Old Gaol & Police Quarters, Bridgetown

Statement of Significance

The Police Station is the oldest government building in Bridgetown, and one of the oldest surviving buildings in the town. The place is representative of police stations and lockups constructed in Western Australia in the late nineteenth century and police quarters constructed in the first decade of the twentieth century. It ‘is an integral part of the collection of civic buildings situated at the northern part of the centre of Bridgetown. It is part of a significant streetscape in an historic town which contains many fine late nineteenth century and early twentieth century buildings retaining much of the ambience of a nineteenth century country town’. (Register of Heritage Places Entry Document)
Aesthetic Value
An historic building of Victorian Georgian design, which creates intrigue and interest, adding to the sense of place for both locals and visitors as an integral part of the streetscape.
Historic Value
The Bridgetown Police Station and Quarters are significant in the evolution of the history of WA and the development of Bridgetown and broader district.
Research Value
The Bridgetown Police Station (and Lock-up) and Police Quarters are of high research value, important for information contributing to a wider understanding of conditions of short stay lock-up cells, police stations and police quarters, in use from the 1880’s and early 1900’s until 1970’s, in rural WA. Research value is also evident of officers accommodating the cultural differences of Aboriginal men, who were unaccustomed to sleeping in closed quarters. Chain marks remain visible on the window sills to the back verandah where Aboriginal men were permitted to sleep.
Social Value
Bridgetown Police Station and Quarters (fmr) is highly valued by some members of the community of Bridgetown for its contribution to the streetscape. It also contributes to the community’s sense of place as an integral part of the collection of civic buildings situated at the northern part of the centre of Bridgetown. (Bridgetown Police Station (Bridgetown Police Station and Quarters [fmr] Conservation Plan 2011, pg80)
The “Old Gaol” is valued socially as a tourism attraction, visited by locals and tourists to see historic exhibitions by the Bridgetown Historical Society.

Physical Description

Brick and iron Government buildings typical of the period.
The Police Station roof shingles were replaced with galvanised corrugated iron in 2009. The Police Station chimney has copper pots still in situ. The Police Quarters were extended to the rear and renovated in 1995/1996.
Refer to Bridgetown Police Station Conservation Management Plan Update (August 2011) for further physical descriptions.

History

The Station was constructed in 1880, after a need was seen to create a more official police station with lock-up, than the original Police Station (and residence) officiated by Constable Moriarty by the Bridge. The station originally had a small Police Quarters adjoining to the southern side, which was first resided in by Constable John Bovell (of Mullalyup) in the January of 1881. This residence was not designed for a family, and it was not until 1907 that the now adjoining two Police Quarters (houses) were built. They were taken from the same design and specifications as those of the Busselton Police Quarters, which also still remain. The remaining Station and lock-up has had very little if alterations, while the police quarters have undergone additions and minor renovations. The Police Station was used until 1970 when a new Police Station, courthouse and Lock-up were built in Steere Street. The Oak tree at the rear of 146 Hampton Street (northern residence) has some significance and was most likely planted around the late 1800's, possibly to provide shade for the Constables horses.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium to High
The Police Station has medium integrity. Although it is no longer being used as a Police Station, it is set up interpretively as an ‘old gaol’ (lock-up) for the purpose of tourism. The Police Quarters retain a moderate to high degree of integrity as they continue to be well maintained and used as residences for Shire employees.
Medium to High
The Police Station has a moderate level of authenticity. The building suffered some considerable loss of fabric with the construction of the adjoining Police Quarters in 1907. One and a half rooms and a section of the verandah were demolished. The Police Quarters has a moderate to high degree of authenticity.

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.