| Photographs: | |
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| List: | Register of the National Estate |
| Class: | Historic |
| Legal Status: | Registered (21/03/1978) |
| Place ID: | 2021 |
| Place File No: | 1/12/036/0230 |
| Statement of Significance: |
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The Guard House has been in continuous use since its construction in 1846.
It has considerable historical significance for its direct association with Victoria Barracks (the principal military establishment in NSW), and
with a lengthy span of the military history of NSW. (Criterion A.4) The building, given its layout and its location adjacent to the main entrance and the perimeter wall, is a reflection of British military planning during the mid-nineteenth century. (Criterion B.2) The structure is a good example of a stone military guard house of the period, and it is probably the only one of the period still in use in NSW. It retains a number of original and early fixtures and fittings, from the cast iron verandah columns to chimney details and various metal hardware items, as listed in the description. (Criteria D.2 and B.2) Constructed of sandstone and having a slate-clad roof, the Guard House contributes to the visual amenity and aesthetic appeal of the Victoria Barracks precinct. The widespread use of these materials in the precinct helps to create a strong sense of unity. (Criterion E.1) |
| Official Values: Not Available |
| Description: |
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History The Guard House is an important element of the Victoria Barracks precinct. Victoria Barracks superseded the old barracks in George Street.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 perspective. Work on the new Victoria Barracks complex began in February 1841. The bulk of the workforce was convict, though there were also free tradesmen. Local sandstone was the major building material. The Guard House was completed during 1846 and was most likely designed by Lieutenant Colonel James Gordon, the then 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 A succession of these units used the barracks until 1870 when British troops were withdrawn from the colony.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. As originally built, the Guard House, as well as containing the guard room, also contained a lock-up, privy, engine room, ash pit and urinals. The engine room was converted into four cells in 1849. Other small changes were made over subsequent years, but the building has remained in continuous use for its original purpose. Description Located adjacent to the main gate and the perimeter wall, the Guard House is a small sandstone building with a three bay verandah supported on cast iron Doric columns. Hipped in form, the roof is clad with slate. Flooring is generally flagstones. The guard room roof features massive adzed trusses left exposed. The old punishment cells remain at the rear, not having been used since 1927. The stone-flagged exercise yard, now roofed, retains its iron coal boxes, bearing the date 1837. The Guard House has six-pane double-hung sash windows. Other early and original fixtures and fittings include chimney details, roof framing, cleat and coat pegs in the common room, and various items of metal hardware including cell door grilles, and bars, hinges etc. A good example of a sandstone military guard house of the period, the building is probably the only one of the period still in use in NSW. It reflects aspects of British military planning during the mid-nineteenth century. The Guard House's sandstone and slate materials contribute to the visual amenity and aesthetic appeal of the Victoria Barracks precinct, where the widespread use of sandstone and slate helps to create a real sense of unity. |
| History: Not Available |
| Condition and Integrity: |
| The Guard House was restored during 1972-73 and is understood to have a high level of integrity. The army retains use of Victoria Barracks. (November 2001) |
| Location: |
| Part of Victoria Barracks Precinct, Oxford Street, 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: Tue Feb 9 23:14:11 2010