House at 2 Ferguson Street
2 Ferguson Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
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Statement of Significance
'Brittanica', constructed in stages between 1862 and 1889, at 2 Ferguson Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?'Brittanica' at 2 Ferguson Street, Williamstown is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, it is significant as part of a small group of houses that illustrate the early residential development in Ferguson Street before it became the main commercial centre of Williamstown from the late nineteenth century onwards. It is also significant for its strong associations with locally important people such as pilot and Melbourne Steamship Co founder, James Deane, thereby evoking Williamstown's special role in Melbourne's early maritime history. (AHC criteria A4, D2 and H1)
Aesthetically, it is significant as a rare example of a two-storey weatherboard Victorian Italianate villa of individual design, which is a major element in the residential streetscape at the bayside end of Ferguson Street. It is distinguished by rare features such as projecting two level bay windows and the unusual detailing of the side elevation with its pointed arch windows. (AHC criteria B2, E1 and F1)
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House at 2 Ferguson Street - Physical Description 1
This ashlar boarded and weatherboarded two storey asymmetrically planned house is in the Italianate style, with a slated hipped roof, bracketed eaves and a semi-octagonal window bay on the main facade. A more extensive timber wing of lesser height adjoins at the rear, facing the ROW to the east.
The front wing appears to be Deane's renovations of 1889 while the rear, which is angled, may be from the earlier building. Pointed arches on the side elevations lend an ecclesiastical character to the design. Side and top lights enrich the entrance whilst typical Victorian-era moulded architraves surround most openings. The verandah has been replaced.
Two storey houses constructed of timber are rare in Williamstown and throughout the metropolitan area. Only isolated examples are known to exist in North and South Melbourne.
House at 2 Ferguson Street - Integrity
External integrity and condition
Integrity - Moderate. Condition - Good.
House at 2 Ferguson Street - Physical Description 2
Context
'Brittanica' is one of a surviving early residential group at the commencement of Williamstown's main commercial centre which, although not closely related in scale to the rest of the group, is connected in history, period detail, siting and overall form. This two-storey building is an appropriate termination to the group.
House at 2 Ferguson Street - Historical Australian Themes
Making suburbs
House at 2 Ferguson Street - Physical Description 3
Associations
John Clark, James Deane, Hal Porter, CJ Polain
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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RESIDENCEVictorian Heritage Register H0487
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