York Town Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

02862 York Town Centre Precinct

Uses

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

The York Town Hall has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:  The place is a nationally recognised landmark.The highly individual treatment of the corner entry and its associated facades and interiors is a demonstration of creative and design excellence in the Federation Free Classical style.  The place contributes to the community’s sense of place through its aesthetic characteristics, civic functions, and historic and social associations.

Physical Description

The York Town Hall is located on the corner of Avon Terrace and Joaquina Street within the townsite of York. As a result of the corner’s acute angle, the entrance faces the greater concentration of the Central York Precinct’s buildings immediately north of the town hall. The external walls are face brick. The Avon Terrace façade and the entrance façade are tuck pointed. The entrance is extensively decorated with stucco and includes a pair of Corinthian columns on either side of the doors and entablature with the lettering “TOWN HALL” surmounted by a clock with floral motifs and the date “1911”. The roof is clad with corrugated galvanised iron. Timber framed lanterns are located above the hall and the first floor landing. For a detailed description of the physical evidence refer to Volume 3, which is the Conservation Plan prepared by Palassis Architects, which is where most of this information has been obtained from.

History

Records and minutes of the York Shire Council, which was formerly named the York Municipal Council, provide invaluable information on the history and development of the York Town Hall. Also the Residency Museum and the Battye Library hold a good selection of photographs. The York Shire and the National Trust hold architectural drawings.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate

Condition

Fair

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Imperial Hotel

Parent Place or Precinct

02862 York Town Centre Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Physical Description

The place comprises the two-storey main hotel building, Second-Class Lodgers Accomodation and Stables (all 1886) and the single storey kitchen extension (1910). The hexagonal gazebo and ablution block to the rear are of no heritage significance. The main hotel building is a cranked L shape, located at the corner of Avon Tce and Joaquina St. It features a verandah with Filigree detailing on both sides.The building features moulded quoins and decorative brackets and balustrade. This listing also includes other buildings and outbuildings associated with the property. The stone work is laid in courses and tuck pointed, featuring rendered quoins on the external corners. A face stone cellar is intact at the west of the building.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Fair Authenticity: Fair

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Sandalwood Yards

Parent Place or Precinct

03980 Monger's Trading Post (fmr)

Condition

FairIncluding Monger's Store, Old Bakery, Sandalwood Yard and Wagon Yard and Horse Stalls. It is the only known complex associated with the sandalwood industry in Western Australia that remains extant. The Wagon Yards and Horse Stalls have particular social value as they were the subject of community action in 1980 to ensure their conservation.

Uses

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

Including Monger's Store, Old Bakery, Sandalwood Yard and Wagon Yard and Horse Stalls. It is the only known complex associated with the sandalwood industry in Western Australia that remains extant. The Wagon Yards and Horse Stalls have particular social value as they were the subject of community action in 1980 to ensure their conservation.

Condition

Fair

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Old York Hospital

Parent Place or Precinct

03019 York Hospital Heritage Precinct

Uses

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

03019 York Hospital Heritage Precinct

Statement of Significance

York Hospital (former) is significant as a fine example of Federation Arts and Craft style designed by George Temple-Poole, Chief Government Architect. It was closely associated with the growth of York at the time of the gold boom and in the mid twentieth century as a venue for youth activities and the provision of accommodation for tourists, and as a private residence. It contributes to the community's sense of place by providing a physical and historical link with the provision of government services and development of York. It is an imposing landmark that terminates the vista of Clifford Street and makes a significant contribution to the historic townscape of York. York Hospital (former) is part of the York Hospital Heritage Precinct that also includes the York Residency Museum. Its associations with the adjacent York Residency Museum, and the convict depot site to the south, are also significant as a precinct of Government buildings.

