Elm Trees - Former Williamstown Court House Site
14 Thompson Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Government Survey Heritage Precinct
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Statement of Significance
The two Elm trees, established c.1900, on the site of the former Williamstown Court House at 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown.
How is it Significant?The two Elm trees at 14 Thompson Street, Williamstown are of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.
Why is it Significant?Historically, the Elms are significant for their presumed associations with the original court house and illustrate the Victorian-era practice of planting exotic trees in public reserves. As all of the early buildings on this site have been demolished, the trees are therefore important for their ability to assist in understanding and interpreting its history. (AHC criterion A4)
Aesthetically, the Elms are significant as locally rare examples for their size and maturity and as part of a group of exotic trees that contribute to the historic cultural landscape of Thompson and Cecil Streets and the Government survey precinct. (AHC criteria B2 and E1)
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Elm Trees - Former Williamstown Court House Site - Physical Description 1
Two mature, either Dutch or English Elms planted at the perimeter of the Williamstown Court House reserve:
- One adjacent to Thompson Street, at front of the former court housebuilding. It has a trunk of approximately 1m diameter and is about 18m high.
- One adjacent to Cecil Street, corner Council lane near the former George Hotel. It has a trunk of approximately 1m diameter, and is about 16m high.
Botanica (1997) provides the following description:
Dutch Elm (Ulmus x hollandica)
This hybrid name covers several clones believed to originate from crosses between Ulmus glabra and U.minor. Their glossy, dark green leaves are mostly smaller and less raspy than U. glabra leaves, and broader and shorter stalked than those of U.minor. The original, now referred to as 'Hollandica', has broad, rounded leaves. ...'Vegeta', the Huntingdon elm (an old clone), bears pale yellowish green leaves inflattened sprays.
Elm Trees - Former Williamstown Court House Site - Physical Conditions
Condition
Good.
Elm Trees - Former Williamstown Court House Site - Physical Description 2
Context
Contributes to the historic grouping of mature exotic trees in this area, which include Elm trees in Cecil Street. The existing 1974 court house is unrelated to the area.
Elm Trees - Former Williamstown Court House Site - Physical Description 3
Associations
Victorian Colonial Government, Williamstown City Council
Heritage Study and Grading
Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study
Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
Year: 2006
Grading: Local
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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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