Old Port Macquarie Courthouse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Port Macquarie Courthouse |
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| Location | Clarence Street (cnr), Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1869 |
| Architect | James Barnet |
| Owner | Department of Planning and Infrastructure |
| Official name: Courthouse and Norfolk Island pines (former); Clerk of Petty Sessions (former) | |
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 554 |
| Type | Courthouse |
| Category | Law enforcement |
| Builders | Butler and Bourne |
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The Old Port Macquarie Courthouse is a special historic building in Port Macquarie, Australia. It used to be a courthouse, where legal cases were heard. Today, it's a museum about justice and the town's early days.
A famous architect named James Barnet designed it. The building was constructed in 1869 by Butler and Bourne. It's so important that it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999.
Contents
A Look Back: The Courthouse's Story
Early Days of Justice
The land for the courthouse was set aside in the 1830s. Back then, Port Macquarie was chosen to have a 'Court of Petty Sessions'. This meant smaller legal cases could be heard there.
In 1836, the local Police Magistrate, William Nairn Gray, said the old police office was too small. He suggested using a brick building on Hay Street as the court instead.
Trials and Repairs
By 1838, Port Macquarie was allowed to hold trials with a jury. This was a big step for the town.
However, by the 1840s, people started complaining. The courthouse building was falling apart! In 1852, repairs were finally approved to fix it up.
A New Building is Needed
In 1865, the Police Magistrate, Charles Sinclair, wrote to the Colonial Architect. He explained that the old building was still in very poor condition.
So, in September 1867, an announcement was made. They were looking for builders to construct a brand new courthouse and a lockup (a small jail) in Port Macquarie.
Designing the New Courthouse
The new building was designed by James Barnet, a well-known architect. The builders chosen for the job were Butler and Bourne from Port Macquarie. They offered to build it for 875 pounds. Their offer was accepted in October 1867.
The Old Building's Sad State
In 1868, a journalist visited Port Macquarie. They wrote about how bad the old courthouse looked. They said it was "very dilapidated" and seemed to be "in the very last stages of decay."
The journalist even mentioned that the old building was so bad, it was going to become a stable for police horses! The place where the judge sat would be used for cattle food.
Building the New Courthouse
The journalist also saw the new courthouse being built nearby. They noted it was a "very neat building" made of brick and almost finished.
However, there was a small problem with the design. No rooms were planned for juries! These rooms were very important for trials. So, they had to be added to the new building later.
Opening the Doors
The new courthouse ended up costing a bit more than planned. An extra 205 pounds was needed to fix a dampness problem. Plus, 10 pounds for furniture.
Finally, the building opened its doors as a courthouse in 1869.
Changes Over Time
The first additions to the building happened in 1890. The western side was extended, costing 303 pounds. James Barnet, the original architect, oversaw these changes.
Photographs from 1900 show how the courthouse looked then. It had verandahs, brick walls, and a slate roof. Inside, it had timber floors.
In 1974, the timber floors in the court and judge's rooms were replaced with concrete.
Becoming a Museum
In 1986, the Justice Department stopped using the building as a courthouse. The community worked hard to save it. The local council was given responsibility for the building.
They hired an expert to check its condition and plan for its repair. They looked at old photos and drawings to see how it originally looked.
With money from a special heritage program and community fundraising, the restoration began in 1993. The concrete floors were removed and replaced with new timber. Shingles were put back on the roof.
The work was finished in October 1993. After reopening, the building became a justice museum. It now shows displays about Port Macquarie's early history as a penal settlement.
What the Courthouse Looks Like
Location and Surroundings
The Old Port Macquarie Courthouse is located on the corner of Clarence and Hay Streets. On the eastern side of the building, you'll see two large, old Norfolk Island pine trees. These trees add to the beauty of the area. Most of the land around the building is covered in grass.
Building Design
The former courthouse is a single-story building. It's made of painted brick and has a simple, balanced design. The main part, where the courtroom is, has a central gabled roof. The smaller sections on either side have hipped roofs.
The roofs are made of special bloodwood shingles. The chimneys still have their original metal tops. The doors have four panels, and the windows are large. There's also a simple verandah with iron roofs on three sides, supported by square timber posts.
Inside the Building
Inside, the building has one main room, which is the Courtroom. Originally, there were four smaller rooms, but now there are three. These rooms used to house the Clerk of Petty Sessions on the west side and the Magistrates and Judges on the east side.
The building is in good condition. Experts believe there might be old convict drains buried in the eastern part of the site. The outside look of the courthouse hasn't changed much since it was first built.
Why This Place is Special
The Old Port Macquarie Courthouse shows how important Port Macquarie was in the late 1800s as a center for government. It's an early example of work by James Barnet, a famous architect. The building is a good example of the Victorian Georgian style.
It's one of the last 19th-century buildings left in Port Macquarie. It helps make the historic center of the town special. It also has important connections to the nearby Museum, Garrison Centre, and Police Lock up buildings.
The Courthouse and its Norfolk Island pines were listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999 because:
- It shows important history: The courthouse reflects Port Macquarie's role as a public administration center in the late 1800s. It's an early work by James Barnet, showing his style.
- It's beautiful and well-designed: The courthouse adds to the historic beauty of the town center. The Norfolk pine trees also make the area look natural and lovely.
- It's a rare building: This courthouse is one of the last government buildings from the 1800s still standing in Port Macquarie.
- It represents its type: The courthouse shows the simple architectural style common in this area compared to other towns in New South Wales.
See also
