Narrabri Gaol and Residence

Narrabri Gaol and Residence
Narrabri Gaol and Residence
	Former Narrabri Gaol, 2018
Location	Bowen Street, Narrabri, Narrabri Shire, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates	30°19′43″S149°47′10″E / 30.3286°S 149.7861°E
Built	1880–1881
Architect	James Barnet
Owner	Narrabri Shire Council
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Narrabri Gaol and Residence
Type	State heritage (built)
Designated	2 April 1999
Reference no.	344
Type	Gaol/Lock-up
Category	Law Enforcement
Builders	J. Conlon
	Location of Narrabri Gaol and Residence in New South Wales Narrabri Gaol and Residence (Australia)

Last updated December 10, 2024

The Narrabri Gaol and Residence is a heritage-listed former gaol and now museum at Bowen Street, Narrabri, Narrabri Shire, New South Wales, Australia. The building was designed by James Barnet and built from 1880 to 1881 by J. Conlon. The property is owned by Narrabri Shire Council and was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.^[1]

History

The first government structures to be erected on the site were the first court house, lock-up and lock-up keepers accommodation. In 1865 the lock-up consisted of two cells, accommodating a maximum of six prisoners. In 1875 this was extended by infilling the passage between the two cells, creating an extra cell for two additional prisoners. These structures were located in the area that now forms the forecourt to the second courthouse.^[1]

As a result of a number of escapes and influx of prisoners in late 1877, application for additional accommodation was made by the Acting Gaoler.^[1]

Tenders were called in 1880 for the erection of a gaol and residence at Narrabri. The buildings were designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet and the plans were available for inspection at the Colonial Architects Office and at Narrabri Court House.^[1]

Tenders closed on 31 September 1880 and the tender of J. Conlon was accepted on 20 October 1880 for A£3,590, eight shillings and sixpence. The buildings were constructed from 1880 to 1881.^[1]

On the 10 October 1886 the site was notified in the Government Gazette as reserved for a gaolsite, along with reserves for the Court House and Police purposes.^[1]^[2]^: 6–7

Description

A formal composition consisting of a main central wing having an elaborate classical pediment and roof fleche flanked on the street by tall brick walls having rendered quoins and spheres above. A timber verandah frames the main entrance while at the rear there is an extensive range of single storey residential cell and service blocks all of similar stuccoed brick construction.^[1]^[3]

The walls of the building are all solid, generally laid in English bond and are substantial. In the residential section, external walls are 350 millimetres (14 in) thick and internal walls are 225 millimetres (8.9 in) thick. In the gaol section the external walls are 450 millimetres (18 in) thick and internal walls are 350 millimetres (14 in) thick. The floors are generally raised approx 750 millimetres (30 in) above the footpath level.^[1]

The roof structure is timber with pine boarding on the rafters, oversheeted with corrugated galvanised iron. The structure is double couple close structure with collar ties and substantial ceiling joists. All timbers are cypress pine.^[1]^[4]

Condition

The physical condition is good. The archaeological potential is low.^[1]

Modifications and dates

Since its construction in 1880-1881 the following modifications have been made:^[1]^[5]

1882-1883 –water tank added
1890 –addition (probably kitchen and wash house)
1898 –addition (probably 2 bedrooms, bathroom and verandah)
1946 –demolition of kitchen, wash house, bedrooms, bathrooms, external closet rear porch and steps and infilling the well. Dining room extension and providing a double door link to the existing dining room.
1988 –verandah on Bowen Street entrance completely reconstructed with floorboards replaced again in 2010.
1995 –perimeter wall to rear courtyard underpinned - extent is unknown.
1997 –perimeter wall to eastern courtyard underpinned and partially reconstructed.

Heritage listing

As at 1 October 1997, designed by Colonial Architect James Barnett, the gaol has functioned continuously as such for 101 years and, apart from the last 10 years, has operated in the way intended in the original design, representing a system of the administration of punishment that is no longer considered appropriate. The form of the buildings for a country gaol appears to be unique with its formal symmetrical facade and enclosing wall. It is an important part of the streetscape and a dominant element particularly in Bowen Street. Due to its function as a police gaol and its ancillary functions it has become an integral part of life of Narrabri and has strong associations with the local community.^[1]^[2]^: 79

The Narrabri Gaol and Residence was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999 having satisfied the following criteria.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.

