The Priory

Statement of Significance

The Priory has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons: The place is associated with James Newell well-known early settler to Albany; Newell, originally sent to Australia on convict transportation before coming to Albany and the first owner of the land. The place is a fine example of the Federation Queen Anne style of architecture, designed by prominent and accomplished Western Australian architect Francis Bird who lived in Albany. The place has historic and social value being used at one time as a girl’s hostel for the nearby Albany Senior High School. The place is associated with Old Surrey on adjoining lot in Burt Street, one of the oldest extant residences in Albany.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include: • Elevated position - high streetscape value • Large scale two-storey building, reflecting an era of the ‘grand residence’ • Prominent gables with timbered effect (Queen Anne influences) • Verandah with timber posts and ornamental brackets • Original windows are casement with curved upper panes Some obvious modifications include: • Many modifications and additions • Enclosed/infill verandahs removed • Aluminium windows • Corrugated iron roof • Unsympathetic additions

History

The history of The Priory is closely tied in with that of the neighbouring property, Old Surrey. In March 1837 King William the Fourth of England granted four acres of land to Yeoman James Newell for a peppercorn rental, witnessed and sealed by Sir James Stirling, Governor and Commander in Chief of the Colony. Newell had originally been one of 14 English farm labourers in East Anglia convicted in 1816 on charges of rioting for a pay rise of one shilling. They were sentenced to death, but the sentence was commuted to transportation to NSW for 14 years. In 1841 James Newell sold two acres of the land to George Weston, who built a stone cottage on the property, later known as Old Surrey. It is said that the cottage was later used as the gatehouse and stable for The Priory. In about 1890/91 a large residence was built for the then owner, Rev W Wardell-Johnson, on the original half of the property, designed by Francis Bird, an architect who had settled in Albany c1889 and who also designed the Albany Club in Aberdeen Street and lived at/owned the historic Old Farm at Strawberry Hill. It seems the builder of the residence was Charlie Layton although another source says that Mr Sangster was the builder. It has been referred to by two names, the Vicarage and The Priory. In the 1930s the property was owned by Mr and Mrs Lionel Mills, and was known as one of the finest homes in Albany. They were antique specialists, and the Priory was filled with priceless and rare antiques. Around that time (c1933) the house was used as a hostel for girls attending the Albany High School, accommodating about 20 girls. Over the years the Priory has been much altered, with some of the additions detracting from the aesthetic value of the house. The current owners have undertaken extensive renovations and restoration work, and the effect has been to renew some of the original aesthetic and architectural features of the place.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate Authenticity: Moderate/Low

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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