| Photographs: | |
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| List: | Register of the National Estate |
| Class: | Historic |
| Legal Status: | Registered (21/03/1978) |
| Place ID: | 2020 |
| Place File No: | 1/12/036/0229 |
| Statement of Significance: |
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The perimeter wall and gates, dating from 1845-50, are an integral part of Victoria Barracks and have considerable historical significance.
They have been directly associated with the principal military establishment in NSW for more than 150 years.
Changes made to the wall reflect developments within and adjacent to the Barracks precinct. (Criterion A.4) The perimeter wall is the only surviving such wall in NSW constructed as a defensive system around a barracks complex. The wall reflects British military thinking of the mid-nineteenth century. (Criterion B.2) The main entry is a good example of a Neo-Classical gateway executed in stone. (Criterion D.2) The perimeter wall and gates are constructed of sandstone, and the fabric and colour together with the landscaped setting to Oxford Street and Moore Park Road, contribute strongly to the streetscapes surrounding the precinct. The wall and gates also have social significance due to being the "public face" of Victoria Barracks for Sydneysiders. (Criteria E.1 and G.1) |
| Official Values: Not Available |
| Description: |
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History The perimeter wall and gateways are important elements of the Victoria Barracks complex. Victoria Barracks superseded the old barracks in George Street. By 1836 the old barracks were in a poor state and needed to be replaced. A new site, located high on a ridgeline south-east of the centre of Sydney Town, was chosen and it had a commanding outlook, useful from a military point of view. Work on the new Victoria Barracks complex began in February 1841. The bulk of the workforce was convict, and there were also free tradesmen. Local sandstone was the major building material. The perimeter wall was begun in April 1845 and was completed in 1850. It was probably designed by Lieutenant Colonel James Gordon, who by then had replaced Lieutenant Colonel George Barney as Commanding Royal Engineer. Victoria Barracks accommodated the various British garrison regiments serving in NSW. A succession of these units used the barracks until 1870 when British troops were withdrawn from the colony. A permanent military force was then raised. During the twentieth century Victoria Barracks continued to be the army headquarters for NSW, including of course during two world wars and other conflicts. At various times during the Barracks' history, the perimeter wall was altered in places, for example when buildings were erected inside or outside the complex, when Paddington Town Hall was constructed, and when Greens Road was built. Description The perimeter wall is an almost continuous sandstone wall approximately 0.305m thick, with an average height of 3.048m enclosing the Barracks. Rifle post embrasures in groups of four or five are found at regular intervals right round the perimeter. In some places the wall was excavated down 10 metres to a solid footing. There are four main vehicle gateways and many small pedestrian gates at various places. The most impressive is the main gateway to Oxford Street, which was substantially reconstructed 1967-68; it is a good example of a Neo-Classical gateway executed in stone. It has heavy wrought iron gates. The wall is not only an example of a defensive stone wall of the period, but is the only surviving perimeter wall in NSW built as a defensive system around a barracks complex, thus reflecting British military thinking of the time. The wall and gates contribute strongly to the surrounding streetscapes, and have social significance for being the "public face" of Victoria Barracks for Sydneysiders. |
| History: Not Available |
| Condition and Integrity: |
| At the time of nomination in the 1970s, the wall had been demolished in only two places during its long history. Various changes have been made to the wall over the years, and the main entrance has been reconstructed. Generally speaking, the wall and gates have a high level of integrity. However, the integrity has been compromised by the construction of multi-storey residential units on the south-eastern end of the wall fronting Moore Park Road. The army retains use of Victoria Barracks. (November 2001) |
| Location: |
| Part of Victoria Barracks Precinct, Oxford Street and Oatley, Moore Park and Greens Roads, Paddington. |
| Bibliography: |
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Clive Lucas & Partners Pty Ltd, "Department of Defence (Army), Victoria Barracks, Paddington, Sydney: Conservation analysis, conservation and development guidelines", for the Department of Housing and Construction, November 1983. Eric Martin and Associates, "Victoria Barracks, Sydney NSW, Conservation & Management Plan for 12 Residences", for the Defence Housing Authority, April 2001. National Trust of Australia (NSW), file. |
Report Produced: Wed Feb 10 03:11:45 2010