Wiseman's Cottage facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wiseman's Cottage |
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Wiseman's Cottage, 2012
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| Location | 30 Nathan Street, The Range, Rockhampton, Rockhampton Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1840s - 1860s (mid-19th century) |
| Built | c. 1857 - c. 1859 |
| Official name: Wiseman's Cottage, Mount Athelstane | |
| Type | state heritage (landscape, built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600798 |
| Significant period | 1850s (fabric, historical) |
| Significant components | tank - water (underground), chimney/chimney stack, store/s / storeroom / storehouse, fence/wall - perimeter, garden/grounds |
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Wiseman's Cottage is a very old stone building in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia. It was built around 1857 to 1859. This cottage was once part of a much larger home called Mount Athelstane. It is thought to be the oldest building still standing in Rockhampton.
The cottage is important because it belonged to Henry Wiseman. He was the person who officially chose the spot and named the town of Rockhampton. Today, Wiseman's Cottage is protected as a heritage site.
Contents
The Story of Wiseman's Cottage
How Rockhampton Got Its Name
In the 1850s, people were looking for a good place to build a town on the Fitzroy River. Henry Wiseman was a Land Commissioner, which meant he was in charge of finding suitable land. He agreed with Charles Archer, an early settler, that the best spot was where rocks blocked the river. This meant ships couldn't go any further upstream.
Henry Wiseman first thought of naming the town "Charleston" or "Palmerston." But those names didn't stick. So, he decided to name the town after the most important thing about the area: the rocks in the river! That's how Rockhampton got its name in 1856. The town was officially declared in October 1858.
Building Mount Athelstane
In 1857, Henry Wiseman decided to build his own home in Rockhampton. He chose a spot on a hill overlooking the river and a lagoon called Yeppen Yeppen. He likely built a small house by the end of 1857.
The main house, a large 16-room timber building, was finished in 1859. It was built from timber cut from the nearby bush. The roof was made of shingles, which are like wooden tiles. Henry Wiseman named his home "Mount Athelstane." This name later became the name for the whole area, the Athelstane Range. This area became a popular place for wealthy families to live.
The Stone Storage Room
The stone part, now known as Wiseman's Cottage, was built as a storage room. It was made from stones found right on the property. Some people believe the year "1859" is lightly scratched into one of the stones. There was also a large underground water tank, also made of stone, to provide water for the house.
Who Lived in the Cottage?
After Henry Wiseman, the property changed hands a few times. In 1874, John McFarlane owned it. Later, in 1902, Dorinda Curtis bought the property. Her husband, George Silas Curtis, was a local politician who wanted Central Queensland to become its own separate state.
In the 1950s, when Henry Phillips owned the property, the large timber house was taken down. A new house was built where the main house used to be. But the stone "cottage" was kept!
Later, in 1973, the Parks family bought the property. They were important in starting the National Trust in Rockhampton, which helps protect old buildings. They even used the stone cottage as a gift shop. During this time, two new doors were added to the building. The current owners bought the property in 1983.
What Wiseman's Cottage Looks Like
Wiseman's Cottage is a single-story stone building. It has a roof made of corrugated iron, which is a type of metal. The building faces Lavarack Street. It sits behind a taller timber house, looking out towards the Yeppen Yeppen Lagoon.
Outside the Cottage
The cottage has one main room. At the northern end, there's a stone chimney. The walls are made of rough stones, but they have thin lines of mortar (like cement) to make them look neat. One wall is covered in cement.
On the western side, there's a stone-paved verandah (a covered porch). Timber posts hold up the roof of the verandah. In the middle of this side, there's a French door with many small glass panes. It has wooden shutters on the outside. Above this door, there's a window that also has many panes and shutters. A small sign on the wall tells about the building's history.
The eastern side of the cottage has a similar French door and window. A covered walkway connects the cottage to the house next door.
Inside the Cottage
Inside, the ceiling is angled and covered with special sheets. The walls are smooth, except for one stone wall at the northern end that shows the original stone.
Gardens and Water
Near the cottage, to the northeast, there's an underground water tank. The building is surrounded by well-kept gardens and some old, tall trees. There's also a low stone wall that forms the base for the wooden fence around the property.
Why Wiseman's Cottage is Important
Wiseman's Cottage was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992. This means it's a special place that needs to be protected.
A Glimpse into the Past
The cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Rockhampton. It shows us how the city started to grow and develop. It's a rare example of early buildings in the area.
Beautiful and Unique
The cottage is beautiful because of its size, shape, and the way it was built with rough-cut stone. The colors and textures of the stone walls show the natural character of the local rocks used to build it. It adds a special touch to the street.
Connected to a Key Figure
Wiseman's Cottage is strongly linked to Henry Wiseman. He was the Land Commissioner who officially named and chose the site for Rockhampton in 1858. His decision also helped make the "Range" area a popular place for important families to live.
