Port Macquarie Government House Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Port Macquarie Government House Site |
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Some surviving brickwork, 2018
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| Location | 2 Clarence Street, Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1821–1826 |
| Architect | Government of NSW |
| Owner | Port Macquarie-Hastings Council |
| Official name: Port Macquarie Government House Site; Government House Site at Port Macquarie; Old Government House Port Macquarie | |
| Type | state heritage (archaeological-terrestrial) |
| Designated | 3 August 2001 |
| Reference no. | 1517 |
| Type | Government House |
| Category | Government and Administration |
| Builders | Government Convicts |
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The Port Macquarie Government House Site is an important historical place in Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia. It is an archaeological site, meaning it holds hidden remains from the past. This site is located at 2 Clarence Street and was built between 1824 and 1826. Convicts, who were prisoners sent to Australia, did the hard work of building it. Today, the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council owns this special site. It was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on August 3, 2001, to protect its history.
Contents
The Story of Government House
The very first Government House in Port Macquarie was a simple, one-story wooden building. It was built in 1821 for the leader of the settlement, Francis Allman, and his family. Around 1825-1826, the Government House moved to a brick building that already existed nearby. This brick building, built around 1824, was made much bigger and changed to fit its new important role.
Who Lived Here?
This house was used by the Commandant of Port Macquarie. A Commandant was like the boss of the penal settlement. A penal settlement was a place where prisoners were sent to live and work as punishment. The house was used until 1832 when the settlement changed, and the Commandant's job ended.
After that, the house became home to the Police Magistrate. This person was in charge of law and order. Later, it was used by the Clerk of Petty Sessions, who handled court records. The house changed hands between these officials several times over the years.
The House Falls Apart
Even in the 1830s, people noticed the house needed repairs. By the 1850s, it was in bad shape. Some work was done in 1861, but it was still described as falling apart. The last person to live there left in 1879. By 1884, the house was empty and crumbling. It was finally taken down in 1886.
Rediscovering the Past
For many years, the old Government House was gone. But in 2001, during digging for a new apartment building, its brick remains were found! There were plans to destroy these remains to build a car park. Luckily, a special order was put in place in March 2001 to protect the site. In August of that year, the remains were officially listed on the State Heritage Register, saving them for future generations.
What the Site Looks Like Now
Today, the Port Macquarie Government House Site is an archaeological site. This means it's a place where scientists study old things buried in the ground to learn about the past.
Hidden Treasures
At the site, you can find the brick and sandstone foundations of the old house. These include parts of the main house, its courtyard, and side sections. There are also old brick drains and paving. Digging has uncovered the cellar (an underground room) and its steps. Even tiny clues like post holes (where wooden posts once stood for a veranda or other buildings) have been found.
Archaeologists have also discovered many small items. These include animal bones, pieces of pottery, glass fragments, old buttons, and even coins. These items help tell the story of daily life in the house long ago. When the site was first protected, it was reported that about 90% of the original house's shape was still there underground. The remains were in excellent condition, giving us a clear picture of this important historical building.
Why This Site is Important
The Port Macquarie Government House Site is very special for many reasons. It helps us understand the history of New South Wales and Australia.
A Look at Early Australia
- Early Punishment System: This site is one of the few remaining places connected to the early convict system in Australia. Port Macquarie was set up in 1821 as the first "place of secondary punishment." This meant it was for prisoners who had committed more crimes or were hard to manage. The goal was to keep them isolated and make them work hard.
- Government and Law: The house was a symbol of authority and the center of government in Port Macquarie. It shows how the area changed from a penal settlement (for convicts) to a free settlement (for regular people). The officials who lived here played a big part in managing the convict system and setting up law and order in the growing colony.
- Designed by Governors: The location and design of the original settlement, including the Government House, were planned by Governor and Mrs. Macquarie. This makes the site unique, as it was the only penal settlement designed with "picturesque principles," focusing on beautiful views.
Learning from the Past
- Archaeological Clues: The remains of the Government House, along with the items found there, are like pieces of a puzzle. They help historians and archaeologists understand what life was like in the penal settlement and how the civilian town grew.
- Rare Example: This site is a rare example of a "government house" built for officials in a distant settlement in New South Wales. The archaeological remains are even older than some surviving buildings at other famous convict sites like Port Arthur or Norfolk Island.
By studying this site, we can learn more about the challenges and changes that shaped early Australia and the lives of the people who lived there, both free and convict.
