Former Williamstown Morgue
Ann Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
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Statement of Significance
The former Williamstown Morgue, designed by James Balmain and originally constructed by HR Thomas and HR Hunt in 1859 and reconstructed on its present site c.1874, at Ann Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The former Williamstown Morgue is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, it was Williamstown's only morgue and second oldest public building and is believed to be the earliest surviving morgue in the metropolitan area. (AHC criteria A4 and B2)
Aesthetically, it is a simple, early and near original public building, one of the few in the metropolitan area, which uses a relatively uncommon construction material (stone) and illustrates its use and the special requirements of the town by elements of the design and siting near the original shoreline. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)
Note: The Williamstown Morgue is also of State significance and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register as VHR H1512.
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Former Williamstown Morgue - Physical Description 1
The former Williamstown Morgue is a rectangular-plan coursed basalt rubble, corrugated iron clad and hipped roof building, with a key stoned arch entrance and quarry faced voussoirs and quoins. One elevation only is visible from Ann Street; other diverse structures having been adjoined to the other sides, covering other openings (3).
The internal bluestone walls have been white washed but all paneled doors, hasp, stables, hinges and timber roof framework are original. The original use of this building is reflected in the location of window openings, as they are set high above ground level, thus concealing the processes of the morgue from the external public. Its siting also reflects its original use as it is in close proximity to the port.
Rainwater plumbing has changed; the entry door and top light appear to have been replaced; the slate roof replaced with iron; incompatible structures have been joined to it (formerly free standing in both locations); and openings closed in.
Former Williamstown Morgue - Integrity
External Integrity and condition
Integrity - Moderate. Condition - Fair
Former Williamstown Morgue - Historical Australian Themes
Developing local, regional and national economies
Former Williamstown Morgue - Physical Description 2
Associations
Victorian Colonial Government, Dr. Wilkins, Williamstown Council, William Bull
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading:
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FORMER MORGUEVictorian Heritage Register H1512
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WILLIAMSTOWN PRIMARY SCHOOLVictorian Heritage Register H1639
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TIME BALL TOWERVictorian Heritage Register H1649
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