Broughton House

Item details


Name of item:	Broughton House
Other name/s:	Newlands, Bowden House, The Farm House, Broughton House, Parramatta Convalescent Home, Parramatta Nursing Home
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	Mansion
Location:	Lat: -33.8128016603 Long: 151.0162302710
Primary address:	43a Thomas Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150
Parish:	FIELD OF MARS
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	City of Parramatta
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Deerubbin

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
43a Thomas Street	Parramatta	City of Parramatta	FIELD OF MARS	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
ARK Health Care Pty Ltd	Private

Statement of significance:


	Broughton House is an item of State significance, being a notable example of a Victorian Regency style house that reflects the social and economic status of the wealthier free settler who played an essential part in the establishment of New South Wales. It has strong associations with the Marsden family and the King's School. It has association with educational, religious, scientific and literary training through William Woolls School and Kings School. It is the sole remaining home of a series of quality residences which faced south over the Parramatta River such as the Vineyard (Subiaco), Newlands (Athole) Pemberton Grange and Waddon Estate (Palmer Family)(Brown 1998). Professional, trade and manufacturing practice - a notable example of an Victorian Regency style house. It also has a strong association with the Marsden family and Kings School (LEP, 1997). A picturesque house which is valued for its aesthetic attributes (Criterion F.1). It is an architecturally significant example of the Victorian Regency style (Criterion F.1). One of the few surviving early houses of Parramatta (Criterion B.2). It is important for its close associations with the prominent Marsden family for whom it was built and with the King's School which used the house for boarding pupils between 1908 and 1965 (Criterion H.1). It is also important for its historic associations with the early development of Parramatta (Criterion A.4)(RNE, 1991).
	Date significance updated: 21 Mar 11
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Possibly John Verge
Construction years:	1838-
Physical description:	Grounds: Set in generous grounds with large trees giving shade and privacy (AHC, 1991). Despite the reduction in extent of its grounds and later building infill and encroachment, some remnant plantings give an idea of the grandeur of the former Newlands/Broughton Hall/House in its heyday. One mature and very tall Californian desert fan palm (Washingtonia robusta) and mature shrubs including Cotoneaster sp. and African olive (Olea europaea var.cuspidata) are near the house (Stuart Read pers.comm., from photo by Sue Rosen, in Rosen, 2007, 92). Large trees include two silky oaks (Grevillea robusta), a large lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora), Chinese elm (Ulmus parvifolia), paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia), golden Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa 'Aurea Stricta', English oak (Quercus robur), Manchurian pear (Pyrus ussuriensis), bottlebrush (Callistemon, likely C.salignus) and jacaranda (J.mimosifolia)(from photos by Mark Butler, pers.comm., Stuart Read, 25/1/2016). House: Broughton House is a two storey Regency style stucco brick dwelling with faceted bays to three elevations. Curved bay sections and French doors opening to verandahs. It has a hip roof covered in slate. Arched entry porch rising to a tower with a metal dome topped by a weather vane. First floor verandah bays are glassed in. Original twin verandah posts to both levels. Cast iron valance to ground floor verandahs. Twelve pane sash windows. The hall has an ornately carved timber dog leg double staircase and return landing with elaborate timber balustrades and coffered Jacobean like timber ceiling. A panelled room leads of the hall with finely carved timber fireplace and coloured panes to the twelve paned sash windows. All the main doors have ornate pedimented architraves. The servants' wing exists (AHC, 1991). Archaeological resources - Parramatta Archaeological Management Unit 3024 (43A Thomas Street): This AMU has high archaeological research potential. In the 1790s, this AMU was part of a farm granted by Governor Phillip to seamen-settler William Reid. This, along with adjacent grants, were acquired by Samuel Marsden to form his 'Newlands Estate'. In 1835, Marsden built the home which was later known as Broughton House and is now within the Parramatta Convalescent Home, for his daughter and her husband, Rev Thomas Marsden. The house was later used by The King's School and is now the Parramatta Convalescent Home. The physical archaeological evidence within this area may include structural features, intact subfloor deposits, open deposits and scatters, ecological samples and individual artefacts which have potential to yield information about the life of Jane and Rev Thomas Marsden, relating to major historic themes including Housing, Persons, Religion, Cultural Sites, Land Tenure, Townships, Agriculture and Welfare. Archaeological evidence at this site is likely to be largely intact, though subject to minor disturbance in some areas. This AMU is of Local significance.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physical condition is good. Much altered and adapted.
	Date condition updated:09 Jun 99
Modifications and dates:	Originally on 20 acre Lot Federation era - two wings added on north-west and north-east of house. c1900 - second storey constructed. c1916 - Transfer of 7 acres 3 roods and 8 acres for town lots (Northern section) c1970 - Bays to west elevation removed for brick extension. 1990 - New brick single storey building at southern side of lot. 1992 - Brick extension to west elevation demolished leaving interior walls exposed. 1993-94 - Single storey buildings erected between original building and south boundary. Single storey verandahs converted to two storey at unknown date. 2008 - removing, replacing and (in the central, Verge-designed oldest section) re-instating sound roofing slates. The best existing tiles taken from all over the roof and re-used. New slate to be Welsh slate to match existing colour best.
Further information:	W. M. Brownrigg, Map of Parramatta, 1844; CPS; NTL Buildings from the same period are: The Vineyard (Subiaco) built 1838 - demolished 1961 Pemberton Grange - demolished early 1900s Waddon Estate - demolished early 1900s Macarthur House built 1856 Wavertree built c1841 Blair Athol built 1835 - demolished 1933


