Old Ipswich Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Ipswich Courthouse |
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Ipswich Courthouse, 2009
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| Location | 75 East Street, Ipswich, City of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1840s - 1860s (mid-19th century) |
| Built | 1859 - 1936 |
| Architect | Charles Tiffin |
| Architectural style(s) | Romanesque |
| Official name: Ipswich Court House, Now known as Old Court House | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600575 |
| Significant period | 1850s-1860s (historical) 1859-1860s (fabric 1859 section) 1930s (fabric extension 1936) |
| Significant components | court house |
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The Old Ipswich Courthouse is a special old building in Ipswich, Australia. It used to be a place where important legal decisions were made. This building is now listed on the Queensland Heritage Register, which means it's protected because of its history and unique design. It was designed by an architect named Charles Tiffin and was built in different stages between 1859 and 1936.
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History of the Old Courthouse
The Old Ipswich Courthouse is made from sandstone and brick. The first part of the building was finished in 1859. It was designed by Charles Tiffin, who was a very important architect. He was the first official architect for the Queensland government.
When it was first built, the courthouse was used for more than just legal cases. People also held public meetings there. The original building had a main courtroom in the middle, made of sandstone. It also had two brick sections on the sides.
By 1904, the building was too small for all its work. So, in 1936, a large new section was added. This new part was made of brick and included another courtroom and other rooms. With this addition, the building continued to be used as a courthouse until 1982. That's when a brand new courthouse was built somewhere else.
The Queensland government did some work to protect the old building in the 1970s and 1980s. After it stopped being a courthouse, the main judge's area was moved back to the original courtroom. The building then became a place for community and cultural events.
This courthouse is quite rare because it was built before Queensland officially separated from New South Wales. At that time, Queensland had to take on the debt for the building. This led to a long disagreement with the New South Wales government.
Ipswich has had two other courthouses built after this old one.
What the Old Courthouse Looks Like
The Old Ipswich Courthouse is a single-storey building. It is made of sandstone and brick. Its style is called Romanesque, which means it has a strong, solid look with rounded arches.
Inside the first courtroom, which was built in 1859, you can see it's divided into four main sections. The judge's bench, where the judge sat, is at the western end of this room. The side sections of the 1859 building are made of brick and each have three separate rooms.
The part of the building added in 1936 is to the west of the original sandstone section. This newer part is also made of brick. It has a large room, which was the second courtroom, and several smaller rooms. The outside of this newer section has a simple, classic design.
Around three sides of the building, there is a brick fence. This fence has brick posts and a mix of pipes and chainwire in between.
Why the Courthouse is Important
The Old Ipswich Courthouse was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. This means it's recognized as a very important part of Queensland's history and culture. Here's why:
Shows Queensland's History
This building helps us understand how Queensland developed over time. Its size and quality show how important Ipswich was as a major town back then.
A Rare Old Building
The courthouse was finished in 1859. This makes it a rare example of a government building built in Queensland before it became its own separate colony from New South Wales.
Shows What an Early Courthouse Was Like
The building still has some of its original features, like the judge's bench. It helps us see what an early courthouse looked like and how it worked.
Beautiful and Important Design
It's an unusual building made of sandstone and brick in the Romanesque style. Many people in the community value its look. It stands out at a main intersection in Ipswich. It's also part of a group of historic buildings near the city centre.
Special to the Ipswich Community
This courthouse was the main place for legal matters in Ipswich from 1859 to 1982. It was also used for early public meetings. Because of this, it has a strong connection with the people of Ipswich.
Connected to a Key Architect
The courthouse is the earliest major work in Queensland by architect Charles Tiffin. He was the Clerk of Works for the Moreton Bay area and later became Queensland's first Colonial Architect.
