Woodford Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Woodford Academy |
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The Woodford Academy, pictured in 2009
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| General information | |
| Location | Woodford, NSW |
| Address | 90-92 Great Western Highway, Woodford, City of Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°43′59″S 150°28′25″E / 33.7330°S 150.4736°E |
| Construction started | 1828 |
| Completed | 1835 |
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| Architectural style(s) | Victorian Georgian |
| Owner | National Trust of Australia (NSW) |
| Official name: Woodford Academy; Woodman's Inn; King's Arms Inn; Woodford Apartments; Buss's Apartments; Woodford House; Academy School | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 1 March 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1509 |
| Type | Inn/Tavern |
| Category | Commercial |
| Builders | Michael Pembroke |
The Woodford Academy is a very old building in Woodford, Australia. It has been many things over the years, including a school, an inn (like a hotel), a private home, a boarding house, and even a hospital. Today, it's a museum, an art gallery, and a coffeehouse.
The building was constructed between 1828 and 1835 by Thomas Michael Pembroke. It's also known by other names like Woodman's Inn and King's Arms Inn. The National Trust of Australia (NSW) now owns and looks after this important historical site. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2002 because of its rich history.
Contents
A Journey Through Time: Woodford Academy's Story
The land where Woodford Academy stands was once a camp for road workers. It has a long and interesting past, changing hands and purposes many times.
Early Days: From Hut to Inn
In the late 1820s, a man named William James lived on this land. Soon after, in 1830, Thomas Michael Pembroke was given some land here. By 1831, Pembroke had chosen a spot that included some of James's buildings.
By 1833, Pembroke had a hut on the site. His first inn, called "The Woodman Inn," was likely built by 1833 and definitely existed by 1835. It was a simple wooden building. Pembroke lived there with his wife and six children. The inn offered food and beds to travelers going from Sydney to Bathurst and the Western Plains. Soldiers and government officials often stayed there.
Pembroke faced some tough times and had to sell "The Woodman Inn" in 1839 to Michael Hogan. Hogan then turned the wooden building into a stone inn called the "King's Arms" in 1842. This stone part is now the west wing of the current building.
Changing Hands: From Inn to Retreat
The "King's Arms" had several owners and managers over the years. In 1855, William Buss bought the property. It became very well known as "Buss's Inn." Around 1856, a police lock-up (a small jail) was built next to the inn, but it's gone now.
By 1862, during Buss's time, kitchen wings were added to the building. In 1867, the property became a private country retreat for Alfred Fairfax, a wealthy man. He owned it until 1897. Fairfax renamed his home "Woodford House." He added a second floor to the east wing to host his friends and their servants from Sydney. It became a fancy getaway for him and his guests. He also bought more land, creating a large orchard and garden to provide fresh food.
In 1874, something special happened nearby. Scientists visited the Fairfax property to observe the transit of Venus, a rare event where Venus passes in front of the Sun. They set up special telescopes in tents.
Later, around 1880, the property became a guest house called "Woodford House." It was a popular place for important people to stay from 1881 to 1907.
A New Purpose: The Woodford Academy School
In 1897, David Flannery bought the property. It was described as a "sanatorium" (a place for rest and recovery) at that time. Before 1906, it was even used as a private hospital.
From 1907 to 1934, the building became a famous school called the Woodford Academy. It was run by John Frazer McManamey, a brilliant scholar. He had taught at other schools and wanted to create his own. The school prepared students for the Sydney University entry exams.
Over 300 boys studied at Woodford Academy between 1907 and 1925. They learned about liberal arts and business. There are stories that the boys had to swim every morning, even in winter, to encourage good hygiene and build character! McManamey encouraged his students to carve their initials into their desks and the rocks around the school. Many of these carvings can still be seen today.
The Academy and World War I
During World War I, 54 boys from Woodford Academy joined the army. Their names are on an Honour Roll Call at the Academy. The National Trust is collecting more information about these brave students for a special display. They are even creating interactive e-books about the boys who served.