Current use:	convalescent home
Former use:	Rural homestead, school boarding house, nursing home

History

Historical notes:

In c1790, this Archaeological Management Unit ((AMU) 3024 - 43A Thomas Street) was within Town Boundary Farms No. 7, which, along with Farm No. 6, was marked 'Setters from the Sirius'. (Bonwick Transcripts, c1790). These two sixty acre farms, stretching from today's Isabella Street south to the River, were granted to Sirius seamen settlers Robert Webb (c1762-1799) and William Reid (c1765-?) in March 1791, by Governor Phillip, for farming. Huts were built for them, two acres of land cleared and they were granted food, seed, agricultural tools, livestock and medical attention. Their assigned convicts were provided for from the public stores for one year (Kass et al 1996, 30)

Over the two decades, Farm No. 7 and adjacent landholdings were bought up by, and/or granted to, Samuel Marsden.
The Reverend Samuel Marsden (1764-1838) was born in Yorkshire and arrived in the colony of New South Wales as assistant to the Chaplain in March 1794. (Kass et al 1996: 49) Later becoming Principal Chaplain at Parramatta, he was an ardent farmer and pastoralist and a central member of the Parramatta gentry. While his official Parramatta residence was the Parsonage (on May's Hill), built in 1817 to Francis Greenway's design, he acquired several grants of land, which he called Newlands, on the northern side of the Parramatta River (Kass et al 1996, 95).

In 1835, Marsden built a house for his daughter Jane and her husband, the Rev Thomas Marsden (cousin of Samuel). (Kass et al 1996: 95)(Parramatta Archaeological Landscape Management System, 2001 - AMU 3024). The house was later known as Broughton House and at one time used by The King's School, it survives within the Parramatta Nursing Home. (SHI 2240564) The landscaped grounds preserved until at least 1951 (Land and Property Information, 1951) has been built upon for other buildings associated with the nursing home (Parramatta Archaeological Landscape Management System, 2001 - AMU 3024).

A few kilometres east along the banks of the Parramatta River (in today's Rydalmere), Hannibal H Macarthur had Verge design a two-storey mansion, the Vineyard in 1835 (Brown, 1999).

The north bank of the river appeared to be the preferred part of town where many quality homes were built during the 1830s. Waddon Cottage and Pemberton Grange had been erected for the Palmers. Samuel Marsden's house was the first to be named Newlands, built 1835 was west of Campbell's building. Across the river, John Macarthur had enlarged Elizabeth Farm and further east along Duck River, John Blaxland had erected a two-storey mansion called Newington.

An indenture dated 1 February 1839 transferred the property (Newlands) to Jane Marsden, daughter of the late Reverend Samuel Marsden for 1500 pounds. Jane Marsden resided in Newlands house only for a short time, for in 1842 she sailed to England with her two children. The property was advertised seeking a tenant for a three year lease in the 'Sydney Morning Herald' in May 1841.

