Old London Bank Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old London Bank Building |
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| Location | 17 Sturt Street, Bourke, Bourke Shire, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1886–1888 |
| Architect | Terry and Oakden; architects based in Melbourne |
| Official name: Old London Bank Building; Gidgee Guesthouse | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 764 |
| Type | historic site |
| Builders | attributed to local builders / architects Perry and Hawken |
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The Old London Bank Building is a special old building in Bourke, Australia. It used to be a bank and then a place where people could stay, like a boarding house. Today, it's known as the Gidgee Guesthouse.
This building was designed by architects Terry and Oakden from Melbourne. It was built between 1886 and 1888. The Old London Bank Building is so important that it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
Contents
History of the Old London Bank Building
How Bourke Grew
Bourke officially became a town in 1862. It quickly grew and developed. Early businesses included bakers, tailors, and blacksmiths. The town kept growing through the late 1800s and early 1900s.
New technologies arrived, like the telephone in 1911. Electricity became available in the early 1930s. Many industries also started in Bourke. Wool stores and meat processing businesses were important.
Banks Come to Bourke
As Bourke grew, so did its need for banks. The first bank opened in 1865. More banks followed, including the London Chartered Bank of Australia in 1881.
Most banks first operated from rented rooms. But as they became more established, they bought land. They then built their own impressive buildings.
Building the London Bank
In April 1887, the London Chartered Bank bought land for its new building. A famous architectural firm from Melbourne, Terry and Oakden, designed it. The building was finished by 1889.
The bank and the manager's family, the Gledhills, moved in on February 12, 1889. The building served as the London Bank of Australia until 1942.
Bank's Role in the Community
During these years, the bank and its managers became a big part of Bourke's life. Bank managers and their families joined in community events. They helped with local sports and charity work.
One bank manager, Mr. Gledhill, even became the Mayor of Bourke. The bank also helped local farmers and businesses. It offered loans for properties and other needs.
Changes During Wartime
In 1942, the bank closed its Bourke branch. This happened because of a wartime plan. The plan aimed to free up people to help with the war effort.
After the bank closed, a company called Tancred Brothers bought the building. They already had a boarding house nearby. This boarding house was for their meatworks staff.
The Building as a Boarding House
The Old London Bank building then became part of the boarding house. It helped house Tancred Brothers' employees. Many of these workers were new migrants.
In 1943, a dining room was added next to the original kitchen. The boarding house managers lived in the original residence. Some senior employees also lived in rooms there.
Commonwealth Bank Lease
In 1946, the Commonwealth Bank leased the old banking area. The building's design allowed banking to continue safely. Other parts of the building still served as a boarding house.
The Commonwealth Bank operated from the building until 1956. After that, the building was again used for Tancred staff. This helped with busy times when more workers were needed.
Later Years and Restoration
Tancred's operations in Bourke faced challenges. These included droughts and changes in the market. By the 1970s, the building stopped being used for staff accommodation.
In 1981, the building was bought and used as a home. It also became a second-hand furniture repair shop. In 1988, a local group bought it with a grant. Some restoration work was done then.
From 1993 to 1997, the building was used for backpacker accommodation. More repairs were needed later due to wear and tear. Vandalism also caused problems between 1998 and 1999.
In 2001, a plan was made to fix and save the building. Work began, and in 2002, it opened as the Gidgee Guesthouse.
What the Old London Bank Building Looks Like
The former London Chartered Bank is at 17 Oxley Street in Bourke. It has five main parts today.
- 1. The Main Building
This is a two-storey brick building. It faces Oxley Street and Sturt Street. It has a single-storey part that extends to the west. The bricks are laid in a special pattern called Flemish bond. The roof is made of slate.
The two-storey part has deep verandahs on three sides. These verandahs are on both levels. The ground floor verandah has brick walls and stone tops. It has fancy cast iron posts and railings. The upper verandah has similar features.
The main entrance to the old bank is on Sturt Street. It has an arched doorway and white marble steps. The entrance to the former bank manager's home is on Oxley Street. It has an arched door with special timber decorations.
Inside the main building, you can still see the old banking area. This is now a common area for guests. The bank manager's office is now part of the guesthouse manager's home. Many original features are still there. These include wooden details and a black marble fireplace. The back part of the building has the old kitchen and dining room. They have special pressed metal ceilings.
The upper floor is reached by a decorative wooden staircase. The rooms upstairs also have many original details. The building has had some damage over time. But work is being done to fix it and bring back its original look.
- 2. The Concrete Block Building
This is a single-storey concrete block building. It is next to the original kitchen. It was added in 1943. This building was the kitchen for the boarding house. Today, it's a kitchen and dining room for backpackers.
- 3. The Accommodation Wing
This building is shaped like an 'L'. It is made of painted concrete blocks. It has a corrugated iron roof. This wing has 11 bedrooms. They open onto a verandah and a garden.
- 4. The Ablutions Block
This is a newer building. It has toilets and showers. It is at the north-western end of the accommodation wing.
- 5. The Laundry Store Room
This is a single-storey brick building. It is at the north-west corner of the main residence.
Why the Old London Bank Building is Important
The Old London Bank in Bourke is a very important historical site. It shows how Bourke grew into a major river port. This happened during a time when the wool trade was booming.
Historical Importance
The building shows how the town of Bourke was planned. It also shows the growth of banks in the region. This helped develop western New South Wales. The bank building is a rare example of Victorian-style bank architecture. It shows the wealth and hope for the future during that time.
The building was a bank and a home for 53 years. Its closure in 1942 shows how Australia helped in the war effort. Later, its use as a boarding house for Tancred Brothers' employees is also important. It shows how companies provided for their workers.
Design and Appearance
The Old London Bank is a great example of bank architecture from the Victorian era. It has a grand look, with a balanced design. This shows how important banks were back then. It also shows the confidence people had in Bourke's future.
The building's design also shows how architects dealt with the hot, dusty climate. It has deep verandahs and special shutters. These features helped keep the building cool.
Community Connection
The Old London Bank is highly valued by the Bourke community. It is listed on several heritage registers. This shows how much people care about its history.
The building reminds people of the bank's role in rural investment. It also has a special link to the bank managers' families. For many, it was their first experience of life in western New South Wales.
The fact that the building has been saved and restored shows the community's pride. It highlights Bourke's rich history.
Learning from the Building
The Old London Bank can teach us a lot. It shows the building materials and methods used in hot, dusty places like Bourke. Parts of the site are still untouched. They might hold clues about older structures. These could include stables, wells, or other buildings.
Rarity
The Old London Bank is a rare example of a 19th-century bank building in Bourke. It reminds us of Bourke's boom period. Back then, Bourke was a key inland port and railhead. It was vital for developing western New South Wales.
The Old London Bank Building was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
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