In 1925, the Academy closed as a full-time school. McManamey lived in the building as his private home. He briefly reopened the school for local children from 1930 to 1936. After that, the McManamey family continued to live there. John Frazer McManamey passed away in 1946, and his daughter, Gertrude McManamey, inherited the property in 1949.
Caring for History: The National Trust
In 1979, Miss Gertrude McManamey generously gave the Woodford Academy property to the National Trust of Australia (NSW). She lived there until 1986.
The National Trust has done a lot of work to repair and preserve the building. In 2001, they received a large grant from the Australian Government to help with restoration. Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, the Woodford Academy has become a lively place again since 2013. They host events, art shows, and historical displays.
In 2015, the "Make your mark in history" project, which honors the students who fought in World War I, won a National Trust Heritage Award. The Academy is now a hub for art and history in the Blue Mountains, even featuring "ghost" tours for evening entertainment!
What Does Woodford Academy Look Like?
The Woodford Academy building shows how it grew over time, starting from a small two-room inn.
The Building's Design
The oldest part, the original south wing, is a single-story sandstone building. It faces south towards the Great Western Highway. It has a gabled roof and a brick chimney. A covered porch, called a verandah, runs along the south side with a stone floor. The main entrance is in the middle, with windows on either side.
The west extension of the south wing is L-shaped and also made of sandstone. The verandah roof continues from the original part. This section has more windows, including some that look like casement windows (which open outwards like a door).
The Grounds and Surroundings
The land around the building is also very important. The stone paving and old water tanks are still there from the early days.
One of the most interesting features are the names carved into the large rock shelves behind the building. These were carved by the schoolboys in the early 1900s, like "RSBS" (Ralph Sanders Barclay Sillar, a student in 1909). These carvings help us imagine the students who lived and learned here.
Many old trees, like Monterey pines and eucalyptus, still grow on the property, adding to its historic feel. The view of the paddocks (fields) from the back of the property is also very pleasant. The location right next to the Great Western Highway is important because it shows the building's long history as a stop for travelers.
Condition and Changes Over Time
In the early 1980s, the Woodford Academy building and grounds were in poor condition. However, the building itself was still very much intact, meaning most of its original parts were still there. The National Trust has done many repairs and conservation works since then.
The building still has its original layout and many items from when it was a private boarding school in the early 1900s. This helps us understand what school life was like before government high schools became common in New South Wales.
Major Changes and Repairs
- 1828: The original Georgian-style building was constructed.
- 1840s: A larger "T" shaped wing was added.
- 1860s: Additions were made to the kitchen wing.
- Around 1900: A second story was added to the kitchen wing, but its verandah and covered walkway have since collapsed.
- 1978: The part of the house where Miss McManamey lived was updated, with repairs to windows, doors, kitchen, and bathroom. The roof was also repaired.
- 1983: The main building's roof was replaced with tiles that looked like the original ones.
- Since 1996: The National Trust has done many other repairs, including work on the east and west wings, landscaping, fences, and security systems.
- 2008-2009: Funding was secured to install a water tank.
Why is Woodford Academy Important?
Woodford Academy is a very important historical site in New South Wales.
- A Rich History: It's one of the oldest houses in the Blue Mountains and has had a remarkable journey as an inn, a country retreat, and a major private school. It also has a long connection with the McManamey family.
- Unique Architecture: It's the only example of a Victorian Georgian sandstone inn still standing in the Blue Mountains. Even with all the changes, it still looks like a Georgian building, especially its south verandahs. It has some unusual features, like the bay-shaped dormer windows.
- Community Connection: Many people in the Blue Mountains and travelers passing by see it as a special historical landmark. Its different uses over time, from a well-known inn to a school, show the social history of the Blue Mountains.
- Archaeological Value: The site is very important for archaeology. It can help us learn more about how the buildings changed over time, what life was like for the people who lived there, and what the earlier structures looked like. Digging here could reveal many secrets about its past.
