Narrabri Gaol and Residence facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Narrabri Gaol and Residence |
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Former Narrabri Gaol, 2018
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| Location | Bowen Street, Narrabri, Narrabri Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1880–1881 |
| Architect | James Barnet |
| Owner | Narrabri Shire Council |
| Official name: Narrabri Gaol and Residence | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 344 |
| Type | Gaol/Lock-up |
| Category | Law Enforcement |
| Builders | J. Conlon |
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The Narrabri Gaol and Residence is a special old building in Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia. It used to be a gaol, which is another word for a jail. Now, it's a museum where you can learn about its past.
This historic site is located on Bowen Street in Narrabri. A famous architect named James Barnet designed the building. It was built between 1880 and 1881 by J. Conlon. Today, the Narrabri Shire Council owns the property. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it's a very important building that needs to be protected.
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History of Narrabri Gaol
The very first government buildings on this site were a courthouse and a small lock-up. A lock-up is a place where people were held for a short time. This first lock-up was built around 1865. It had two cells and could hold up to six people.
In 1875, they made it a bit bigger. They filled in the space between the two cells to create an extra cell. This allowed them to hold two more people. These early buildings were located where the second courthouse's front yard is now.
By late 1877, the lock-up was often full. There were also some escapes. Because of this, the person in charge asked for a bigger and better place to hold people.
In 1880, plans were made for a new gaol and a home for the gaoler. The famous Colonial Architect, James Barnet, designed these new buildings. His plans were available for people to see at the Colonial Architects Office. You could also see them at the Narrabri Court House.
Many builders offered to construct the new gaol. J. Conlon's offer was accepted on 20 October 1880. He was paid A£3,590, eight shillings and sixpence for the work. The new gaol and residence were built between 1880 and 1881.
On 10 October 1886, the government officially set aside this land for the gaol. They also set aside land for the courthouse and police station. This made sure the area was used for law enforcement purposes.
What the Gaol Looks Like
The Narrabri Gaol is a very formal and impressive building. It has a main section in the middle with a fancy triangular top, called a pediment. There's also a small spire, or fleche, on the roof. On either side of the main building, facing the street, are tall brick walls. These walls have special corner stones, called quoins, and round stone balls on top.
A wooden verandah is at the main entrance. This is a covered porch area. At the back of the building, there are many single-story sections. These were used as cells and service areas. All these parts are made of strong brick covered in stucco.
The walls of the building are very thick and solid. In the part where people lived, the outside walls are about 350 millimeters thick. Inside walls are about 225 millimeters thick. In the gaol section, the outside walls are even thicker, about 450 millimeters. The inside walls are about 350 millimeters thick. The floors are raised about 750 millimeters above the ground.
The roof is made of timber with pine boards. It is covered with corrugated galvanised iron. All the wood used in the roof is cypress pine.
Changes Over Time
The Narrabri Gaol has been changed a few times since it was built.
- 1882-1883: A water tank was added.
- 1890: A new section was built, probably for a kitchen and wash house.
- 1898: More rooms were added, likely two bedrooms, a bathroom, and another verandah.
- 1946: Some parts were taken down, like the old kitchen, wash house, and some bedrooms. A dining room was extended.
- 1988: The verandah at the Bowen Street entrance was completely rebuilt. Its floorboards were replaced again in 2010.
- 1995: Parts of the wall around the back yard were strengthened.
- 11997: The wall around the eastern yard was also strengthened and partly rebuilt.
Why Narrabri Gaol is Important
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The Narrabri Gaol is a very important historical site. It was designed by the famous Colonial Architect, James Barnet. It worked as a gaol for 101 years! For most of that time, it was used exactly as it was first designed. It shows us how punishment was handled in the past, which is very different from today.
The way this country gaol looks is quite special. It has a very formal and balanced front and a strong enclosing wall. It stands out on Bowen Street and is a key part of the town's look. Because it was a police gaol and served other local needs, it became a big part of life in Narrabri. It has strong connections with the local community.
The Narrabri Gaol and Residence was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it meets several important rules:
- It shows how history unfolded in New South Wales.
* It was designed by an important architect, James Barnet. * It was used as a gaol for over a century. This helps us understand how the justice system worked long ago.
- It is beautiful and shows great design or building skill.
* Its unique design for a country gaol, with its formal front and enclosing wall, makes it special. * It's a very noticeable and important building in Narrabri, especially on Bowen Street.
- It is important to the community for social or cultural reasons.
* It is a key part of the important government buildings in Narrabri. * Because it was a police gaol, it was a big part of daily life in Narrabri. It has strong ties to the local people.
- It is rare or uncommon in New South Wales history.
* It is one of only a few country gaols built between 1865 and 1890 during James Barnet's time. * It was also one of the last gaols of its kind to be closed down.