Designed by an important Colonial Architect James Barnett, it has functioned continuously as a gaol for 101 years and apart from the last 10 years has operated in the way intended in the original design, representing a system of the administration of punishment that is no longer considered appropriate.^[1]^[2]^: 79

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The form of the buildings for a country gaol appears to be unique with its formal symmetrical facade and enclosing wall. It is an important part of the streescape and a dominant element particularly in Bowen Street.^[1]^[2]^: 79

The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

It forms a significant part of the only important group of civil buildings in Narrabri. Due to its function as a police gaol and its ancillary functions it has an integral part of life of Narrabri and has strong associations with the local community.^[1]^[2]^: 79

The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

It is one of only several country goals constructed between 1865 and 1890 during Barnett's time and is one of the last to be closed.^[1]^[2]^: 79

Related Research Articles

Narrabri is a locality and seat of Narrabri Shire local government area in the North West Slopes, New South Wales, Australia on the Namoi River, 521 kilometres (324 mi) northwest of Sydney. It sits on the junction of the Kamilaroi Highway and the Newell Highway. At the 2021 census, the town of Narrabri had a population of 5,499.

Penrith railway station is a heritage-listed railway station located on the Main Western line in the western Sydney suburb of Penrith in the City of Penrith local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by New South Wales Government Railways and the 1863 building was built by M. and A. Jamison and D. Forest. It is also known as Penrith Railway Station group. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wentworth Gaol</span> Heritage listed site in New South Wales, Australia

The Wentworth Gaol is a heritage-listed former gaol and school building and now museum and old wares shop located at 112 Beverley Street, Wentworth, in the Wentworth Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by James Barnet and built from 1879 to 1881 by Whitcombe Brothers, Hay. It is also known as the Old Wentworth Gaol. The property is owned by Department of Primary Industries - Western Lands Commissioner, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 21 October 2016.

Narrabri Shire is a local government area in the North West Slopes region of New South Wales, Australia. The Shire is located adjacent to the Namoi River and the Newell and Kamilaroi Highways.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hay Gaol</span> Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The Hay Gaol is a heritage-listed former prison and now museum at 355 Church Street, Hay, Hay Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It was an adult prison from 1880 to 1915 and 1930 until 1940, a prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, and a juvenile facility, the Hay Institution for Girls, from 1961 to 1974. It was designed by James Barnet and Colonial Architect and built from 1879 to 1880 by Witcombe Brothers. The site faces Church Street, and is otherwise bounded by Piper, Macauley and Coke Streets, north-east of the town centre. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 13 March 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Dubbo Gaol</span> Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The Old Dubbo Gaol is a heritage-listed former gaol and now museum and tourist attraction at 90 Macquarie Street, Dubbo in the Dubbo Region local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The gaol was designed by the NSW Colonial Architect's Office and was built from 1847 to 1945 by James Atkinson Jnr (1862–63) and William Bonython Moffatt. The gaol was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 26 March 2004. It was the second gaol in Dubbo, replacing lock-ups built in 1847 and 1862.

Orange railway station is a heritage-listed former railway bridge and now railway station located on the Main Western line on Paisley Street, Orange in the City of Orange local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1877 to 1950. It is also known as Orange Railway Station and yard group. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse</span> Lighthouse in New South Wales, Australia

The Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse is a heritage-listed lighthouse at Barrenjoey Headland in the Sydney suburb of Palm Beach, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by James Barnet, the New South Wales Colonial Architect and built by Isaac Banks. It is also known as Barrenjoey Head Lightstation. The property is owned by Office of Environment and Heritage, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. The lightstation was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Bourke Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 47 Oxley Street, Bourke, in the Orana region of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet and built in 1880 by E. Heseler. It is also known as Bourke Post and Telegraph Office. The property is owned by the Keane Family Trust. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 23 June 2000.

Broken Hill Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 258–260 Argent Street, Broken Hill, in the Far West of New South Wales, Australia. The original building was designed by James Barnet, and was built from 1890 to 1892 by John Dobbie. Walter Liberty Vernon designed a telegraph office addition in 1900. The property is owned by Australia Post. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 8 November 2011.

