Coroner's Court (former) - Shops & offices

Item details


Name of item:	Coroner's Court (former) - Shops & offices
Other name/s:	Coroners Court / City Morgue (at rear, demolished), shops and offices
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Government and Administration
Category:	Law Court
Location:	Lat: -33.8584654911 Long: 151.2092963700
Primary address:	102-104 George Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Parish:	St Philip
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	848823
LOT	2		DP	848823

Boundary:

Eora

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
102-104 George Street	The Rocks	Sydney	St Philip	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Place Management NSW	State Government

Statement of significance:


	The former Coroner's Court, now a pair of shops and offices, and site are of State heritage significance for their historical and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their contribution to The Rocks area which is of State Heritage significance in its own right. The Coroner's Court and its site are significant for the following reasons: It is the earliest surviving purpose-built Coroner's Court in NSW (and the only pre-1970 Coroner's Court), and as such has a unique ability to demonstrate through its external appearance and internal layout and fabric the history of the Coroner's office and of Coronial inquests. The surviving of the building provides the only remaining evidence of the site's association with early colonial methods of dealing with the investigation of unexplained or sudden deaths, over a continuous period from 1854 to 1971. It is a representative example of the public architecture of Walter Liberty Vernon, NSW Government Architect from 1890 to 1911, in its use of an unpretentious, almost domestic design invoking the truth-to-materials aesthetics of William Morris and the arts and crafts movement, and using picturesque elements and a dramatic roof line with restrained use of ornamentation. In conjunction with the other structures of similar date near that location (the Rawson Institute, Hickson Road and the Observer Hotel) it provides evidence of the new buildings constructed in the Rocks area after the area was taken over by the Sydney Harbour Trust. The topography of the site preserves an ability to demonstrate the steep descent from George Street north to the water which shaped the early development of the western side of Sydney Cove. The building has acted an important showcase for the work of the former Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority, and the Sydney Cove Authority, and its presentation of a public face and as a first point of visitor contact. Its design makes a major contribution to the streetscape of George Street and to a lesser extent to Circular Quay West in its form, materials and scale. - The site is of archaeological significance in its ability to demonstrate, through the in-situ archaeological remains, the use and history of the site especially in relation to the previous morgue building. (Graham Brooks & Associates Pty Ltd. 2004) High Significance Fabric: In general, the Court building as originally constructed, together with alterations and additions to 1911 (i.e.. the design and the alterations carried out under Vernon); all exterior brickwork and stonework inc. openings; roof structure, slate cladding, and terracotta chimney pots; all original and early joinery inc. jambs, doors, architraves, windows, sills, staircases and panelling (more see CP). Medium Significance Fabric: All original ceramic tiling and dado capping; all ripple iron ceilings. Low Significance Fabric: Alterations carried out c. 1970. (PWD 1991: 37)
	Date significance updated: 30 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:	Walter Liberty Vernon (both for Coroners Court & City Morgue)
Construction years:	1906-1908
Physical description:	The Coroner's Court is designed in the 'Federation Free Style' manner typical of many of the buildings credited to its designer, W L Vernon. The style of the building is restrained, relying on massing and modelling rather than architectural detail for decoration. The building is essentially composed of two structures: - a single storey section, containing courtroom with associated witness rooms, arcade at front and verandah at rear. - a two storey section, containing offices and residence with attic bedrooms. The interior layout on the George St. level (level 3) was designed around a centrally placed courtroom with a hallway on two sides and a verandah and arcade on the other two sides. The rest of level 3 is taken up by the two witness rooms to the south and the three offices to the north. A stairway in the north hall leads up to the original residential parts of the building on level 4, which replicates the floor below, and level 5, which contains a further two rooms. Additional rooms have been created on level 2, under the verandah. (PWD 1991:27; for more detailed information see 27-28) Style: Federation Free Style; Storeys: Five; Facade: Brickwork/stonework; Side Rear Walls: Brick; Internal Walls: Painted brick/plastered; Roof Cladding: Slate with lead ridge capping and copper valleys; Stairs: Timber.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Archaeology Assessment Condition: Partly disturbed. Assessment Basis: Bedrock visible, with floors terraced into hill slope, and below George Street level. Basements. Rear of site level with Circular Quay West. Visible bedrock indicates that the original surface has been cut into. The evaluation of the site depends on the dating of the quarrying, as early levelling will allow the subsequent build-up of archaeological deposits. Foundations of the second morgue (c1907), demolished in the 1970s, are present in the vacant site at the rear. It is possible that the foundations also exist for the earlier morgue and the original alignment of Bethel Street as it joins George St.
Modifications and dates:	1907-1908 (Coroners Court); 1906-1907 (City Morgue) 1911: Alterations, including the addition of a washroom, were made to the residential quarters of the Coroner's Court, and the verandah at the rear of the Court was filled in to provide additional accommodation. These alterations were constructed according to plans signed by Vernon, as Government Architect and E. L. Drew, Assistant Architect. 1946 : Government Architect's plans show that the Morgue was to be enlarged by demolishing the 1907 wall facing the Quay and extending the building to the boundary. This work was carried out in 1947-48. Other minor changes were undertaken to about 1967. 1972: Demolition of the Morgue by SCRA and conversion of the court building to an exhibition space and offices, including removal of the original courtroom fittings and furnishings. 1973: Further alterations were made to adapt the building for use as a Visitors Centre. (PWD 1991: 22-26) The building has since been used as an antique store and craft gallery, minor modifications for the fitout of the shops has been carried out.