Physical Description

York Hospital (former) comprises the following buildings: main double storey hospital (1896), nurses' quarters (1925), maternity block (1941), morgue, and laundry (1942). The two-storey building of brick and comprises, on the ground floor, a ward 35 ft x20 ft, with verandas back and front, and service of nurses/rooms, dispensary and medical officers' room, also kitchen etc. On the upper floor is a ward 47 ft x 20 ft, and service rooms and nurses' sleeping apartments, with balcony back and front, and ablutions attached to each ward. Note: The convict depot site adjoins the south and west boundaries of the York Hospital (fmr) and is not included in Registered curtilage of the York Hospital (fmr) site.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate/high

Condition

Good

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York Hospital Heritage Precinct

Child Places

• 02869 Old York Hospital
• 02869 Old York Hospital
• 02870 Residency Museum

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 02869 Old York Hospital
• 02869 Old York Hospital
• 02870 Residency Museum

Statement of Significance

A former hospital of domestic character, which is a good example of the personal Arts and Crafts style of West Australia Public Works Department (WAPWD) Chief Architect, G T Poole. The brickwork and woodwork exhibit fine craftsmanship in keeping with the style of architecture.

Physical Description

A two storey Federation Arts and Crafts style brick building with a shingled roof and window hoods. It has a two level verandah and prominent chimneys, some centred on pebble-dash infilled gables with vestigial half timbering. Stained glass window in stairwell.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: Good

Condition

Good

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Residency Museum

Parent Place or Precinct

03019 York Hospital Heritage Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The Residency building/s are in good condition and open to the public, as a representative of a former administration and legal system. The Residency Museum forms the last remaining components of what was the convict depot, a precinct of Government buildings that played an integral role in the development of York. Residency Museum was opened on 27 August 1972. It was the first regional museum established under the Museum Act 1969-73, to be recognised by the Western Australian Museum.

Physical Description

Residency Museum is a single-storey brick and iron structure that is sited on the same Reserve as the Old York Hospital.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: Good

Condition

Good

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Faversham House

Parent Place or Precinct

06907 Monger's Town Precinct incl Swing Bridge over Blands Pool

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

Faversham House is of considerable significance for its strong association with the convict period in WA history (1850-1868), as it was built with convict labour in most stages of the construction (1849, c.1850, c.1858, 1867); a fine representative example of Victorian Rustic Gothic Architecture in a rural town, of which there are few remaining examples; it has significant associations with three generations of the Monger family, J.H. (John Henry) Monger Snr, J.H. Monger Jnr, and A.J. Monger, for exactly 100 years. (1841 land grant-1941 sale to Commonwealth Government); it has been a focus of social, convalescent, religious and cultural tourism associations at various periods since 1849; it is highly valued by the York community and contributes to the their sense of place through its association with the Monger family, and the history of York; it is very significant cultural environment in the rural town setting, integral within the historic fabric of the York district; and, the commanding position overlooking the town of York, has a landmark quality.

Physical Description

Faversham House is a two-storey stone residence with timber floors and corrugated iron roof. It was built and extended by successive generations of the Monger family. As one of the larger residential complexes in York with a total of almost fifty rooms, the scale of Faversham House makes this a rare example of Colonial architecture.

History

Faversham House began with the original land grant to John Henry Monger Snr in 1841, followed by site excavations in c.1849 when the cellar was constructed into the cut of the hill on the east side of Grey Street. Faversham House was constructed with the assistance of convict labour. Within a year or so, it seems the ground floor of the dwelling was constructed, replicating the form and layout of the cellar below. A few years later, c.1858, the first floor copied the ground floor. In 1867, after his father’s death, John Henry Monger Jnr. inherited the family estate including Faversham House. He added the north and south double storey wings to the existing double storey centre of the house. From 1896, it was leased out as a hospital and convalescent home. After A.J Monger became sole owner (1903), he married and returned to Faversham House. It was in poor condition, but by 1909 he had renovated and added a double storey section that comprised a new kitchen, and servants quarters upstairs, and the west verandas. In 1939, Faversham House was donated to the Australian Government and the Red Cross for use as a hospital and convalescent home for returned servicemen. The building was converted for use as a convalescent home. An extensive restoration took place in 1975. Between 1994 and 1996, Faversham House was extensively restored and fitted with ensuites and bathrooms upstairs for an exclusive accommodation and function facility.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate/high

