. This style is known for its formal and balanced look.
Key Features of the Design
The building is symmetrical, meaning it looks the same on both sides. In the middle, it has a copper dome that sits on an eight-sided base. On each side of the dome, there are wings with arched walkways on the ground floor. The main entrance has an arched porch with a triangular roof.
The building is made of unique reddish-brown bricks. It also has decorative sandstone carvings. Inside, the two courtrooms are quite large, each about 15 meters long and 9 meters wide. They have public viewing areas that can be reached by stone stairways. The walls, floors, and ceilings inside are beautifully decorated with plaster and cedar wood. Everything is still in excellent condition.
The Gardens and Fences
The front of the building faces a formal garden. This garden has old, interesting trees, green lawns, and shrubs. A tall iron fence with beautiful gates and stone gate posts surrounds the garden.
The building has been kept in great condition with very few changes over the years. This means it still looks much like it did when it was first built. The old plants and features in the garden also help it keep its original look.
Major Changes and Updates
Over the years, the Goulburn Court House has seen some changes:
- 1830-1832: The first courthouse was built in Goulburn.
- 1833: Land was set aside for a permanent jail and courthouse.
- 1835: The third courthouse was designed.
- 1847-1848: The third courthouse was finally built.
- 1884-1887: The current, fourth courthouse was built.
- 1888: The third courthouse became the Crown Lands Office.
- 1900: The fence and gardens were completed.
- 1971 & 1991: Minor changes were made to the courthouse.
- 1982-1985: The Petty Sessions court became the Local Court.
Why the Goulburn Court House is Important
The Goulburn Court House is considered very important for several reasons. It is part of a group of old Victorian-era public buildings in Goulburn. These buildings, along with the Bathurst Court House, show how New South Wales grew in the late 1800s. Towns like Goulburn changed from places where prisoners were kept to important centers for government.
A Symbol of Growth and Confidence
The courthouse and its setting show a time when the town was growing and people felt confident about the future. It represents Goulburn becoming a more developed and important town. It also shows how people worked hard to improve their town.
A Masterpiece of Design
The design of the Goulburn Court House is a major achievement by architect James Barnet and his team. The grand and expensive style of courthouses like Goulburn and Bathurst was not repeated after the economic downturn of the 1890s. This makes the Goulburn Court House a rare and special example of a Victorian courthouse with a beautiful garden. Many other courthouses either didn't have large gardens or their gardens don't look like they did in Victorian times.
The building is a fantastic example of Victorian Free Classical design. It shows excellent architectural skill. The way it was built, using high-quality materials and craftsmanship, is also exceptional. Every detail, from the stone carvings and brickwork to the metal and timber, is of the highest quality. Even small things like the ventilation and door handles are perfectly made.
A Community Landmark
The Goulburn Court House has been used for its original purpose for over 100 years and continues to be used today. The community cares deeply about the courthouse and its gardens. People use it for events like weddings and other community activities. It is a symbol of unity and a place for important moments in the community.
Learning from the Past
There might be old things hidden under the floor of the courthouse. These could tell us more about how the building was constructed and what was on the site before it. This makes it a place with the potential to teach us more about the history of New South Wales.
