Leonora Police Station Group (fmr)

Child Places

• 24520 fmr. Troopers' Barracks
• 24420 Old Lock-up

Statement of Significance

The former police Station and Magistrates House, together with the old Lock-Up and Troopers Barracks, form an historic precinct that contributes to the aesthetic qualities of the landscape. The place clearly demonstrates the way of maintaining law and order that developed during that time.

Physical Description

The old Police Station and magistrate's House addresses gwalia Street. The site comprises former trooper's barracks, Lock-up and stables, which are at the rear of the property.
The building is constructed in a domestic style and scale although, substantial in size in comparison with other residential buildings constructed in Leonora at this time. This building has a hipped roof with vented gablets, metal roof vents, a painted corbelled brick chimney and extended battened eaves. The roof extends to cover a raised timber verandah that stretches across the front elevation. The verandah roof is supported by square timber posts and retains match boarding to the spandrels. Window openings are double-hung sashes divided into four panes and some casement sashes.
The building was divided into two sections for police facilities and living quarters. French doors off the verandah lead into the offices in the northern end of the building. The building has a central passage and tot he right are two offices. A wide opening now links the two offices which used to be used as a living room. To the left of the passage are two bedroom serviced by a double fireplace and a kitchen behind at the southern end. Behind the offices are bathroom facilities at the northern end of the building. A verandah which links the kitchen and bathroom has been recently enclosed.
The interior retains timber floors and all walls are lined.
At the rear of the property is an outbuilding that was originally used as stables, now used as a garage and workshop. This outbuilding has two adjoining structures with skillion roofs that are timber framed and cgi clad, the smaller structure, originally tack room, retains much of the original building fabric. The larger structure, originally the stables retains much of the original fabric including feed box. Some roof timbers have been replaced and lighting has been installed. The original layout of the place is still evident and retains a high degree of integrity.

History

As Leonora prospered agitation for police precense grew during 1899. Constable Uniacke was assigned to leonora and a camp was erected but in February 1899 a fierce storm blew the entire camp away.
In June 1899 the first sitting of the Leonora Police Court was held with Mr H James residing. The location of this temporary court is unknown but in Septmeber of that year a petition was sent to the state government to establish a court and a mining registrar's office.
in late 1899 contracts were let for the lock-up, police quarters and stables. The original quarters were attached tot he lock-up and consisted of two rooms and a kitchen. These were completed in May 1900 by M Mackesy for a cost of 342 pounds.
The Stables were completed in March 1900 for a fee of 170 pounds and consisted of stabling for three horses and a harness and feed room.
It is worth noting that the Lenora Court House was completed in December 1902 along with further additions to the Police Station.

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.