Current use:	Shops
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, residence & garden, Naval Office, Coroners Court, City Morgue (demolished 1972),The Rocks Visitors Centre, Office

History

Historical notes:

The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

When the colony's dockyard was moved to the area in 1797, this was a prominent site stretching from approximately the site of the MCA to Campbell's Cove. The northern end, including the subject site, of the land was set aside for the residence and garden of the Master Boat Builder, Thomas Moore. This building was later converted to the Naval Office, the headquarters for the imposition of Customs until it was transferred to a new Customs House (now the east store of the Argyle Stores) in 1827. The Naval Office was demolished in 1833.

By 1832, the land had been divided in two by a path descending to the water, this route was very steep and was originally know as the 'Go Down' by the residents of The Rocks. The eventual street became Bethel Street, named after the Bethel Union, founders of the Mariner's Church.

In June 1853 the third coroner for Sydney, John Brenan, suggested to the Colonial Secretary that a Dead House or Morgue be built on crown land near Cadman's Cottage. The Colonial Secretary asked Edmund Blacket, the Colonial Architect to prepare plans and estimates for the building. Blacket disagreed with the siting, and suggested that it would be better 'located on the new landing place against the wall of the Campbell's wharf'. The Colonial Secretary was dubious about the suggestion, as the Campbell residence was nearby and the family may object to having such a building so close.

Blacket resigned in 1854 to work on the University of Sydney and it is unsure if he or his successor William Weaver prepared the plans for the building. It appears the building was dogged by problems. Weaver managed to incur the Governor's displeasure over irregularities arising out of the completion of the Dead House. In trying to resolve the problems, Weaver instructed further work to be done, which the Colonial Secretary's office refused to pay for, leading to his resignation. No plans remain for the building but a specification exists for the work. It was to be a brick building on stone foundations and floors with a slate roof. In 1856 it was requested that the glazed windows be 'obscured', presumably as they allowed the public to see the morbid contents.

The problems of keeping such a building in a sanitary condition in the Sydney climate proved difficult. In 1856 it was reported to have been in a 'filthy state' in the same memorandum requesting the obscuring of the windows. The Coroner in 1862, John S Parker reported to the Colonial Secretary that the ventilation was insufficient, 'at the request of thirteen respectable citizens who composed the jury that had to view the body of a sailor who had been taken out of the harbour in a state of decomposition and had to be kept there two days'. Three more ventilators were added and this may been the beginning to the tradition of holding the Coroner's Court proceedings in the Observer Hotel across the road. Despite it's deficiencies, the building appears to have been used continuously as a morgue for more than fifty years. By 1863, the land had been reserved for a new Morgue which was not built until 1906-7, the reason for the delay is not yet known.

