Faversham House

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

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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