Linnwood, Guildford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Linnwood |
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| Location | 11-35 Byron Road, Guildford, Cumberland Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1891 |
| Architect | George McCredie |
| Architectural style(s) | Victorian Italianate |
| Owner |
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| Official name: Linnwood; Linwood Hall; Lynwood Hall; Guildford Truant School | |
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 21 February 2003 |
| Reference no. | 1661 |
| Type | Historic Landscape |
| Category | Landscape - Cultural |
| Builders | George McCredie |
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Linnwood is a historic building in Guildford, Australia. It has been many things over the years: a family home, a school, a museum, and a children's home. Built in 1891, it was designed by George McCredie. You can find it at 11-35 Byron Road.
Linnwood is also known by other names like Linwood Hall and Guildford Truant School. Today, it is owned by the Cumberland Council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2003 because of its important history.
Contents
Linnwood's Fascinating History
Early Days in Guildford
Before Linnwood was built, the land around Guildford was set aside for churches and schools. This was to help fund their upkeep in Parramatta. In 1837, the first large land grants were given out. Guildford got its name from the Earl of Guildford. He was a relative of Samuel North, an early landowner.
In the 1860s and 1870s, many large estates were divided into smaller plots. A school was built in 1871. The Guildford area slowly grew in the late 1800s. People described it as a "fruit growing district." By the early 1900s, it was still a "tiny village." But a building boom happened around 1915. Guildford became a busy suburb with new homes and shops.
The McCredie Family Home
George McCredie, his wife Susan, and their nine children moved to Guildford in 1891. They built Linnwood as their country home. George McCredie quickly became very involved in the local community.
George was born in Sydney in 1859. He started as a carpenter's apprentice at age 14. By 18, he was a foreman. In 1880, he married Susan Faulds Blackwood. He later traveled the world to gain more experience. After returning, he joined his brother's architecture and engineering company.
Their company, A.L. & G. McCredie and Sons, built many important buildings in Sydney. They worked on warehouses, factories, and docks. They also helped plan tunnels for telephone wires. In 1900, George McCredie led the clean-up of The Rocks area. This was after a serious illness outbreak. It was a very dangerous but important job.
In 1892, George became a Justice of the Peace. He was also elected as an alderman and served as Mayor for the local council. He even designed the underground telephone tunnels still used today. Linnwood was the first home in Sydney to get a telephone connection!
The McCredie family lived comfortably at Linnwood. The house was designed in the Italianate style. It had beautiful stained glass windows and doors. The gardens were large with fountains and a summer house. There was even a hall where church services were held for the small town.
Sadly, George McCredie passed away in 1903 at Linnwood, aged 44. His work during the illness clean-up was thought to have affected his health. After his death, the community built the George McCredie Memorial Church in his honor. Susan McCredie later sold Linnwood to the Department of Education.
Linnwood as a School and Home
In 1917, the Department of Education bought Linnwood. They wanted to use it as a special school.
The Truant School
From 1917 to 1936, Linnwood became the only Truant School in New South Wales. A "truant" was a child who often missed school without a good reason. The school's goal was to help these boys attend school regularly. They wanted to prevent them from getting into more trouble.
The school was like a boarding school. Boys lived in dormitories and had classes on site. The staff included a superintendent, teachers, and attendants. Over time, more beds and classrooms were added. The boys also helped with chores like laundry and gardening. This taught them important life skills.
During the Great Depression in the 1930s, fewer children missed school. This was because many parents were home and could make sure their children attended. So, the number of boys at Linnwood dropped. The Truant School officially closed in 1936.
A Home for Girls
After the Truant School closed, Linnwood became a domestic science training school for girls. This was for girls aged 12 to 15 who needed a stable home. It opened in 1939. The school taught them important skills like cooking, sewing, and home management. They also learned about manners and social conduct.
The girls at Linnwood had a busy life. They went on excursions, saw ballets, and played sports like basketball. They even had their own Girl Guides troop. They also helped with chores like cooking and gardening. Life could be strict, but it also offered many opportunities.
In 1956, a fire damaged parts of Linnwood, especially the kitchen and dining areas. The girls helped carry furniture out to save it. The building was later repaired.
Over the years, more buildings were added to the Linnwood property:
- McCredie Cottage (around 1970): This was designed for preschool-aged children. It was built to feel small and welcoming, not overwhelming. Older girls from Linnwood helped care for the children here.
- Faulds House (around 1976): This provided a "family-like" setting for girls of primary and high school age. They attended local schools.
By the 1980s, Linnwood itself became a hostel for teenagers up to 16. They paid for their stay and learned to live independently. The goal was to teach them skills for coping on their own.
Linnwood Today
Since 1985, Linnwood has been home to the Linnwood Museum. It is run by the Holroyd and District Historical Society. The Friends of Linnwood Hall group has also worked hard to restore and protect this important historic house.
What Linnwood Looks Like
Linnwood Hall sits on a hill within large grounds. It has many old trees and even some original fountains. The main house is a large, single-story building in the Italianate style. It has verandas and beautiful stained glass windows inside.
Besides Linnwood Hall, there are three other main buildings on the property:
- McCredie Cottage: Located near the front of the property.
- Isaacs: Found to the west of Linnwood Hall.
- Faulds: Situated on the south side of the property.
All these buildings are made from brick, concrete, and timber. There are also two swimming pools on the property, though they are now covered.
Condition and Changes
Linnwood's grounds still have many original trees and garden features. This makes it a rare example of a large, old urban garden. The main house has been changed over the years to suit its different uses, but these changes can be reversed.
In 2011, the Linnwood Hall Estate was divided into two parts. One part, with all the buildings, is managed by the local council. The other part, an open space, is managed by the government.
Why Linnwood is Important
Linnwood is very important to the history of New South Wales for several reasons:
- A Place of Welfare: For over 80 years, Linnwood was used to help children and young people. It was the only Truant School in NSW and later a home for girls learning domestic skills. This shows how the government tried to support and educate young people who needed help.
- A Wealthy Home: It was once the country home of a rich city businessman, George McCredie. Its size and beautiful details show how wealthy people lived in the late 1800s.
- Connected to Important People: George McCredie was a key figure in the local community and in NSW history. He was a mayor and helped clean up Sydney during a serious illness outbreak. His company also built many famous buildings.
- Architectural Beauty: Linnwood Hall is a great example of a late Victorian Italianate home. McCredie Cottage is also special because it was designed specifically to be welcoming for young children.
- Community Connection: Linnwood's grounds are still used for community activities. It's a valuable place for the local Guildford community. It also holds special meaning for the many children who lived and learned there over the years.
- Historical Clues: The site has the potential to reveal more about its past through archaeological digs. This could tell us more about how the land was used and how the buildings changed over time.
- A Rare Survivor: Linnwood is one of the few remaining examples of a wealthy country retreat from its time in the local area. Its long and continuous use for welfare and education purposes is also very rare in NSW history.