From 1865 the Court of the Coroner was located at Chancery Square, near Hyde Park Barracks. Here the jury sat on inquests and witnesses appeared in a courtroom which was described as 'unfitted for almost any public purpose'. Inquests were frequently adjourned because of this and some were transferred to the nearby Riley's hotel. Officially, the Coroner's Court remained at the Hyde Park Barracks site until the construction of the Court and Morgue in The Rocks.

The Morgue was designed and completed before the Court. Before it's construction, several structures on the site had to be demolished, these included the old Dead House, a caretakers cottage, and a set of stairs. Construction of the Coroners Court followed in 1907-8. In the process Bethel Street, was reduced to a narrow lane running along the wall of the Mariners' Church. Construction of the two buildings also involved the loss of a large tree which earlier photographs show next to the Sailor's Home. It may also have lead to an interesting historical discovery. In 1920 Charles Bertie recorded that 'some 30 years ago' a paving slab discovered in Bethel Street turned out to be the tombstone of a sailor on the 'Sirius' of the First Fleet. The memorial was to George Groves, a boatswain's yeoman.

The Morgue provided a receiving room for bodies, a central mortuary with seven tables, a post mortem room and a laboratory. The Court was constructed on the higher part of the site, and a the rear of the building was a flight of stairs connecting it to the Morgue below. From George Street the Court was entered through a covered arcade, the ground floor held the Courtroom, separate room for male and female witnesses, offices for the Coroner and clerks and a jury room. Above the offices was a residence.

Government Architect Vernon, was in charge of the design of both the Morgue and the Coroner's Court projects. The court building demonstrates Vernon's concern and ability to design for the particular use and climate. The exterior has a domestic approachable appearance compared to the authoritarian appearance of earlier designs for similar buildings, however the interior retained the pre-eminence of the Coroners position. Several alterations were in 1911 including the addition of a washroom, and the verandah at the rear was enclosed to provide more accommodation.

Walter Liberty Vernon (1846-1914) was both architect and soldier. Born in England, he ran successful practices in Hastings and London and had estimable connections in artistic and architectural circles. In 1883 he had a recurrence of bronchitic asthma and was advised to leave the damp of England. He and his wife sailed to New South Wales. Before leaving, he gained a commission to build new premises for Messrs David Jones and Co., in Sydney's George Street. In 1890 he was appointed Government Architect - the first to hold that title - in the newly reorganised branch of the Public Works Department. He saw his role as building 'monuments to art'. His major buildings, such as the Art Gallery of New South Wales (1904-6) are large in scale, finely wrought in sandstone, and maintaining the classical tradition. Among others are the Mitchell Wing of the State Library, Fisher Library at the University of Sydney and Central Railway Station. He also added to a number of buildings designed by his predecessors, including Customs House, the GPO and Chief Secretary's Building - with changes which did not meet with the approval of his immediate predecessor, James Barnet who, nine years after his resignation, denounced Vernon's additions in an essay and documentation of his own works. In England, Vernon had delighted his clients with buildings in the fashionable Queen Anne style. In NSW, a number of British trained architects who were proponents of the Arts and Crafts style joined his office and under their influence, Vernon changed his approach to suburban projects. Buildings such as the Darlinghurst First Station (Federation Free style, 1910) took on the scale and character of their surroundings. Under Vernon's leadership, an impressive array of buildings was produced which were distinguished by interesting brickwork and careful climatic considerations, by shady verandahs, sheltered courtyards and provision for cross-flow ventilation. Examples are courthouses in Parkes (1904), Wellington (1912) and Bourke, Lands Offices in Dubbo (1897) and Orange (1904) and the Post Office in Wellington (1904)(Le Sueur, 2016, 7).

In 1935 the Corner's Court was the scene of an inquest into a bizarre death which has become famous throughout Australia. It concerned the alleged murder of James Smith, and became known as 'the Shark Arm Murder'. On 17 April 1935 a fisherman caught a large shark which he took to the aquarium then located at Coogee. A few days later the shark became sick and regurgitated a large amount of undigested matter, including a human arm with a tattoo attached to a length of rope. The arm was identified by the tattoo as belonging to James Smith. The inquest into his death by the Coroner was challenged in the Supreme Court by arguing that an arm did not constitute a body. This led to calls for the Coroner's Act to be altered.

