Richmond Post Office facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richmond Post Office |
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| Location | 286 Windsor Street, Richmond, City of Hawkesbury, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1875–1888 |
| Architect | Colonial Architect James Baronet. |
| Owner | Basscave Pty Ltd |
| Official name: Richmond Post Office; Richmond Telegraph and Post Office | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 23 June 2000 |
| Reference no. | 1410 |
| Type | Post Office |
| Category | Postal and Telecommunications |
| Builders | Original building: 1875, Mr. Johnson. Second-story addition: 1888, Samuel Bought |
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The Richmond Post Office is a very old building in Richmond, Australia. It used to be a post office and is now considered a special heritage site. It was designed by James Barnet, who was the main architect for the government back then. The building was constructed in two main parts, first in 1875 and then a second floor was added in 1888. It is also known as the Richmond Telegraph and Post Office. This important building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2000.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
Early Days of the Hawkesbury Area
Long ago, the land around the Hawkesbury River was home to the Dharug people. They called the river Deerubbin. This area was very important for them to find food and travel.
In 1789, Governor Arthur Phillip explored this region. He was looking for good farmland for the new colony. He named the Hawkesbury River after a special person called Baron Hawkesbury. European settlers started living here by 1794. The area was known for its rich soil and helped feed the early colony. However, the river often flooded, which was tough for farmers.
Governor Macquarie's Vision
Lachlan Macquarie became Governor in 1810. He helped the colony grow a lot. He wanted to create a strong community, not just a prison colony. He started many building projects, creating new towns and improving roads.
In 1810, Governor Macquarie visited the Hawkesbury area. He named five new towns, including Windsor and Richmond. He named Richmond because it reminded him of towns in England. These "Macquarie Towns" were built on higher ground to protect settlers from floods. Richmond quickly became an important market town and social hub.
Richmond's Growth and the Post Office
Richmond continued to grow as a key service centre. Mail delivery started in Richmond around 1830. At first, the local police officer would deliver the mail. The first official post office opened in 1844. Later, a telegraph office, which sent messages over wires, was set up at the railway station.
Around 1870, people in Richmond asked for a new, bigger post office. The famous Colonial Architect, James Barnet, designed it. The new post office opened in October 1875. It was first a single-story building. A fancy covered walkway, called a colonnade, was added in 1879. Stables for horses were built in 1882.
The ground floor of the building was likely used as a home for the postmaster. In 1888, a second story was added. This gave the postmaster more living space. The building was changed again in 1906 with new windows and doors on the ground floor.
Australia Post moved out of the building in 1998-1999. They moved to a shop across the street.
What the Building Looks Like
The Richmond Post Office is a two-story building made of brick. It has a style called Victorian Italianate. This means it has features like arches and decorative details, similar to buildings in Italy from that time. The main roof is made of slate and has two brick chimneys.
At the back, there are two smaller brick additions. These were added later for things like a service wing and toilets. There's also a covered walkway between these additions.
The front of the building has a veranda on the first floor. This veranda wraps around the front and part of the sides. It is supported by green metal posts with decorative lace-like designs. These posts sit on top of a stone railing on the ground floor.
The building still looks much like it did when it was first built. It keeps its special features, like the arched walkways and the mix of different coloured bricks.
Changes Over Time
- An upper floor and a special railing were added in 1888.
- The ground floor arches were filled in with a new style in 1906.
- Australia Post moved out in 1998-1999, and the inside was changed.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The Richmond Post Office is very important to the history and look of New South Wales. It has strong historical connections, looks beautiful, and is important to the community.
Historical Importance
The post office is linked to the work of James Barnet, the Colonial Architect. He designed many important buildings in NSW. This post office is a great example of his Victorian Italianate style. It also shows how Richmond grew as a key town in the Hawkesbury region. It tells us about the history of communication services in the area.
Beautiful Design
The Richmond Post Office is a wonderful example of Victorian Italianate architecture. Its design and location make it a landmark in Richmond. It stands out and adds to the beauty of the town centre. It also looks good next to the nearby courthouse.
Community Value
Because it's such a well-known building in the town, the Richmond Post Office is important to the people of Richmond. It helps them feel connected to their town's history and identity.
What We Can Learn From It
The site of the Richmond Post Office might still hold clues about the past. Digging there could help us learn more about the history of New South Wales.
A Special Example
This post office is a particularly good example of the buildings designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet. It's one of many 19th-century post offices in NSW that he designed. It's similar to other post offices like those in Wellington (1869), Tumut (1870), and Parkes (1880), which also have ground floor arches and upper-level verandas.
