Old Government House, Brisbane facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Government House |
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Front facade view
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| Former names | Government House |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Classical revival |
| Location | Brisbane, Queensland |
| Address | 2 George Street, Brisbane City |
| Coordinates | 27°28′38″S 153°01′45″E / 27.4773°S 153.0291°E |
| Current tenants | Queensland University of Technology |
| Construction started | 1860 |
| Completed | 1862 |
| Owner | Queensland Government |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 2 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Charles Tiffin |
| Main contractor | Joshua Jeays |
Old Government House is a very important building in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. It was the first official home for Queensland's Governor. You can find it at Gardens Point, inside the Queensland University of Technology campus. This building was one of the first big projects for the new Government of Queensland. It's so special that it's protected on the Queensland Heritage Register.
Contents
Queensland's First Governor's Home
Building Design and Materials
This grand building was made for Sir George Bowen, Queensland's very first Governor, and his family. In 1860, just one month after the first Queensland parliament met, they decided to fund a new Government House.
The chosen spot was a high point at Gardens Point. It offered amazing views of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Brisbane River. There was a small problem, though: Brisbane hadn't officially been chosen as the capital city yet!
The building has two floors and was designed in 1860 by the colonial architect Charles Tiffin. He used a style called Classical revival. The front part of the house held the Governor's public and private rooms. The back part was for the service areas, like kitchens. The front looked simple, not too fancy, so it wouldn't upset politicians or people from the country.
The first part of the building was finished in March 1862 by builder Joshua Jeays. It was built using materials found nearby. The front walls are made of sandstone. The service areas use a local stone called Brisbane tuff. Inside, you can see beautiful red cedar and hoop pine wood, along with cast iron.
Sir George Bowen and His Family
Before the new house was ready, Governor Bowen and his family lived in a temporary home called Adelaide House. They moved into the new Government House in April 1862.
The first big party there was a ball on June 16, 1862. It celebrated Queen Victoria's birthday! About 300 to 400 guests enjoyed dancing, drinks, and card games. The new house was praised for being big enough for the Governor to host such large events. Supper was served outside under a canvas roof, lit by candles and Chinese lanterns. The dancing went on until 4 AM!
Just a month later, Lady Diamantina Bowen gave birth to their daughter, Agnes, in the house. She was likely the first child born there. Their son, George William Howard, was also born at Government House in 1864.
Lady Diamantina loved gardening. She helped develop the lawns and flower gardens around the house. She also worked with Walter Hill, who managed the nearby Brisbane Botanic Gardens. They even held large public events that spread from the house grounds into the Botanic Gardens.
At first, the house was lit by candles and kerosene lamps. Later, gas lights were installed, but the pipes were too small. This meant they couldn't turn on all the lights at once!
In 1866, a protest called the Bread or Blood riot happened, and there was a threat to attack Government House. Many government workers became special police officers to help keep the peace.
Changes Over Time
This building was home to the first 11 Governors of Queensland and their families. Over the years, some changes were made. The open upper terraces were covered, turning them into Queenslander-style verandahs. In 1873, a roof was added over the balcony. By the late 1870s, people thought the house was too small, especially for big parties.
Some additions were made at the back, mostly for the service areas. Larger gas pipes were finally installed so all the lights could be used. Even though Brisbane had electricity by the late 1880s, it was considered too expensive to add to Government House.
Around 1900, a billiard room was added for Lord Lamington. The inside of the house was also updated and redecorated between 1985 and 1996.
The Last Governor to Live Here
By 1909, Government House was almost 50 years old. It was seen as too small for the Governor, especially because it didn't have a ballroom for entertaining. So, it was decided that the building would become the start of Queensland's first university, the University of Queensland. A special plaque on the building remembers this change in December 1909.
In early 1910, the Governor, Sir William MacGregor, moved to a rented house called Fernberg in Paddington. This was meant to be temporary while a new Government House was built. However, the new project was stopped for some reason. In 1911, the government bought Fernberg, and it became the permanent Government House of Queensland, which it still is today.
Becoming a University Campus
The University of Queensland's Early Days
On December 10, 1909, Old Government House was given to the new University of Queensland. This was part of the celebrations for Queensland's 50th birthday! The university had electricity connected to the building around 1911.
The University of Queensland used the building until the late 1930s. By then, the university had grown too big for the Gardens Point campus and moved to its main campus at St Lucia.
Protecting a Historic Building
Old Government House has also been the main office in Queensland for the National Trust of Australia. Concerts have been held inside the building too.
In 1969, the National Trust of Queensland put Old Government House on its first list of important heritage buildings. This helped protect it from being torn down. In March 1978, it became the very first building protected by Queensland's heritage laws.
Queensland University of Technology's Role
In 2002, the National Trust of Queensland, the Queensland Government, and Queensland University of Technology (QUT) made an agreement. QUT became the caretaker of Old Government House.
QUT spent three years carefully restoring the building. It reopened in 2009 with a ceremony on June 7, 2009. This marked 150 years since Queensland was established. Important people like Queensland Governor Penny Wensley and Queensland Premier Anna Bligh spoke at the event. Premier Bligh also announced that QUT could use the building for another 30 years.
Now that the building is beautifully restored, QUT uses it for events and special functions. They also offer tours and information for visitors, including interactive displays.
The Story of the Lamington
Did you know that one of Australia's most famous treats, the lamington, was invented right here? The cook, Armand Gallan, created it at Government House when Lord Lamington was the Governor of Queensland.
See also
- Government House for information about Government House in Paddington, Queensland.
- Government Houses of Australia
- Government Houses of the British Empire
- Governors of Queensland