Condition

Fair/good

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York Flour Mill

Condition

The mill supersedes the 19th century earlier çmills built by individual farmers on their own or çcollective properties. A now obsolete form of çflour milling.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

The York Flour Mill is a purpose-built flour mill, constructed in 1892 with associated buildings built from 1892 onwards, to mill flour for York and the surrounding districts, and for export. The mill is the only remaining mill building in York, a town whose prosperity was built upon the growing wheat and grain. The mill has significance for its association with York's role in the commercial development of agricultural exports in Western Australia. The brick mill and storage sheds, although now without the former plant and machinery, is a rare example of a turn of the century roller-flour mill.

Physical Description

Located at the end of Broome and Railway Street. Three stories high.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: Good a few renovations

Condition

Good

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York Primary School

Parent Place or Precinct

02862 York Town Centre Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

A school building of architectural significance derived from the standardised approach to school buildings designed by the Government Architect in the 1890s. A building which through its social history is important to the historic content of York. The school began in 1898 as a simple classroom and developed into a large complex as the townsite flourished.

Physical Description

A large red brick building with corrugated iron roof and decorated gables. The railway line bounds the western edge of the school site.

Condition

Fair

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Gwambygine Farm and Pool

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Fair Authenticity: Fair

Condition

Fair

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Holy Trinity Church

Parent Place or Precinct

03213 Holy Trinity Church, Hall & Rectory

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

03213 Holy Trinity Church, Hall & Rectory

Statement of Significance

Holy Trinity Church contributes to the York community's sense of place for the role played by religion in the early years of the settlement of the area and as a reminder of the colonial development of York. It has a close association with the first Governors of the Colony and with the establishment of the Anglican faith throughout Western Australia. Holy Trinity Church is a landmark quality of mid-nineteenth century ecclesiastical buildings created by the visual impact of the prominent tower, the design form and detail of the Church and individually and together with the Rectory, makes a significant contribution to the historic aesthetic and historic townscape of York.

Physical Description

Holy Trinity Church attached Hall former Church of St. John: built 1861, relocated 1905 and adjacent.

History

After York was opened for selection in 1830, the first settlers, arrived in 1831 from the Swan River settlement with the task of establishing a Government Farm. Balladong Farm was settled in 1831 by William Heal, who took up a grant of 20ha of land as a reward for settling in the district. The Government farm was not a success and in 1832, Revett. H. Bland and Arthur Trimmer leased the farm for two sections: Trimmer to north and Bland to the south. In 1836 the Anglican Diocese of Australia was formed. In 1840 Peter Barow succeeded the government resident to conduct Church of England services in the barracks. It is likely that he influenced Bland who loaned the land on the corner of Avon Terrace for St John’s Church. In 1846 the church of and received a Crown grant of 3 acres as Glebe for the parsons use. In 1851 extra crown grant for the church- both sites separated by a road. In 1853 the parsonage was built for Mr and Mrs Edward Millett. In 1854 the church was constructed of local bricks, Governor Fitzgerald laid the foundation stone in 1855 and Bishop Hale consecrated in 1858. St John’s church was demolished in 1861. And new one built on the site. In 1874 land was granted for a Church of England in the General Cemetery Site (Mt Brown). St Johns cemetery closed in 1890. In 1893 the roof was raise don the church and chancel, vestry, and bell tower were added with the foundation stone by Mrs W Edwards of Hartleap. In 1898 the pipe organ came from London. In 1905, St Johns Church was deconstructed and rebuilt on the Holy Trinity site parallel with the church separated by several metres on the north side. Several alterations ongoing and in 1949 the church layout changed. In 1968 the belltower was damaged in the Meckering earthquake. In 1969 the top of the tower was demolished. In 1979/80 the tower was rebuilt to a height 3.5 metres more than original. In 1986 controversial windows were blessed and installed. Designed by artist Robert Juniper, the stained-glass windows depicted a modern interpretation. The Anglican Archbishop Dr Peter Carnley conducted the service. The original windows were donated by Mrs Jane Edwards in memory of her husband William over 90 years ago. The windows were a classical biblical scene with coloured paper glued between glass sheets. They were cracked and fade. Mrs Nancy Monger, the granddaughter of Jane Edwards expressed the families’ disappointment and shock that the Archbishop supported the new windows, and have disassociated themselves from the church. In 1988 the reconstructed tower was demolished and reconstructed to original 1893 detail. The roof was replaced with long sheets (not as original- short sheets).

