Ryde police station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ryde police station |
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Ryde police station, pictured in 2009.
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| Location | 808-810 Victoria Road, Ryde, City of Ryde, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1836–1837 |
| Architect | Mortimer Lewis |
| Owner | NSW Police |
| Official name: Police Station (former); Police Station; Detective's Offices; Kissing Point Police Watch House or lockup | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1017 |
| Type | Police station |
| Category | Law Enforcement |
| Builders | David Taylor; Messrs Brodie & Craig |
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The Ryde police station is a very old and important building in Ryde, Australia. It was built a long time ago, between 1836 and 1837. This building has been used as a police station, a place to hold people (called a lockup or watch house), and even a home for police officers. It was designed by a famous architect named Mortimer Lewis. Today, it is owned by the NSW Police and is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register because of its historical importance.
Contents
A Look Back: The History of Ryde Police Station
How Did Ryde Begin?
The area around Ryde was perfect for farming and growing fruit. In the early days, land was given to soldiers to encourage them to farm. In 1792, some soldiers received land grants, which are like official gifts of land. Two of these grants were in the Ryde area.
Later that same year, many smaller farms were given to convicts. Over time, important people like John Macarthur, Gregory Blaxland, and Reverend Samuel Marsden bought these farms. Ryde remained a key area for orchards throughout the 1800s.
The Oldest Police Building
The building known as the Kissing Point Police Watch House or lockup was finished in 1837. It is believed to be the oldest police building in Australia that has been used continuously. This means it has been a police building without stopping since it was built!
Who Designed and Worked There?
Mortimer Lewis was the main architect for the government in New South Wales from 1835 to 1849. He designed many buildings, including the first parts of a hospital called Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum.
The first police officer at the Watch House was an ex-convict named John Small. This shows how different things were back then.
What Was the Original Building Like?
In 1836, the Watch House had one cell for men and one for women. It also had two toilets and a room for the police officer, called a Constable. A hallway went from the front to the back of the building. The walls were made of strong Pyrmont sandstone and were very thick, about 30 to 38 centimeters (12 to 15 inches). No one knows for sure what the small spaces next to the front door were used for.
Later, in 1898 and 1899, new brick cells and a police residence were added at the back. A courthouse was built next to the police station around 1924.
What Does Ryde Police Station Look Like Today?
The Building's Design
The main part of the Ryde Police Station is a simple, rectangular building with one floor. It has a gable roof, which means the roof has two sloping sides that meet at a ridge, forming a triangle at each end. One end of the roof has a special window called an oriel window, which sticks out from the wall. The front door has a canopy over it, like a small roof, to protect people from the weather.
Materials Used
The building is made from strong Pyrmont sandstone, and its roof is covered with slate tiles.
Inside the Old Watch House
As mentioned, the original Watch House had separate cells for men and women, two toilets, and a room for the Constable. The very thick sandstone walls were a key feature. Even today, the purpose of the small alcoves (small recessed areas) near the front door is a mystery.
At the back of the building, you can see the brick cell blocks and the police residence that were added later, around 1898-1899. The courthouse built next door in the 1920s is also still there.
How Has It Changed Over Time?
The Ryde Police Station has been changed and updated many times over the years. Some of the main changes happened in:
- 1840
- 1864 - The building was made bigger.
- 1899 - The building was made bigger again.
- 1920s
- 1979/80
- 1996
Why is This Building Special?
The former Ryde Police Station building is very important for its history and its architecture. It was built in 1837 and is thought to be the oldest police building in New South Wales that has been used without a break. This makes it a significant part of Australia's police history.
Because of its importance, the Ryde Police Station was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. This listing helps protect the building so it can be preserved for future generations.
