Newcastle Gaol, Lock-up and Stables Group, Toodyay

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as it is a fine example of convict built architecture, characterised by its simplicity of form, materials, texture and colour and contributed to the aesthetic quality of the streetscape of Clinton Street.
The place is representative of the activities associated with the early settlement and development of Toodyay. The place has held a significant role in the Toodyay community, originally as a lock-up and police station and presently (2010) as a museum.
The place has historic value for its close association with the Colonial Clerk of Works, Richard Roach Jewell.
The place has aesthetic value as it forms part of a civic precinct which contributes to the townscape of Toodyay.

Physical Description

Single storey stone structure with red brick dressings and quoining. Shingled hipped roof with prominent flashings. There is an additional range to the rear of the front structure which houses the former cells. A further ancillary accommodation block and a high stone wall complete the courtyard layout of the gaol.

History

The Newcastle Gaol Museum is part of the old gaol and police station complex. The gaol was Toodyay's third lock-up. Plans were drawn up by Colonial Clerk of Works, Richard Roach Jewell in 1862. The construction, by convict labour, took several years to complete. With the gaol being operational by 1865.
The complex comprised two rooms used as warders' quarters, a room used as the visiting Magistrates' Court Room, a kitchen and a store room, located off the central exercise yard, and eight cells, one of which was larger than the others. Jewell's plan shows a timber lined security cell which also has an iron bar for leg irons. In 1879 a decision was made to upgrade the building to serve as a common lock-up for the Avon Valley. It continued as a lock-up and Police Headquarters until around 1900.
The building was rented as a dwelling until World War II after which time it fell into disrepair. in the early 1960's the building was developed as the State's first regional museum. A revamp of the building was begun in 2004 to deal with a rising damp problem. The refurbished museum was reopened in March 2010.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Medium-High
Authenticity: Medium-High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.