In 1936 representations were being made that the Morgue was poorly sited. In December the Captain of the P&O Strathaird observed that the passengers could clearly see into the post-mortem room where a body was visible. Residents around the vicinity of the Morgue, including the Superintendent of the Sailor's Home also complained about the sights and smells from the building. In 1937 the Commissioner of Police organised a conference discussing building a new morgue and the requirements needed. In 1945 the Morgue was inspected by a committee who were less than impressed by its siting and accommodation and they also recorded that at times the stench emanating from the building was offensive. Following this report, required alterations were finally made and the building was enlarged. Meanwhile the Coroner was concerned about the state of the Court and he submitted a list of urgent repairs in 1948, but there is no record of any work being carried out. The buildings were altered twice more, in 1956 and the final alteration in 1967.

The Court and Morgue underwent several alterations and additions in the period to 1971, when the SCRA resolved to demolish the Morgue and to convert the site to a bus and car park. The Morgue and Coroners Court moved to a new building in Glebe late 1971. The Morgue was demolished in 1972 after green bans and protests by local residents. In the same year the Court building was converted by SCRA to an exhibition space and offices, with a further later conversion to a Visitors Centre in 1973.
(PWD 1991: 5-6 &11-26)
The building was converted for use as a shop after the opening of the new Visitors' Centre in the Sailors Home in 1995. since that time it has housed an antique shop and is currently used as a craft gallery.