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate/High

Condition

Fair

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Holy Trinity Church, Hall & Rectory

Child Places

• 02883 Holy Trinity Church
• 02883 Holy Trinity Church
• 04201 Anglican Rectory and Grounds

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 02883 Holy Trinity Church
• 02883 Holy Trinity Church
• 04201 Anglican Rectory and Grounds

Physical Description

Holy Trinity Church (1856, 1907, 1985), attached Hall (former Church of St. John: built 1861, relocated 1905) and adjacent Rectory (1875 with attached kitchen of 1853). Holy Trinity Church contains what is believed to be the last Albert Pease organ in use in Australia

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Fair Authenticity: Fair

Condition

Fair

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Marwick's Shed

Condition

Poor condition

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Marwick’s Shed is significant as a rare example of local 19th century vernacular construction techniques that utilise a timber structure to create a large volume without internal load-bearing walls. It exemplifies the strategic location of York (and Newcastle Street) as a route for transporting supplies to the goldfields prior to the completion of the Perth-Coolgardie railway line. The place functioned as an early form of depot for William Marwick's York-based road haulage business and as such is a memorial to the lives of William Marwick (snr) and his descendants who have played a leading role in the civic and business affairs of York for over 125 years. The building has a rustic appearance having acquired patina through many years of exposure to the elements, serving as a local landmark. It is of considerable significance to the historic townscape of York.

Physical Description

Marwick’s Shed is a large timber framed vernacular building with relatively low masonry external walls and a dominant pitched roof clad in galvanised corrugated iron. It is a rare example of local 19th century vernacular construction techniques, particularly the employment of a timber structure to create a large volume without internal load-bearing walls. It is a rare building type. Few vernacular structures of similar form and age are known to exist in Western Australia.

History

Samuel Evans Burges of Tipperary owned the site during which time William Marwick worked for and was closely associated with him, until Burges left in the state 1897. In 1899 the land was formerly transferred to William Marwick and sons. By which time, the 1876 building had been utilised for over 20 years as a storage and stabling facility for William Marwick’s transport and trading business. As farming became a more central focus of the family business in the early 1900s, the “Shed” became the central base for the management of their various properties. However by the 1960s, that was no longer practical and the place was mostly vacant and deteriorated. Gordon Marwick, the owner, is a great grandson of William Marwick, and resides directly opposite the “Shed” and has undertaken several stages of conservation works and storm repairs in recent decades.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Fair Authenticity: Fair

Condition

Fair

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York-Beverley Racecourse

Condition

Overall York-Beverley Racecourse was in fair to good condition at the time of assessment. The structures were mostly sound, except for the committee rooms (former) that is in a derelict condition. The Grandstand was demolished in 2011.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

Since 1846 this facility has been the home to the York Jockey Club, which is the oldest regional race club in Australia and is the oldest operating regional racetrack in Australia. This is one of the few remaining regional racecourses incorporating timber buildings and as a racecourse constructed in the interwar period. Reflects the growth and development of York into an important regional centre during the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century.