Coutt's Sailors Home is a heritage-listed former sailor's home, health clinic, government office building and now residence at 16 Bond Street, Newcastle, City of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by George Brown and built in 1882 by Robert Muirhead. It is also known as Coutt's Sailors Rest Home. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 March 2011.

Kiama Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 24 Terralong Street, Kiama, Municipality of Kiama, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet. and built by W. R. Vaughan. The property is owned by Australia Post. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2000.

Rosebank is a heritage-listed former residence and boarding school and now offices at 17 Speed Street, Liverpool, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Varney Parkes and built from 1882 to 1883. It is also known as Queens College. The property is owned by Liverpool City Council. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 27 May 2005.

Narrabri Post Office is a heritage-listed post office at 138–140 Maitland Street, Narrabri, New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Narrabri Post Office and former Telegraph Office. It was designed by the NSW Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet and built by FA King in 1888. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 8 November 2011.

Prison Barracks Precinct is a heritage-listed prison precinct at Cockatoo Island, Sydney Harbour, New South Wales, Australia. It was added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List on 22 June 2004.

Holly Lea and Plough Inn is a heritage-listed site at Holly Lea Road, Leumeah in the City of Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia. The heritage listing includes a former residence, an inn and a storage shed. It was built from 1816 by William Ray. It is also known as Plough Inn; Three Brothers (inn); The Travellers' Home (inn); Borobine House; Hollylea; and William Ray's Cottage Inn Coolroom. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

The Butchery Building is a heritage-listed restaurant and former terraced houses and butcher's shop located at 178–180 Cumberland Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1890 to 1899. It is also known as The Butchery Buildings. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

182 Cumberland Street, The Rocks is a heritage-listed retail building and residence located at 182 Cumberland Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon with the assistance of E. L. Drew and built from 1911 to 1912. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

Undercliffe Cottage is a heritage-listed residence located at 50 Argyle Place, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Undercliff Cottage; and Grimes Cottage. The property was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

Katoomba House is a heritage-listed residence at 81 Kent Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of Millers Point in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It is also known as Seaforth House. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

References

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Narrabri Gaol and Residence". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H00344. Retrieved 1 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence .
1 2 3 4 5 6 Rhett Partridge & Partners (1986). Narrabri Conservation Plan.
↑ Parsons, K.; Sheedy, D. (1980). National Trust Classification Card - Narrabri Gaol and Residence.
↑ McBean and Crisp Pty Ltd (1985). Report on Structural Condition of Former Narrabri Gaol. pp. 2–3.
↑ DCE Structural & Civil Engineers (2016). Building Condition Report - S2451 - Old Narrabri Gaol, Bowen Street, Narrabri NSW 2390. p. 4.

Bibliography

DCE Structural & Civil Engineers (2016). Building Condition Report - S2451 - Old Narrabri Gaol, Bowen Street, Narrabri NSW 2390.
Heritage NSW. "Narrabri Old Gaol Museum".
Carr, John (2010). Narrabri Gaol Conservation Plan.
Parsons, K.; Sheedy, D. (1980). National Trust Classification Card - Narrabri Gaol and Residence.
McBean and Crisp Pty Ltd (1985). Report on Structural Condition of Former Narrabri Gaol.
Rhett Partridge & Partners (1986). Narrabri Conservation Plan.
Tourism NSW (2007). "Narrabri Old Gaol and Museum".

Attribution

This Wikipedia article was originally based on Narrabri Gaol and Residence , entry number 00344 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence , accessed on 1 June 2018.

External links

Media related to Narrabri Gaol and Residence at Wikimedia Commons

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

[nswshr-344-1] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 "Narrabri Gaol and Residence". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H00344. Retrieved 1 June 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence .

[nswshr-344-1944-2] 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rhett Partridge & Partners (1986). Narrabri Conservation Plan.

[nswshr-344-1941-3] Parsons, K.; Sheedy, D. (1980). National Trust Classification Card - Narrabri Gaol and Residence.

[nswshr-344-1942-4] McBean and Crisp Pty Ltd (1985). Report on Structural Condition of Former Narrabri Gaol. pp. 2–3.

[nswshr-344-1943-5] DCE Structural & Civil Engineers (2016). Building Condition Report - S2451 - Old Narrabri Gaol, Bowen Street, Narrabri NSW 2390. p. 4.

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]