Pieter Laurentz Campbell became private secretary, aged seventeen, to Major General Sir Richard Bourke, Acting Governor of the Cape of Good Hope, in 1826 (Rosen, 2007, 86). He stayed on at the cape after Bourke's departure, joined the military in 1830 and transferred in 1832 to the 21st Regiment, destined for New South Wales. Campbell married Barbara Macleay, daughter of Colonial Secretary, Alexander Macleay, in September 1834. Campbell was posted to Parramatta as Police Magistrate in October 1836 (ibid, 2007, 86). He purchased 15 acres 3 roods from Samuel Marsden's extensive grant named Newlands, district of Field of Mars on 24th November 1837. Campbell was the Police Magistrate for Parramatta (from 1836-39: ibid, 2007, 85).

Campbell had borrowed money from William Lawson of Parramatta to build his grand house in 1838/1839 (Brown, 1999).

Three months after his appointment, on 1/1/1837 Campbell purchased eight acres from Rev. Samuel Marsden on the northern side of the Parramatta River, extending to the water and almost opposite Experiment Farm. Building began shortly after, as is evidenced by artist Conrad Martens' "View of Parramatta from the grounds of H.H. Macarthur" dated 25/9/1837 which depicts the very substantial two storey residence. The house was designed by architect John Verge who, about the same time, also drew up plans for Elizabeth Bay House, for Campbell's father-in-law, Alexander Macleay. (Aside from the clues of Verge's stylistic attributes, in February 1839 Campbell applied to purchase 1048 acres on the Macleay River and this land was immediately on sold to Verge for a nominal fee. It is reasonable to assume that this was payment). In February 1838 Campbell bought another seven acres from Marsden that adjoined his earlier purchase, extending to the north to present-day Victoria Road (ibid, 2007, 86-7).

The dwelling and other buildings were completed by 1 February 1839 (Brown, 1999).

The Campbells took up residence in a (this new) house that stood 'entirely by itself' near the 'Government Paddock'. The Government Paddock was a designated place and appeared on various maps from c.1828. It was at the south west corner of the present day Great Western Highway and Church Street (ibid, 2007, 86).

In February 1839, as Campbell prepared to move to Sydney to assume the office of Acting Colonial Treasurer, the property was re-acquired by the Marsden family (the Rev. Samuel Marsden had died on 12/5/1838) when Jane, his daughter, purchased it from Campbell. The transfer was done using a legal device known as a 'lease and release' which in effect kept the sale secret for at least the term of the lease, in this instance, one year. It also meant that the family could continue to reside there until premises were found in the east (ibid, 87).

Conrad Martens' sketched the house identifying it as the 'House of L Campbell Esq. J.P., Parramatta, 20 March 1839'. In April 1839 Campbell purchased from Martens his "View of Parramatta" which shows his house as a prominent feature of the landscape as seen from the eastern approach from the river and also the 'house at Parramatta', together with a copy. In total he spent 22.1.0 pounds on the three works, a substantial sum for Campbell who was continually plagued with financial shortfalls. He was indeed proud of the house, despite the family's very limited period of occupation of only about one year (ibid, 87-8).

Elizabeth Macarthur (of Elizabeth Farm south of /over the River) wrote in a letter of 6/3/1839 referring to Campbell and his family being her "near neighbours" and resident in the "new cottage on the Estate of the late Dr. Harris". Historian Sue Rosen notes that Broughton Hall was built in 1837 and designed by John Verge. She quotes Macarthur's 1839 letter further:
" Mr Riddell has two years leave of absence from his duties as Colonial Treasurer. Mr Laurentz Campbell who has been our Police Magistrate for the last three years is to take Riddell's place - & he is already gone to Sydney - His little Wife and three little ones, who are our near neighbours - & have occupied a new cottage on the Estate of the late Dr. Harris follow as soon as they can get a house in Sydney. Mr Campbell is a most vigilant & active Policy Magistrate and has kept the Town of Parramatta and its neighbourhood free from robberies and disturbances..." (ibid, 84-5).

