St Mary's Church and Graveyard

Statement of Significance

The place is historically and scientifically important as an example of a nineteenth century Anglican Parish Church dating from the 1860s, set in a graveyard dating from the 1830s, and for the evidence of a continuous development of burial practice from the first decade of settlement of the colony; The place has a close association with European settlers of the Swan Valley, some of whom are buried in the graveyard; The place is an example of a simple, colonial church adapted and enlarged in the Victorian Academic Gothic revival style, and is typical of the local architecture built by settlers to replicate their way of life in Britain; The place contributes to the 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 the Swan Valley; and The place is of social value as an active church and as a burial ground for parishioners.

Physical Description

St Mary's Church, comprising a red brick, timber and corrugated iron church (1869, 1903), associated graveyard (1838+), mature trees, and brick and timber lych gate (1959). The building is constructed of two tone Flemish bond brick - transepts not patterned. Buttresses have been constructed on the corners. Some windows contain stained glass. Graveyard contains graves of early settlers.

History

Existing church built on site of earlier octagonal rammed earth church built in 1840 designed by Dr Joseph Harris and Thomas Yule of Strelley. First part of existing Gothic Revival building built in 1869. Designed by Architect Richard Roach Jewell.

Integrity/Authenticity

High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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