GATE KEEPERS COTTAGE

The Gatekeeper's Cottage, situated at the main entrance of the University of Melbourne on Grattan Street, holds historical and architectural significance. The construction of the cottage, attributed to the University's architect Joseph Reed, dates back to the mid-19th century. The building has undergone several alterations, reflecting the evolving needs and expansions of the University, with the current structure featuring bluestone fittings, straw-coloured brick walls, Stawell sandstone details, and slate-clad steeply pitched roofs. The 
Gatekeeper's Cottage archaeological site is significant for its ability to provide rare and valuable insights into the domestic lives and working conditions of the University of Melbourne's staff and their families from the  mid-19th to the late 20th century. 

The Gatekeeper's Cottage is of historical, archaeological and architectural significance within the state of Victoria. 

Historical Significance: The Gatekeeper's Cottage stands as a testament to the early planning and development of the University of Melbourne. It is historically significant as one of the two oldest surviving structures at the University, alongside the Old Quadrangle. The placement of the Gatekeeper's Cottage and the Old Quadrangle played a pivotal role in determining the main entrance and establishing the overall layout of the University site. The cottage's location was carefully considered to enhance the visual impact of the 
University on the northern hillside of the city, emphasising an open space approach. 

Architectural Significance: The Gatekeeper's Cottage holds architectural significance as the earliest brick building on the University campus. Its construction in straw-coloured bricks set a precedent for subsequent non-academic buildings on campus until the 1880s. The picturesque design elements, including gables, steeply pitched roofs, and the harmonious blend of brick and Stawell sandstone, contribute to the intentionally picturesque layout of the University grounds. Designed by Edward La Trobe Bateman in 1855,  this layout was further developed in subsequent years. Moreover, the Gatekeeper's Cottage represents the inaugural work of Joseph Reed on the University campus. As a prominent architect associated with the University over an extended period, Reed's influence extended to several other notable structures on campus, such as the old Wilson Hall, the old Medical School, and the National Museum, with the latter surviving in part. The Gatekeeper's Cottage thus marks the beginning of Reed's enduring architectural contributions to the University's built environment. 

Archaeological Significance: The Gatekeeper's Cottage site is archaeologically significant due to its ability to provide valuable insights into the domestic life and working conditions of the University of Melbourne's staff and their families from the mid-19th to the late 20th century. The site's archaeological record, including artefacts, features, and spatial relationships, offers a unique perspective on the daily experiences, consumption patterns, and social dynamics of working-class households in Melbourne during this period. Furthermore, the site's association with the early history and development of the University of Melbourne, a significant educational institution in Victoria, enhances its archaeological value and contributes to our understanding of the broader social and cultural context of the time.