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PRIVATE HOSPITAL (FORMER)

Other Name BRAMBLEDENE PRIVATE HOSPITAL Location 9 Bell Street GLENTHOMPSON, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 681 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/2] 23393 Private Hospital Former [2/2] 23393 Private Hospital Former

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The former Private Hospital is located on the east side of Bell Street on the eastern side of the township of Glenthompson. The building is a large timber house in the Italianate style but with hints of the Federation period Queen Anne style. The verandah, now without most of its decoration, is timber and has a concave rather than a bullnose profile. The house was originally built by the important McLennan family. John McLennan is considered to be the founder of Glenthompson, and owed the first store, pub and post office, as well as being the first white person to build a house in Glenthompson. It is not known if this building was built by John McLennan or his nephew, Alexander Frederick McLennan who took over John's interests after his retirement. The house was used as Brambledene Private Hospital between about 1907-1928, when it became a bush nursing hospital. It remained as a bush nursing hospital, with about 83 subscribers until a decline in the daily bed rate forced its closure in 1939. The house has had many of the decorative features removed from the exterior, and has lost some integrity due to this. The house appears to be in good condition, although the interiors have not been inspected. There has been no architect or builder associated with the design.

How is it significant?
The Private Hospital (former), in Bell Street is of historical significance to the Southern Grampians Shire and to the township of Glenthompson.

Why is it significant?
The Private Hospital (former), in Bell Street is of historical significance as the home of the McLennan family, the founders of Glenthompson, and because subsequently it provided medical support to the community and, in particular, it was the place where most people were born.