The 'new cottage' has been taken to mean Experiment Farm Cottage (Harris owned Experiment Farm on the River's southern bank adjoining Elizabeth Farm). Yet the Campbell residence, which was sketched in March 1839 by Conrad Martens, was located on the northern side of the river, almost opposite Experiment Farm. This house still stands, although much-altered, and is currently known as Broughton House. It is located at 43A Thomas Street (Rosen, 2007, 84-93).

What would become Broughton House remained in Jane Marsden's name until 1876. Further research is required to establish who occupied the house from 1842 to 1864. It was possibly leased as a residence by military officers.

One of the most popular schools in Parramatta was conducted by William Woolls. He first started a school ('Mr Woolls' Academy': Gilbert, 32) at Harrisford in George Street Parramatta in 1842 but moved to the larger premises of Newlands in 1864 (Gilbert says 'in or about 1865', noting Woolls' Harrisford Academy was remarkably successful. Never large, catering for about 30 boys at a time it seems to have been a happy, enlightened and enlightening institution which the boys remembered with gratitude and affection (ibid, 32). Gilbert adds that Woolls remained at Newlands for the last seven years or so of his teaching career (ibid, 36). The school was for local boys as wells as boarders. During Woolls' stay at Newlands, he continued his extensive botanical studies including botany in the school curriculum, taking the boys regularly on field trips around the hills of Parramatta collecting samples of unknown specimens. Woolls was an important early schoolmaster and botanist. He lectured frequently on the botanical landscape and was recognised by the greatest of the British and European botanists and on whose recommendation Woolls was admitted in 1865, as a Fellow of the Linnean Society in London, one of the most respected scientific organisations in Britain. In August 1872 Woolls retired from teaching and was admitted to the Holy Order in 1873, becoming the Rev. William Woolls.

In 1876, Thomas Kendall Bowden bought the property for 2,000 pounds (family of lawyers, his father was Mayor of Parramatta, Methodist Pioneers). He died 31 October 1879 and Trustee, William Byrnes was appointed to act on behalf of widow Mary Elizabeth Bowden and the property transferred and later became known as Bowden House. Sarah Emily Richards was the owner of Bowden House on 20 August 1897 paying 2,000 pounds (Brown, 1999).

An 1877 birds-eye view of Parramatta shows the former Campbell residence on the northern side of the river. An enlargement of the Campbell house in this view provides some indication of the scale and the detailing of the house (Rosen, 2007, 91). It also indicates a number of large trees, one of which appears tall and narrow and dark, such as an Araucaria sp. pine (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 21/3/11).

In 1906 James Swanton Vickery on behalf of S.E. Richards discharged a mortgage of 4,100 pounds on the property.

In 1908 Percival Stacy Waddy paid 3,500 pounds for the property. The house was leased to the King's School at this time. Stacy Waddy, the Headmaster on 16 September 1909, personally financed the mortgage and leased the house to the school council. The property was used to train young men in wool classing, farm management and engineering. Waddy first named the property 'the Farm House' but later renamed it 'Broughton House' in honour of the founder of the King's School in Australia (Brown, 1999). The property at the time (1909) was known as 'The Farm House' and it was renamed 'Broughton House' in 1911 (Gilbert, 36).

It was not until 6 June 1916 that The King's School Council bought the house and land from Waddy. The school continued until 1942 when it closed due to wartime restrictions, re-opening in 1946 and continuing until the mid 1960s (Brown, 1999).

The land was possibly subdivided at this time and house and its smaller allotment were sold. The next use of the building and grounds was as a convalescent home and maintains that use today (Brown, 1999).

The landscaped grounds preserved until at least 1951 (Land and Property Information, 1951) have been built upon for other buildings associated with the nursing home. The house survives within the Parramatta Nursing Home (SHI 2240564)(Parramatta Archaeological Landscape Management System, 2001 - AMU 3024).

