FORMER BANK OF NSW

87 FORD STREET BEECHWORTH, INDIGO SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Register

BEECHWORTH WINE CENTRE SOHE 2008

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    FORMER BANK OF NSW - History

    Contextual history

    Beechworth owes its existence to the discovery of gold in 1852. The Beechworth area was first settled by squatters from 1837, but the discovery of gold resulted in a rush of miners to the area, with about 8,000 arriving by November that year. The Ovens was an important river system in north-east Victoria and gave its name to the goldfields in this area. The town developed around the Gold Commissioner's Camp, established in 1852 on the granite hill on the north bank of Spring Creek. The township was first known as Mayday Hills, but when surveyed in 1853, it was named Beechworth. The main overland route between Melbourne and Sydney passed through the town until the 1870s (when the railway was built further to the west), and until then Beechworth was one of the richest towns in Victoria and the financial and administrative centre of the north-east .

    Until the mid-1850s most buildings in the town were of wood, bark or canvas, but following the election of a town council in 1856 building regulations were introduced. Many of the town's major buildings were erected during the following five years, including the Ovens District Hospital (1856, VHR H358) and the Burke Museum (VHR H345, begun in 1857 by the Young Men's Association as a hall and library), and the first town hall was built in 1859. By the early 1860s a group of important administrative buildings, known as the Beechworth Justice Precinct (VHR H1464), had been completed along the south side of Ford Street, and a large gaol (VHR H1549) was begun to the north of this in 1858. The Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, later the Mayday Hills Hospital (VHR H1864-67) was built in 1864-67, and the landmark post office (VHR H867) was completed in 1870.

    The Ovens gold rushes peaked in 1857, and during the following two decades the population of Beechworth decreased (though the last mining company in the district only closed in 1956). Despite the decline in the gold industry the town was sustained well into the twentieth century by the presence of the government institutions founded in the 1850s and 1860s: the asylum and the gaol.

    Tourism has now become a major industry in Beechworth. Tourism began in the 1880s with the town's reputation as a health resort and picturesque beauty spot. The declining prosperity of the town had the advantage that the post-World War II development that led to the destruction of so much of Victoria's nineteenth century fabric during the 1950s-70s was avoided. At this time there was an increasing awareness of the importance of Victoria's early history and heritage. In the 1960s the National Trust was active in classifying Beechworth's early buildings, and efforts began to restore buildings which had fallen into disrepair. The retention of much of the town's historic character has now made it a popular tourist destination.

    Beechworth's banks

    Banks were among the earliest and most prominent buildings established in country towns in Victoria. Although early banks were often conducted in temporary premises such as tents, these were quickly replaced by more permanent structures. In the gold mining towns the banks were substantial buildings, intended to demonstrate the prosperity of the town as well as the solidity and respectability of the banking company.

    The banks had initially been represented at the Ovens goldfields by agencies, which competed with private buyers in the gold trade, but by 1857 branch banks were steadily replacing private buyers. The first bank to open in the town was the Bank of New South Wales, which opened an agency in 1853 (converted to a branch in 1855). The London Chartered Bank, the Bank of Australasia and Oriental Bank had Beechworth branches by 1857, the Bank of Victoria opened a branch in 1858 and the Oriental Bank in 1862. The banks tended to be located around the intersection of Ford and Camp Street. In deference to the town's main source of wealth the early banks displayed gold purchased during the week in their windows on Saturdays, which often drew a crowd of admiring spectators.

    Beechworth was the main town in north-east Victoria and was in effect the financial centre of the north-east. The establishment of the banks in Beechworth regularised the banking system and stimulated the local economy. Beechworth acquired a more prosperous and sophisticated character with the establishment of the banks in the town. It developed as a market centre for everyday as well as luxury goods with several of the town's clothing and drapery stores stocking high fashion items for the diggers and their wives.

    History of place

    The Bank of New South Wales, established in Sydney in 1817, was Australia's first bank. Its expansion began after 1851, following the gold rushes, when it set up gold-buying agencies on the goldfields in response to the needs of miners and merchants. The Bank's usual method of operation on the goldfields was for the Bank to grant a loan to the agents for a period of six months with the purpose of buying gold. The Bank of New South Wales appointed agents in Beechworth in May 1853. The agents were George Ranken (agent) and Alexander Archer (accountant), former diggers who became partners in the prosperous gold-buying business. The site of the agency is not known, but the business may have been conducted in tents, as the minutes of the Bank Board in May 1853 noted that '. the manager at Melbourne be instructed to forward to the Agency safes, tents, furniture as may be required'.

    In 1855 the Beechworth agency was converted it into a branch bank, the manager being David Morison, who had succeeded Ranken as agent in 1854. The Ovens and Murray Advertiser (5 May 1855, p1) announced that a branch of the bank had been established at Beechworth under the management of David Morison 'in the room of the late agency', with Robert Woodhouse as secretary and cashier. It noted that 'monies [could be] collected from Sydney, Melbourne and Geelong at a charge of one per cent', and that the bank also bought gold.