Physical Description

Located at the foot of Mt Bakewell, in a rural picturesque setting, is the racecourse, grandstand, tote building and bar area, pavilion, committee rooms, stable shelters and associated yards, track elements and grounds.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: Good

Condition

Good

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Balladong Farm Group

Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Statement of Significance

A group of related farm buildings established by Stephen Parker who acquired the farm in 1848. The buildings variously demonstrate the superb architecture styles, the technical accomplishment and the social history of the pioneer faming family. The Balladong group in its farming environment on rich alluvial lands beside the Avon River, constitutes a unique and culturally significant component in the York Historic Town.

Physical Description

Farmhouse on bank of Bland Creek. The two storied granary with shingled roof joined to a stone walled stable block with shingled roof and bush pole framing, was built in the form of a square cloister opening onto the central courtyard, in 1890. The adjacent searing shed dating from the 1870sis constructed in timber in the tradition of buildings of their use throughout Australia. A high timber framed roof covered in shingles with lapped timber boarding on timber framing, a battened timber floor raised well above the ground for the containment of sheep.

History

The Balladong farm land originally formed part of the Government Farm leased by R H Bland in 1832after its inception on the arrival of the first settlers in 1831. Later in 1832, Bland was granted 1000 acres of the farm as a reward for his services in settling the district. In 1848 he sold the farm to Stephen Parker and moved back to the Swan River Settlement as Private Secretary to Governor Fitzgerald. Parker developed the farm and was responsible for the buildings which survive today. In recent years, the granary, stables and shearing shed have been restored. The original flour mill and other farm buildings no longer survive in their original form or siting.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: Good

Condition

Good

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York Railway Station (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

02862 York Town Centre Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

A rare example of a Railway Station dating from the 1880s designed to incorporate quarters for the station master within the main station building.

Physical Description

York Railway Station (fmr), a two storey Federation Arts and Crafts style, stone, brick and iron building, comprising a two storey station master’s residence, with living areas at ground floor level and three bedrooms and a bathroom on the first floor at the southern end of the building, and with public areas, including booking and parcels offices and waiting rooms, at the northern end of the building. It is comparatively rare example of a railway station dating from the 1880s designed to incorporate quarters for the station master within the main station building.

History

The Avon Valley developed in the 1830s as a pastoral region, with the town of York, on the Avon River, established in 1835. A lack of good roads was a major problem for the transport of produce. In 1881, following the opening of the Eastern Railway from Fremantle to Guildford, the railway was extended to Chidlow and onto Northam and York via Spencers Brook. In 1885, part of Avon Locations X and Y on the south side of South Street and owned by John Henry Monger, were subdivided. Location Y was traversed by the railway line, then under construction, and the York station yard was located within the new subdivision. Edward Keane was the contractor for the railway line (and the station buildings). He was involved in the construction of the Midland Railway line, Canning Timber Mill, the Ziz-Zag Railway and the Victoria Reservoir, and held the directorship of Perth's first water supply company and was active (1886-1892) in regional and state politics. York Railway Station had a considerable amount of traffic, given that the major port at that time was at Albany, and all traffic passed through York to the Yilgarn goldfields. The Imperial Hotel was popular being the closest hotel to the railway station. In 1894 York was bypassed when the railway line continued through to Southern Cross. In 1896 the platform was extended 60 metres. In 1899 a spur line opened through to Greenhills. In 1906 extra living space was created for the stationmaster’s quarters. During the 1950s the station was busy due to the wheat yields but there were many delays on the line due to the inadequacy of the goods yard that led to a range of improvements that included a new level crossing and railway sleepers but no works to the buildings or platform. In 1960 the Government contracted with BHP Co Ltd for an iron and steel works in Kwinana contingent on a standard railway between Kalgoorlie and Kwinana via Cannington, transporting iron ore from Koolyanobbing, culminating in the transcontinental standard gauge railway. The rail followed a route through Northam and Toodyay, carrying all the state’s produce, and York subsequently resorted to local traffic on the original track. York Railway Station was rendered almost redundant. The station buildings deteriorated and were even threatened with demolition that led to its Heritage Registration. York Railway Station officially closed to traffic on 18 April 1987; the last stationmaster had moved to Northam in 1986. Westrail leased the station to private entities. In 1989 a museum was established in the former parcels and booking office. It closed in 1999. In the c.2005 the railway station was sold into private ownership.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate/High Authenticity: Moderate