Newlands was bought by Panoramic View Units Pty Ltd in December 1965 for 60,000 pounds. On 24 July 1971 the Certificate of Title was transferred to Parramatta Convalescent Home Pty Ltd and it has since been operated as a nursing home (Brown, 1999).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Working on private assignment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Creating a gentleman's estate-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures - wells, cisterns-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Attempting to transplant European farming practices to Australian environments-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Clearing land for farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and gardens of domestic accommodation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Gardens and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of institutions - productive and ornamental-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Significant tree(s) providing urban amenity-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing politicians-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Gentlemens Mansions-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Country Villa-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing farming families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing public servants and officials-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing the prosperous - mansions in town and country-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing for farm and station hands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing famous families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Boarding Houses-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing teachers-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Selecting land for pastoral or agricultural purposes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Sub-division of large estates-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Granting Crown lands for private farming-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Country Estate-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Rural orchards-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Role of transport in settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	(none)-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Private (religious) schooling-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	College boarding house-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Hospital/nursing home phase-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to natural landscape features.-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Building in response to climate - bushfires-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Designing in an exemplary architectural style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - colonial homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Federation period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - colonial period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Landscaping - Victorian gardenesque style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Interior design styles and periods - Victorian-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (mid)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Wealthy pastoralists homes in the city-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in a rural homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Kitchens and servants-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	(none)-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with John Verge, architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Rev. Samuel Marsden, archbishop of colony-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Pieter Laurentz Campbell, Colonial Treasurer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Rev. William Woolls, teacher, botanist and priest-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Jane Marsden, daughter of Rev.Samuel Marsden-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Stacy Waddy, Headmaster of The Kings School, 1908-12-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Rev. Thomas Marsden, priest and cousin of Rev.Samuel Marsden-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Thomas Kendall Bowden, solicitor-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Broughton House reflects the social and economic status of the wealthier free settler who played an essential part in the establishment of New South Wales. It is associated with important Marsden family and other prominent people such as Piter Campbell, William Woolls, Thomas Bowden, Percival Waddy and the Kings School. It is associated with the early development of Parramatta.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Broughton House is a noteable example of a Victorian Regency style house, set in large grounds. It demonstrates the importance of location and address, being sited on the north side of Parramatta River.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	Broughton House is valued by the community, which is demonstrated by their concern for its future. It has strong ties with Kings School and was a place that educated many students between 1916 and 1942.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Broughton House provides an example of the interior and exterior construction materials and decoration of its time. It has archaelogical potential to reveal details about the original garden layout, remnant structues and how the property was used over time. It has been suggested that broughton House was designed by Verge.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Broughton House is the sole remaining home of a series of quality residences which faced south over the Parramatta River such as the Vinyard (Subiaco), Newlands (Athole), Pemberton Grange and Waddon Estate (Palmer Family).
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Broughton House represents the type of residence constructed by the wealthier free settlers of NSW.
Integrity/Intactness:	Broughton House is largely intact. The interior retains many of the original features. Some alterations have been made to accommodate Health Department requirements. Two faceted bows to the western side have been removed.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Carry out an Archaeological Assessment
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	CMP for endorsement
CMP-Comment	Conservation Plan submitted for comment	CMP for review purposes		Aug 25 2016
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register	01302	01 Oct 99	114	9694
Local Environmental Plan	564	27 Feb 97		901
National Trust of Australia register	9235
Register of the National Estate	003092	14 May 91	11	45

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
City of Parramatta Heritage Study	1993	564	Meredith Walker		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written			Land Title Office documents
Written	Brown, Shylie	1999	State Heritage Inventory form
Written	Caldis Cook Group (CCG) Architects	2016	Conservation Management Plan - Broughton House, 43A Thomas Street, Parramatta NSW
Written	Gibney H & Smith A	1987	A Biographical Register 1788-1939
Written	Gilbert, Lionel	1985	William Wools, 1814-1893: 'a most useful colonist'
Written	King H & Goodin V	1967	Australian Dictionary of Biography
Written	Liston, Carol	1996	Parramatta - A Past Revealed
Written	Proudfoot, Helen	1974	Heritage Study of the City of Parramatta
Written	Rosen, Sue	2007	Australia's Oldest House - Surgeon John Harris and Experiment Farm Cottage
Written	Teale R	1967	A Brave New World In the Australian Bush: the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst & its first Bishop, Samuel E Marsden
Written	Thompson M	1996	William Woolls, A Man of Parramatta

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5051402
File number:	EF11/05244; S91/2443/1

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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