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WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT? The Former Presbyterian Manse, including the 1856-57 building, its
verandahs, and the c.1882 additions. The mid-1980s single-storey-addition, and 1991 garage and pool
enclosure buildings, are not significant. HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The Former Presbyterian Manse at Williamstown is of historical and
architectural significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the
following criteria for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register: Criterion A Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria's cultural history. Criterion D Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class
of cultural places and objects. WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The Former Presbyterian Manse at Williamstown is significant at the
State level for the following reasons: The Former Presbyterian Manse is historically significant. Built in
1856-57 it is among the oldest group of extant houses in the
metropolitan area and the earliest group of religious residences in
Melbourne. The Former Presbyterian Manse is also a major and early
surviving building in Williamstown and is thus associated with
Williamstown's early growth. It is the oldest religious residence in
the town, and marks the site of the Presbyterians' first reserve in
Williamstown. Sited within parkland, it was designed by one of the
region's early architects William Bull who was also Williamstown's
first municipal surveyor. [Criterion A] The Former Presbyterian Manse is architecturally significant as an
early and large example of a villa building constructed of local
basalt (bluestone). Stylistically derived from Georgian architecture,
its initial 1856-57 stage of construction demonstrates early details
and materials. Of note are the deep timber eaves brackets which may
have once served other than a decorative purpose in supporting the
gutters. The south-facing external wall of the 1856-57 portion
contains two 'blind windows'. The chimneys are stuccoed with slim
cornice mouldings, dressed stone blocks are used as quoins, and some
six-pane timber-framed window sashes survive. [Criterion D]
Religion
Presbytery/Rectory/ Vicarage/Manse