Condition

Fair

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Bridge House & Grounds

Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Statement of Significance

Bridge House is of considerable significance as part of the first inland farm in the Swan River Colony, following settlement of the Avon Valley in 1831. It comprises examples of the Old Colonial Georgian style of architecture and has aesthetic value as a unified group of farm buildings set in the landscape; the place is representative of a phase of agricultural development of the State and the York District and demonstrates close association with Stephen S Parker. Bridge House (1860) is one of the associated historical components that is no longer part of Balladong Farm due to subdivisions in the 1970s, but remains both significant and relevant to the history and interpretation of the place, including Balladong House (1890s), Heal’s Bridge (over Blands Brook) and the site of Parkers Bridge across the Avon River.

Physical Description

Bridge House and grounds is situated on the Avon River at the southern end of the York townsite, in Blandstown. Bridge House, a two-storey brick building with corrugated iron roof and stone cellar, is situated in grounds of 1.62 hectares.

History

After York was opened for selection in 1830, the first settlers, arrived in 1831 from the Swan River settlement with the task of establishing a Government Farm. Balladong Farm was settled in 1831 by William Heal, later H. Bland after whom Blandstown is named. Stephen Stanley Parker had arrived in the Colony with his parents in 1830. After marrying Elizabeth Sewell in 1944 he relinquished his interest in 'Cold Harbour' to purchase Balladong Farm in 1848. When Parker and his wife moved to Balladong Farm they initially lived in a simple, two-roomed mud brick house that had been built by Bland. During the 1850s, Parker developed the property into a very successful farm. He built stone stables and a granary, and employed many ticket of leave men. In 1858, Parker erected a large steam flour mill and began a flour milling business. In 1860, by which time the Parkers had nine children, Parker had Bridge House built by George Wansbrough, a local builder. Both a builder and a wheelwright, Wansbrough served his apprenticeship in Perth. He returned to York in 1852, where his family had settled 21 years earlier, to assist his brother in cutting the roof of the first Wesley Church. He soon established his own business and in 1860, moved his trade to his newly constructed house in Avon Terrace in the centre of Blandstown (Wansborough House). Parker was very active in public affairs and devoted much of his life to the advancement of the York district. He was a long-time member of the York Agricultural Society and in 1861, he served on the York Board of Education. Governor Weld appointed him a Justice of the Peace in the 1860s and he served on the York Road Board from its inception in 1871 until 1882, including eight years as its Chairman. Parker was also influential in State politics and was a Member of the Legislative Council from July 1876 to 1885. He was also a member of the Aborigines Protection Board and both Stephen and Elizabeth were very active members of the Anglican community in York. In his later years, Stephen was a diocesan trustee of the Church of England in Perth. In 1882, he retired to 325 Adelaide Terrace, Perth to a house similar in design to Bridge House. Stephen and Elizabeth Parker had six daughters and six sons. Four of the sons, including Stephen Stanley Parker jnr., stayed on the land and two 'made their mark on the State's legal history’. Members of the Parker family continued to live at Bridge House until the death of Annie Christina Parker, the widow of John William Parker, in the early 1960s. It has been suggested that Bridge House was used as a hospital around the time of World War One. The partitioning of the upstairs rooms probably occurred during this time. Apart from that brief period, the house has always been used as a residence. Balladong Farm has been subdivided into Balladong Farm, Bridge House and grounds, and Balladong House all on separate land titles. Following the death of Annie Christina Parker, Bridge House and grounds was sold to Hilda May Barrett-Lennard of York on 5 February 1962. The following year, Daisy Ellen Hall Pierce and Pearl Edna Floyed, retired Salvation Army officers, and Olive Irene Haynes purchased the property. They made Bridge House and grounds their home and continued to maintain the house and grounds. Following their deaths, Bridge House and grounds was sold. The place was purchased by Jane and Stephen Hamersley in 1997. They had designs prepared by Bruce Thomspon in 1997 and converted the interior of the house to suit modern living requirements. The principal rooms were left more or less intact. The north and south wings were altered extensively under Thompson's plan.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: Good

