FORMER NATIONAL SCHOOL
16-18 BANYAN STREET AND 99-101 TIMOR STREET WARRNAMBOOL, WARRNAMBOOL CITY
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Statement of Significance
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FORMER NATIONAL SCHOOL - History
In 1849 the first school under the National system was opened on this site. The school building was constructed in 1850, and for several years consisted of a barn-like structure with white-washed walls. In 1866 the local patrons actively canvassed for subscriptions to erect a new building on a fresh site, as the old school was situated in a hollow.
The Governement granted a new site, facing the bay, alongside the present Custom House. However, not enough money could be raised for a new building, so the patrons determined to improve the old building and also the adjoining master's residence. These improvements were made in 1867. When the school was merged into the present State school in 1876, the buildings were sold by public auction and converted into cottages.
FORMER NATIONAL SCHOOL - Interpretation of Site
Both driveways leading off the roads to the rear of the buildings appear built up. The one off Timor Street is shorter and gentler than that off Banyan Street. From available historical information the school building was built in a hollow on the south eastern part of the site. It is possible that part of the school building would have fronted one of the streets with its rear section probably elevated on high stumps. The south eastern corner of the site, the low ground, may have also served as a playground. The archaeological remains associated with this site are likely to be confined to post holds and isolated cultural deposits associated with school activities. Some surface drains would also be expected.
FORMER NATIONAL SCHOOL - Archaeological Significance
The predicted remains of the National School could provide information on the size of the school building classroom, which could give a pupil to space ratio which could then be compared to other contemporary schools in Victoria. The location of the school building would be informative as it could provide an insight into potential impacts to the health of the pupils. Cultural deposits could also indicate the teaching materials available as well as what type of toys the pupils played with. Archaeological potential due to the ground at the rear of the building being sealed with tar.
FORMER NATIONAL SCHOOL - Historical Significance
On this site was opened the first undenominational school of what was then known as the National Systemt. The National System was entirely unconnected with any religious denomination, although religious instruction could be given by any denomination at particular hours during the day in a separate room of the school. The National System was popular in many early rural or remote settlements, where there were several denominations, none of which were large or wealthy enough to run an educational establishment independently. The school on the corner of Timor and Banyan was also the first purpose-built school house in the settlement of Warrnambool.
Heritage Inventory Description
FORMER NATIONAL SCHOOL - Heritage Inventory Description
The site covers four allotments two single brick buildings fronts one edge of the block while a single brick building, divided into four separate residences fronts another
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WARRNAMBOOL COURT HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H1674
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FORMER POLICE STATION COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H1698
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COTTAGEVictorian Heritage Register H0577
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