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. It started as an inn, then became a private home, a guesthouse, and a school. Today, it is a museum and a popular place for tourists to visit.
This special building is located on the Great Western Highway in the City of Blue Mountains. It was built between 1828 and 1835 by Thomas Michael Pembroke. Over time, it was known by different names like Woodman's Inn, King's Arms Inn, and Woodford House. The National Trust of Australia (NSW) now owns and looks after the property. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on March 1, 2002, because of its important history.
Contents
A Journey Through Time: Woodford Academy's Story
Early Days as an Inn
In the late 1820s, a man named Thomas Michael Pembroke received some land here. By 1835, he had built a place called "The Woodman Inn." This inn was a stop for travelers going from Sydney to Bathurst and the Western Plains. It offered food and a place to sleep. Soldiers and government officials often stayed there.
Later, the inn was sold and became known as the "King's Arms Hotel." Then, in 1855, William Buss bought the property, and it was often called "Buss's Inn." Around 1856, a small police lock-up was built nearby, but it is no longer there.
From Inn to Guesthouse
In 1867, the property became a private country home for Alfred Fairfax. He called it "Woodford House." Fairfax made the house bigger, adding a second floor to the east wing. He also planted an orchard and a garden. This made sure his guests had fresh food.
Many important people visited Woodford House. In 1874, scientists even came to observe a rare event: the transit of Venus. They set up special telescopes in tents on the property. Around 1880, William Manning turned Woodford House into a guesthouse. It became a very popular place for people to stay.
Life as a School: Woodford Academy
From 1907 to 1934, the building had its most famous role. It became a school called the Woodford Academy. A brilliant teacher named John Fraser McManamey ran the school. He had taught at other important schools before.
Over 300 boys studied at Woodford Academy. They learned about history, literature, and business. The school was known for its strict but character-building rules. For example, students had to swim every morning, even in winter! McManamey encouraged his students to carve their initials into their desks and the rocks around the school. He believed they would "make their mark on history."
Many of these students did make their mark. 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 has created special displays and digital books to remember their bravery.
The school closed in 1925, but McManamey reopened it for local children in 1930. It finally closed for good in 1936. The McManamey family continued to live in the house.
Caring for History: The National Trust
In 1979, Miss Gertrude McManamey, who had inherited the house, gave the property to the National Trust of Australia (NSW). She lived there until 1986. The National Trust is an organization that protects important historical places.
When the National Trust took over, the building needed a lot of repairs. Many people helped to restore it. For example, Barry O'Keefe, a former president of the National Trust, used his own money to fix parts of the building. In 2001, the Australian Government gave a large grant to help with the restoration.
Since 2013, a new team of volunteers has made Woodford Academy a lively place. They host events with local artists and historians. They have also started new programs for primary and high school students. The "Make your mark in history" project, which remembers the students who fought in World War I, won an award in 2015.
What Woodford Academy Looks Like
The Historic Site
The land around Woodford Academy is just as important as the building itself. You can still see old sandstone paths and a stone water tank. These features show how the property looked long ago.
One of the most interesting things to see are the names carved into the large rock shelves behind the building. These are the initials of the boys who went to Woodford Academy in the early 1900s. It's a cool way to connect with the past students!
The property also has many old trees. Some of these trees, like the Monterey pines and a large eucalypt, have been there for a very long time. They add to the beautiful look of the historic buildings.
The Building's Design
The Woodford Academy building has grown over many years. It started as a small, two-room inn. Over time, new parts were added, making it the complex building you see today.
The oldest part is the original south wing. It's a single-story sandstone building with a gabled roof. A covered porch, called a verandah, runs along the front. It has a flagged stone floor and sturdy columns.
Later, a west extension was added to the south wing. This part also has a gabled roof and a verandah. You can see different types of windows, some with small panes and others designed to look like casement windows. The building shows how architectural styles changed over the years.
Condition and Changes
In the early 1980s, the Woodford Academy was in poor condition. However, it was still mostly original. The National Trust has done a lot of work to repair and preserve it.
Many changes have happened over the years:
- 1832: The original Georgian-style building was constructed.
- 1840s: A larger wing with an attic was added.
- 1860s: More additions were made, including to the kitchen wing.
- Around 1900: A second story was added to the kitchen wing.
- 1978-1983: Major repairs were done, including fixing the roof, windows, and chimneys.
- Since 1996: The National Trust has continued restoration work. This includes caring for the different wings, landscaping, and improving security.
- 2008-2009: A new water tank was installed.
Today, the Woodford Academy is well-preserved. It still has its original layout and many items from when it was a school. This helps visitors imagine what life was like there in the early 20th century.
Why Woodford Academy is Special
Woodford Academy is a very important historical site in New South Wales. It is the oldest group of colonial buildings in the Blue Mountains.
It has a rich history, serving as:
- A major inn: A vital stop for travelers in the early days.
- A Victorian country retreat: A peaceful home for wealthy families.
- A significant private school: Where many students were educated.
- A family home: Associated with the McManamey family for 70 years.
The building is also a great example of Victorian Georgian architecture. It has unique features like its sandstone verandahs and special dormer windows.
Many people in the Blue Mountains community see Woodford Academy as a heritage icon. Its long and varied history helps us understand the social changes in the region over time. It's a place where you can truly step back in time and explore the past!
See also
- Australian residential architectural styles