Condition

Good

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Eliza's Cottage

Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Statement of Significance

The cottage has heritage significance for the following reasons:  The place is a rare, authentic and representative example of the Victorian Georgian style of dwelling constructed by settlers when they first moved onto their land.  The place is closely associated with the historical development of the town of York and the Avon Valley and is an integral part of the Blandstown Heritage Precinct.  The place has the potential to reveal information on early construction practises within the colony of Western Australia.  The place has some associations with R H Bland and S S Parker, both early settlers of the York district who established the area known as Blandstown.

Physical Description

A simple styled building with a central two room ‘core’ constructed from rammed earth, later extensions constructed from soft fired bricks which surround the original two rooms and more recent extensions at the rear of the building constructed from hard fired bricks. The exterior of the cottage has been rendered. The single story structure has a broken pitched, hipped roof covered with corrugated galvanised iron. Three simple brick chimneystacks protrude through the roof on the northern side of the cottage. Native trees and some exotic tree species surround it. The land slopes gently to the east to the eastern property line, which is defined by as Blands Brook.

History

Bland was one of the first to arrive in the district and was requested by Stirling to establish a Government Stock Station. For his services to the Government, Bland was granted 1,000 acres and later acquired an additional 4,000 acres on the left bank of the Avon River. Bland was appointed Resident Magistrate for York in November 1834. As Bland held this type of position, York’s early development was centred around Bland’s farm at the southern end of present day York. It is possible that the dwelling was built by Bland for his labourers or possibly a overseer. Eliza’s Cottage was identified as part of the Blandstown Heritage Precinct in 1977 in a historical study undertaken by M Feilman and Partners on the town of York.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Fair to Moderate

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St Patrick's Catholic Church, Presbytery & Hall

Parent Place or Precinct

02862 York Town Centre Precinct

Condition

good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Statement of Significance

Cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: 1. The Church Hall and St Patrick’s Church built in the Victorian Gothic style are the only extant examples of this type in the Perth Archdiocese. 2. It forms a significant religious cultural environment especially when the former convent was in operation located directly across the road. 3. It reflects the growth and development of the local parish of York. 4. Makes a significant contribution to the historic streetscape, townscape and character of York in complementing and enhancing the historic fabric of York.

Physical Description

Presbytery stands behind and to the side of the Church. Church Hall stands in the corner of the block in South Street with the railway line behind. The Church dominates the corner of South and Howick Streets and is surrounded by landscaping.

History

Foundation stone was laid for the original Church in 1887 by Bishop Gibney. Ceiling work was done by a Mr Prunster from Austria. Italian craftsmen added the stone porch in 1950.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Good Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

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Convent of Mercy and School (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

02862 York Town Centre Precinct

Child Places

• 02898 St. Patrick's Convent School (fmr)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Parent Place or Precinct

26586 Central York Heritage Area

Child Places

• 02898 St. Patrick's Convent School (fmr)

Statement of Significance

1872 the first Convent was built on this site which was occupied by the sisters but they lived in a house provided by Father Gibney. In 1890 new addition on Railway Street were added and original old house removed.

Physical Description

The building contains an attractive small Chapel with stained glass windows on the west corner of the building. A very long front verandah extends the full length. Construction walls of stone, roof shingled (now iron). A long building with brick quoins with gabled entrance porch on each end, has narrow slits in middle of gable which almost resembles a cross.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Fair Authenticity: Fair

Condition

Fair

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