    A new branch building was constructed in 1856 on the corner of Ford and Camp Streets. On 3 January 1857 an advertisement in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser announced that 'On and after the 2nd January 1857 the business of this bank will be carried on in the new building opposite the post office'. The new two-storey building was designed by the architectural firm of Robertson & Hale. Little is known of this firm, which practised in Melbourne during the 1850s and early 1860s, when they designed several branches for the Bank of Victoria. Their style of architecture was very distinctive, but the only other of their buildings known to survive is the Bank of Victoria at Port Albert. They designed a branch for the Bank of Victoria at Beechworth in 1857, on the opposite corner of Camp and Ford Streets, but this was destroyed by fire and replaced in 1867.

    The new bank was built for maximum security, with thick stone walls, a strong, heavily-bolted corner entrance door, barred ground floor windows and a high rubble wall enclosing the rear. The business interior, with its solid cedar fittings and massive semi-circular counter, was designed to inspire confidence in the bank's proceedings. A side door in Ford Street opened into a gold-buying office with a recessed strong room, where gold could be stored while awaiting transfer to the nearby sub-treasury for escort. Between April 1855 and March 1857 the bank purchased 303,582 oz [8606 kg] of gold for £1,148,545.

    Extensive alterations and additions to the premises were undertaken in 1974. The interior of the building was almost completely reconstructed, with the exterior remaining unchanged. During the alterations the branch conducted its business in leased premises diagonally opposite the bank (presumably in the Former Bank of Victoria, later the CBC, which had ceased operating in 1943).

    The Bank of New South Wales merged with CBA in 1982 to form Westpac Banking Corporation. The building was a Westpac branch until 1998, when it became a branch of the Bank of Melbourne. The building was sold in 2001 and used as a wine centre. In 2014 it was purchased by Beechworth Honey, and converted for use as a visitors' centre. This required a substantial addition at the rear of the old building.

    The crest (coat of arms)

    It would appear that the crest, or coat of arms, on the corner of the parapet was erected at the same time as the building, along with the unusual addition of a lion. In traditional Chinese culture images of the lion, often placed in pairs in front of buildings, was believed to have powerful protective benefits and symbolically protected the building and those inside, as well as symbolising a family's wealth and social status. There is no mention of a lion in connection with the Bank of New South Wales's crest, so local legends could be correct in the assumption that it relates to the Chinese presence in the goldfields, and was included to attract the business of the local Chinese population. The Commercial Bank of Australia is known to have added Chinese characters to its bank notes to account for the large number of Chinese on the goldfields.

    Email from Westpac archivist, Victoria Akrom (1 December 2014) re the Bank of NSW crest:

    The Beechworth branch of the Bank of New South Wales occupied these premises from 2 January 1857. It would appear that the Crest was erected at the same time, along with the unusual addition of a lion. The history of the Bank of New South Wales Crest is as follows:

    The motto Sic Fortis Etruria Crevit was used on the first Great Seal of New South Wales granted by George III in 1791, and on subsequent seals until 1839, when the motto was dropped from Queen Victoria's seal. The motto was used in the design of the notes of the Bank of New South Wales in the 1830s and 1840s. A revised seal was adopted by the reconstituted Bank in 1850, dropping the words Sic Fortis Etruria Crevit. On 8 October 1850, the Board resolved 'that a Seal be prepared for the Bank bearing the arms of the Colony inscribed with the words Bank of New South Wales Incorporated by Act of Council'. There is no description of the design of the Seal.

    The design is as follows: An emu and kangaroo supporting a shield of four quarters with a ship, a ram suspended by a band, an anchor and a bull. The crest was a full sun, and the motto Advance Australia, over the words Bank of New South Wales. These arms were in popular use and generally accepted as "the Australian arms" eg: on tradesman's tokens, but were never gazetted or made official.

    On 27 December 1850 the Board directed 'that a Common Seal be ordered from England'. Once again, there is no description of the design of the Seal. Later, this design was apparently altered, with the full sun replaced by a rising sun. There appear to have been several versions - but as of yet there are no dates for the change to the rising sun.

    When an approach was made to the College of Arms in 1929 by the Bank of New South Wales, the coat of arms had to be considerably altered to meet the requirements of heraldry. Also, the motto Advance Australia and the emu and kangaroo were now part of the Commonwealth coat of arms, so the Bank had to choose another, and Sic Fortis Etruria Crevit became the Bank's official motto, eighty years since it had last been used. The motto was used by the Bank of New South Wales in some designs during the 1830's and 1840's but as you can see, there is no mention of a lion in connection with Bank's crest, so local legends may be correct in the assumption that it relates to the Chinese presence in the goldfields. The Commercial Bank of Australia added Chinese characters to its bank notes to account for the large number of Chinese on the goldfields.'

