Nanson Convent

Statement of Significance

The Nanson Convent has considerable historic significance for its connection with the adjacent church-school which
provided for much needed educational services to the local community. The Convent and Church-School have
further historic value for their close association with renowned Priest-Architect Monsignor John Hawes, who
designed both buildings, and local builder Enrico Boschetti, who constructed them. The place has considerable
aesthetic merit for its fine use of local stone and decorative detailing including brick quoining and bay window.
Together with the nearby Anglican Church, the buildings combine to form a pleasing cultural environment.

Physical Description

Located immediately to the south of the Church of Our Lady of Fatima, the former convent is situated in an enclosed
garden with a pathway leading from the gate to the main entrance. The single storey building is constructed of
locally quarried stone with a hipped corrugated iron roof. The roof features simple ventilation gablets and is
punctuated by a tall masonry chimney to the northwest roofscape. The roof extends broken back to cover the
surrounding verandahs which are supported on square timber posts and partly enclosed with shade cloth. Brick
quoining enhances the corners and openings while a bay window to the eastern facade is where the chapel is
located. Windows are timber framed double hung and multi pane in style with rendered sills. (Refer to HCWA RHP
Documentation for a more detailed description including internal description.)

History

The Convent, designed by Monsignor Hawes, was built by Enrico (‘Henry’) Boschetti in 1938 at a cost of 700 pounds.
Both the convent and the adjacent church school building were opened and blessed by the Bishop of Geraldton, the
Most Reverend Dr O'Collins on 29 January 1939. To begin with three Presentation Sisters, who had been transferred
from the Northampton Convent, were in residence at the Nanson convent and taught at the adjacent school. From
the late 1950s enrolments at the adjacent church school began to decline resulting in the closure of both the school
and the convent in 1965. At present the former convent functions as a private residence. (Source: HCWA RHP
Documentation)

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Original Fabric: Predominantly Intact
Modifications: Some verandah infill

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.