Bishop's House

Statement of Significance

The place is associated with the establishment and growth of Perth and has been an important and substantial landmark since 1859.
The place is the only Victorian Georgian style residence remaining in the City of Perth.
The place is closely associated with Bishop Mathew Blagden Hale, Perth’s first Anglican Bishop.
The place has important religious associations as the residence of Anglican Bishops and Archbishops of Perth for almost 100 years.
The place is aesthetically pleasing and provides a visual oasis in an area of high-rise office developments and contributes to the Perth community's sense of place.

Physical Description

Two storey Georgian Mansion set in attractive original gardens. Rectangular building with hipped roof which was originally shingled with decorative chimneys. The building has 12 paned double sash windows with a steeply pitched verandah at ground floor level.

History

The house was completed in 1859 in readiness for the first Anglican Bishop of Perth, Matthew Hale. He had initiated its construction in 1856 when he visited and bought the land for the house. This consisted of four allotments on which stood a house and stable. He later bought more land to the west as far as Spring St.
The original Bishop's House incorporated the earlier structure at the western end of the lot. The earlier structure was believed to have been built with stables and outbuildings in the 1840's and was owned by Edward Hammersley. The stables and outbuildings have subsequently been demolished. The original building was roofed with Sheoak shingles.
For nearly a century Bishop's House was a major centre for social, intellectual and religious life in Perth. Bishop Hale promoted debating, amateur dramatics and book clubs. In 1860 Bishop Hale erected the Bishop's Cottage for the clergy and in 1872 a two-storey house on the site was used for the education of aboriginal children.
Bishop Parry enlarged the adjacent cottage for his own residence, and this was also used by Archbishops Riley and de Tann. The grounds were planned by Bishop Hale and included English Oaks and an orchard.
[COP Heritage Places File No 1.12/78; Ray Oldham in the West Australian August 20, 1966]
In the 1950's the building was used by Legacy and became known as Legacy House.
In the 1980's the house was purchased by Alister Mc Alpine and together with the gardens, was restored by his company, Australian City Properties.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium level of integrity.
Medium level of authenticity as it has been restored to original detail. Garden restored to original.

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.