St Helen's Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Helen's Park |
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An obscured image of St Helen's Park, pictured in 2009.
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| Location | St Helens Park Drive, St Helens Park, City of Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1887 |
| Architect | George Allen Mansfield |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic |
| Official name: St. Helen's Park; Egypt Farm | |
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 406 |
| Type | Mansion |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
| Builders | George Lusted |
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St Helen's Park is a very old and important building in St Helens Park, Australia. It has been many things over the years. It was once a school, a special farm, a family home, and even a guesthouse. Today, it is a private home.
The famous architect George Allen Mansfield designed it. It was built in 1887 by George Lusted. The property is also known as St. Helen's Park and Egypt Farm. It is privately owned. This special building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it is protected because of its history and importance.
Contents
History
The Campbelltown Area
The land around Campbelltown was originally home to Aboriginal people. Most of them were from the Tharawal (or Dharawal) group. Their lands stretched from the coast to the Georges River. The Dharug language group also lived nearby.
When the first European settlers arrived in Sydney in 1788, things changed for the Aboriginal people. A sickness called smallpox affected many coastal groups.
Some cattle escaped from the early settlement. They moved south and grew in number near Campbelltown and Camden. When they were found in 1795, this area became known as the "Cow Pastures." In 1805, John Macarthur received a large piece of land here. It was about 5,000 acres, which was great for grazing cattle.
By 1809, many settlers received land in the new Minto district. This area was named after the Governor-General of India, Lord Minto. Many of these settlers were from Ireland. Important early settlers included Charles Throsby and William Redfern.
In 1816, a sad event happened. Captain James Wallis led a group that killed at least 14 Tharawal people. This is known as the Appin Massacre. Some settlers, like Charles Throsby, were very upset by this. Even after this, Aboriginal ceremonies continued. The Macarthur family of Camden Park offered some protection.
As more people moved into the area, a new town was needed south of Liverpool. Campbelltown was officially started in 1820. It was named after Elizabeth Macquarie's maiden name, Campbell. The town plan was made official in 1826.
St. Helen's Park Homestead
The land where St. Helen's Park stands was first given out in 1816. Governor Lachlan Macquarie signed the papers. Samuel Larkin received 90 acres, and John Wild received 110 acres. Larkin's land was called Ambarvale, and Wild's land was called Egypt Farm.
Over the years, the land changed hands many times. On 24 April 1886, John Edmund Wild sold his 110 acres to George Charles Westgarth. Soon after, Westgarth bought more land from George Henry Graham. This included part of Samuel Larkin's original grant.
St Helen's Park was built in 1887. It was designed by architect George Allen Mansfield. It was a wedding gift for George Westgarth, a lawyer from Sydney. He married Lucy, who was Mansfield's daughter. George Lusted was the builder. George Westgarth started a well-known law firm in Sydney.
In 1895, George Charles Westgarth bought another 13 acres of land. He later built a dam across Spring Creek on this land. This dam helped make sure the house had enough water.
St Helen's Park has been used for many things. Besides being a grand country house, it was a school. It was also a guesthouse and a special farm for Friesian cattle.
Because the property was going to be sold, it received special protection in 1985. This protection became permanent in 1986. It was then moved to the State Heritage Register in 1999. This means it is a very important historical site.
Description
The House
St Helen's Park is a large, fancy two-story house. It is built in a style called "neo Gothic." This means it looks like old Gothic buildings but was built more recently. It has special pointy roofs called "Jerkinhead" gables. It also has big chimneys and decorative wooden parts called "bargeboards."
The house is built in a balanced way, looking the same on both sides. It has a large porch, or "verandah," on three sides. This verandah is supported by strong cast iron columns. The roof is covered in slate tiles. Many small windows stick out from the roof.
French doors or large double-hung windows open onto the verandah. These windows have wooden shutters. The main front door has four panels and glass sections. Above the door, you can see the Westgarth family's coat of arms. Their motto, "Mens Concia Recti," is also displayed in stained glass.
Inside, the wooden parts are made of cedar. There are seven large fireplaces made of different colored marble. Many other original details and glasswork are still there. Away from the main house, there is a small stone dairy and old wooden stables.
At the back of the house is a single-story service area. This is where the original kitchen was. Other old buildings include a stone cool room, a carriage shed, and a barn.
Condition
As of 2008, the house was in good shape. Most of its original features were still there.
More Information
There is also a sandstone dam near the house. It is located across Spring Creek and is part of the property's history.
Heritage Listing
St Helen's Park is a beautiful two-story house built in 1887. It was made for the wealthy Westgarth family of Sydney. The architect, George Allen Mansfield, designed it with great care. The house is still in very good condition.
Its unique style and location make it stand out. You can see it from Appin Road. It shows what the countryside around Campbelltown used to look like. It reminds us of the large country estates from the past.
St Helen's Park was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This listing helps protect it for future generations.
