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 special historic place in Guildford, Australia. It has been many things over the years. It started as a family home, then became a school, a children's home, and now it's a place for a historical society.
This beautiful building was designed and built in 1891 by George McCredie. It's also known by other names like Linwood Hall or Guildford Truant School. Today, it's owned by the Cumberland Council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. Linnwood was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2003 because of its important history.
Contents
A Look at Linnwood's Past
Early Days in Guildford
Long ago, the land around Guildford was set aside for churches and schools. This was to help pay for their upkeep in Parramatta. In 1837, the first big 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 late 1800s, the area slowly grew. Many large land estates were divided up. A school was built in 1871, showing the community was growing. People described Guildford as a "fruit growing district." It was known for its hills, fields, and orchards.
The McCredie Family's 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 became a carpenter and later an architect and engineer. His company, A.L. & G. McCredie and Sons, helped build many important buildings in Sydney. These included warehouses, factories, and even parts of the Sydney GPO.
In 1900, George McCredie took on a very important job. He helped clean up The Rocks area of Sydney. This was after a serious health outbreak. He worked hard to make the area safe and clean. Sadly, George became ill and passed away in 1903 at Linnwood. He was only 44.
After George's death, his wife Susan continued to live at Linnwood for a while. She later leased and then sold the property. The community also built the George McCredie Memorial Church in his honor.
Linnwood house sits on a hill with a long, winding driveway. The gardens used to be very grand. They had fountains, a summer house, and even a small hall for church services. The house itself is built in the Italianate style. It has beautiful stained glass windows and doors.
Linnwood as a School and Home
In 1917, the Department of Education bought Linnwood. They wanted to use it as a special school for children who often missed school. This was called the Guildford Truant School. The idea was to help these children get back on track with their education.
The school was like a boarding school. Boys lived in dormitories and had classes on site. The goal was to help them avoid future problems. The school grew over the years, adding more beds and classrooms. By 1924, it could house 100 boys. The boys also helped with chores like gardening and cleaning.
During the 1930s, fewer children were missing school. So, the Truant School closed in 1936.
A Home for Girls
After the Truant School closed, Linnwood became a home for girls. It was called a "domestic science training school" for girls aged 12 to 15. These girls learned important life skills. They studied cooking, sewing, and home management. They also went on fun outings like trips to the theater and picnics. They even had their own Girl Guides troop!
Life at Linnwood taught the girls valuable lessons. They learned to cook meals and keep the gardens tidy. They also enjoyed activities like ballet and sports.
In 1956, a fire caused damage to Linnwood. It started in the kitchen and spread through the roof. The girls helped move furniture and tried to put out the fire. The building was later repaired.
New Buildings for Children
Over the years, more buildings were added to the Linnwood property.
- McCredie Cottage opened in 1970. It was specially designed for young children, aged preschool to 8 years old. It had a friendly, non-threatening design. Older girls from Linnwood helped care for the children there.
- Faulds House opened in 1976. It provided a family-like setting for girls of primary and high school age. They attended local schools.
In the 1980s, Linnwood itself became a hostel for teenagers. It housed both boys and girls up to 16 years old. They learned how to live independently and manage their own lives.
Linnwood Today: A Museum
In 1985, Linnwood became the "Linnwood Museum." The Holroyd and District Historical Society started running it. They wanted to share the history of this special place with everyone.
In 2002, a group called the Friends of Linnwood Hall was formed. They worked hard to save Linnwood from being sold. They also raised money to help restore the historic house. Today, Linnwood continues to be a valuable community resource.
What Linnwood Looks Like
Linnwood Hall sits on a ridge with large grounds. You can still see many old trees and garden features. The main entrance has old timber gate posts. A winding driveway leads up to the house.
The main building, Linnwood Hall, is a large, single-story house. It has a classic Italianate style. You can see verandas, French windows, and beautiful stained glass. Inside, many original features are still there.
Other buildings on the property include McCredie Cottage, Isaacs, and Faulds House. There are also two swimming pools, though they are now covered.
Current Condition
Linnwood's grounds still show signs of its past. There are old tree plantings and parts of the original garden layout. These areas might hold clues about how the property looked long ago.
While some parts of the property have changed over time, much of Linnwood is still intact. The main building and its grounds keep their historic charm.
Why Linnwood is Important
Linnwood is important for many reasons. It tells us about the history of New South Wales.
- A Place of Care: For over 80 years, Linnwood was a place of welfare. It housed and educated children who needed help. It was the only Truant School in NSW from 1917 to 1936. It also taught girls important skills at the Domestic Science School.
- A Wealthy Home: It shows us what a country home for a successful businessman looked like in the late 1800s. The size and details of the house reflect the lifestyle of that time.
- Connected to Key People: Linnwood is linked to George McCredie. He was a local leader and played a big role in cleaning up Sydney during a health crisis. His work and photographs are important historical records.
- Architectural Beauty: The house itself is a beautiful example of late Victorian Italianate style. McCredie Cottage is also special. It was designed to be welcoming for young children.
- Community Connection: Linnwood is important to the local community. It has been used for social activities and is seen as a valuable resource. It also holds memories for the many children who lived and learned there.
Linnwood is a rare and special place. It shows us how society has changed over time. It also highlights how people cared for children in need.
See also
- Australian residential architectural styles