    KEY REFERENCES USED TO PREPARE ASSESSMENT

    Ovens and Murray Advertiser

    Victoria Akron (Westpac Archivist) pers. com. 1 December 2014.

    Peter Freeman Pty Ltd, 'Indigo Shire Heritage Study', v 1 pt 1, 2000.

    Philip Goad & Julie Willis (eds), The Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture, Port Melbourne 2012.

    Bruce Trethowan, 'A Study of Banks in Victoria 1851-1939', for Historic Buildings Preservation Council 1976.

    Carole Woods, Beechworth A Titan's Field, North Melbourne 1985.

    Plaque Citation

    FORMER BANK OF NSW - Plaque Citation

    This outstanding Renaissance Revival style building is one of Victoria's oldest banks. It was designed by the Melbourne architects Robertson & Hale and built in 1856 for the Bank of New South Wales, whose coat of arms appears on the top corner.

    Assessment Against Criteria

    FORMER BANK OF NSW - Assessment Against Criteria

    Criterion

    The Former Bank of New South Wales is significant at the State level for the following reasons:

    The Former Bank of New South Wales is historically significant as a reflection of the rapid development which occurred in Victoria as a result of the discovery of gold in the 1850s. It is an early example of a colonial bank building and demonstrates the increasing prosperity of the goldfields towns, such as Beechworth, at this time. The former manager's residence on the first floor reflects the common nineteenth century practice of employees living at their place of work. [

    Criterion A]The Former Bank of New South Wales is of architectural significance as one of the oldest bank buildings in Victoria, and one of only a small number that remain from the 1850s. It is an outstanding example of the Renaissance Revival style, which was commonly used for banks and other important buildings from this period, as it was considered to reflect the prosperity, solidity and permanence of the company for which it was built. [

    Criterion D]

    Permit Exemptions

    FORMER BANK OF NSW - Permit Exemptions

    General Conditions: 1. All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object. General Conditions: 2. Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible. Note: All archaeological places have the potential to contain significant sub-surface artefacts and other remains. In most cases it will be necessary to obtain approval from the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria before the undertaking any works that have a significant sub-surface component.

    General Conditions: 3. If there is a conservation policy and planall works shall be in accordance with it. Note:A Conservation Management Plan or a Heritage Action Plan provides guidance for the management of the heritage values associated with the site. It may not be necessary to obtain a heritage permit for certain works specified in the management plan.

    General Conditions: 4. Nothing in this determination prevents the Executive Director from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions. General Conditions: 5. Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the responsible authorities where applicable. Minor Works : Note: Any Minor Works that in the opinion of the Executive Director will not adversely affect the heritage significance of the place may be exempt from the permit requirements of the Heritage Act. A person proposing to undertake minor works must submit a proposal to the Executive Director. If the Executive Director is satisfied that the proposed works will not adversely affect the heritage values of the site, the applicant may be exempted from the requirement to obtain a heritage permit. If an applicant is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that the permits co-ordinator be contacted.

    Permit Exemption Policy

    FORMER BANK OF NSW - Permit Exemption Policy

    Preamble

    The purpose of the Permit Policy is to assist when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place.

    The extent of registration of Former Bank of New South Wales on the Victorian Heritage Register affects the whole place shown on Diagram 349 including the land, all buildings, roads, trees, landscape elements and other features. Under the Heritage Act 1995 a person must not remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or disturb the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is acknowledged, however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future.

    If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.

    Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.42 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.66 of the Heritage Act).

    It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.

    Cultural heritage management plans

    It is recommended that a Conservation Management Plan is developed to manage the place in a manner which respects its cultural heritage significance.

    Cultural heritage significance

    Overview of significance

    The cultural heritage significance of Former Bank of New South Wales lies in its importance as an early example of a colonial bank building, as an early and outstanding example of the Renaissance Revival style, and for its largely intact exterior elevations and stone boundary walls, which are prominent features in the Beechworth streetscape. The Bank of New South Wales crest on the Ford Street corner is an important feature.

    a) All of the buildings and features listed here are of primary cultural heritage significance in the context of the place. The buildings and features of cultural heritage significance are shown in red on the diagram. A permit is required for most works or alterations. See Permit Exemptions section for specific permit exempt activities:

    . The 1850s two-storey bank building, including all original internal features and fabric, notably the original timber bank counters, the timber corner entrance vestibule, and original features in the former ground floor manager's office and first floor residence.

    . The stone walls surrounding the site.

    b) The following buildings and features are of no cultural heritage significance. These are shown in yellow on the diagram. Specific permit exemptions are provided for these items:

    . The single and double storey twentieth and twenty-first century extensions to the side of and at the rear of the 1850s bank building.

    c) Archaeological: Ground disturbance may affect the archaeological significance of the place and, subject to the exemptions stated in this document, requires a permit.

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