Archaeology Notes: The "Dead House" stood here from at least the 1830s. A laneway, Bethel Lane, was created in 1861 and cut diagonally from south at George St to north at Circular Quay West. In 1871 a headstone of 1788 was discovered here opening debate that a cemetery may have been located nearby. The new morgue and coroners court were built in 1907.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Retailing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	commerce-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Developing discrete retail and commercial areas-
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	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
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 parklands of distinctive styles-
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 urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	(none)-
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.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
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.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
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.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
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	Early land grants-
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	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
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	Resuming private lands for public 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 suburban to urban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	(none)-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working with hand tools and implements-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in offices-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in local government-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on public infrastructure projects-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in the public service-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working as a coroner-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in the Justice System-Includes work practices and organised labour.
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Local government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administering the justice system-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Creating and displaying Coats of Arms and official emblems and symbols-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	The rule of law-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	court house-
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.	Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
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.	Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
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 - Federation Free style-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	(none)-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Walter Liberty Vernon, Government Architect 1890-1911, private architect-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Coroner's Court and its site are significant for the following reasons: It is the earliest surviving purpose-built Coroner's Court in NSW (and the only pre-1970 Coroner's Court), and as such has a unique ability to demonstrate through its external appearance and internal layout and fabric the history of the Coroner's office and of Coronial inquests. The surviving of the building provides the only remaining evidence of the site's association with early colonial methods of dealing with the investigation of unexplained or sudden deaths, over a continuous period from 1854 to 1971. The topography of the site preserves an ability to demonstrate the steep descent from George Street north to the water which shaped the early development of the western side of Sydney Cove. The building has acted an important showcase for the work of the former Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority, and the Sydney Cove Authority, and its presentation of a public face and formally as a first point of visitor contact. Its design makes a major contribution to the streetscape of George Street and to a lesser extent to Circular Quay West in its form, materials and scale. - The site is of archaeological significance in its ability to demonstrate, through the in-situ archaeological remains, the use and history of the site especially in relation to the previous morgue building. High Significance Fabric: In general, the Court building as originally constructed, together with alterations and additions to 1911 (ie. the design and the alterations carried out under Vernon); all exterior brickwork and stonework inc. openings; roof structure, slate cladding, and terracotta chimney pots; all original and early joinery inc. jambs, doors, architraves, windows, sills, staircases and panelling. Medium Significance Fabric: All original ceramic tiling and dado capping; all ripple iron ceilings. Low Significance Fabric: Alterations carried out c. 1970.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The site is associated with several Colonial Architects, including Blackett, Weaver, and Barnett and the later building with Government Architect WL Vernon. The site has associations with the Colonial and later Government Coroners from 1854 until 1971. It also has association with some of NSW's most notorious cases, including the 'Shark Arm Murder' and the Bogle-Chandler case.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	It is a representative example of the public architecture of Walter Liberty Vernon, NSW Government Architect from 1890 to 1911, in its use of an unpretentious, almost domestic design invoking the truth-to-materials aesthetics of William Morris and the arts and crafts movement, and using picturesque elements and a dramatic roof line with restrained use of ornamentation. In conjunction with the other structures of similar date near that location (the Rawson Institute, Hickson Road and the Observer Hotel) it provides evidence of the new buildings constructed in The Rocks area after the area was taken over by the Sydney Harbour Trust. The building’s design makes a major contribution to the streetscape of George Street and to Circular Quay West in its form, materials and scale.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The site holds social significance because of the former function as a Morgue extending back to 1854 and a Coroner's Court to 1906. It is the site for investigation into deaths by other than natural causes, including some of the most notorious cases in Australian History. The history of the site highlights some of the problems encountered in the history of dealing with death, including advances in forensics, problems of sanitation and the handling of bodies. The site holds high social value as an archaeological site which may contain physical evidence related to events in Australia's history.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The site has significant research potential as an archaeological resource which can inform about early configurations of the earlier structures on site. Foundations of the second morgue (c1907), demolished in the 1970s, are present in the vacant site at the rear. It is possible that the foundations also exist for the earlier morgue and associated buildings and the original alignment of Bethel Street. The site also contains research potential as it is the earliest surviving purpose-built Coroner's Court in NSW (and the only pre-1970 Coroner's Court), and as such has a unique ability to demonstrate through its external appearance and internal layout and fabric the history of the Coroner's office and of Coronial inquests. The surviving of the building provides the only remaining evidence of the site's association with early colonial methods of dealing with the investigation of unexplained or sudden deaths, over a continuous period from 1854 to 1971.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The site is rare because it is the earliest surviving purpose-built Coroner's Court in NSW (and the only pre-1970 Coroner's Court), and as such has a unique ability to demonstrate through its external appearance and internal layout and fabric the history of the Coroner's office and of Coronial inquests. The surviving of the building provides the only remaining evidence of the site's association with early colonial methods of dealing with the investigation of unexplained or sudden deaths, over a continuous period from 1854 to 1971.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The site, and the Coroner’s Court (former), is important in demonstrating · its early historical use as part of the original Government Dockyard · its visual aesthetic, positioned at the edge of Circular Quay West · the evolution of governmental infrastructure associated with the care of the unexpectedly dead · the architectural style of the Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon (Graham Brooks & Associates Pty Ltd. 2004)
Integrity/Intactness:	Archaeology partly disturbed. It is possible the original alignment of Bethel St may exist under part of the building.
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:

The City Coroner's Court building should be appropriately conserved to preserve and enhance the attributes which contribute to its significance. Generally, the building should be conserved so as to preserve as much as possible of original/early fabric and detailing, with repair, restoration and/or reconstruction to make good deteriorated and/or missing elements of significance and/or secure existing elements from further deterioration. Externally, the existing form and original components of the building should be preserved and appropriately restored/reconstructed. No alterations or additions to the exterior of the building should be permitted other than those reconstructing known original detail, except to the east elevation, where an addition may be permitted within certain guidelines. Existing view of the facade should also be preserved, except at Circular Quay level, where the opportunity exists (archaeological research permitting) for carefully controlled low scale new development. Internally, the building should be conserved in accordance with the conservation guidelines, with early components preserved, repaired, restored and/or reconstructed. In general: New use facilities should be accommodated in such spaces and in such a manner as to enable the conservation of extant original/early building fabric and character; New use facilities requiring major changes to existing fabric should be restricted to areas already altered or of a low significance; New facilities/fixtures should not physically or visually intrude into areas of high significance; Alteration/adaptation works to areas of high significance should be reversible. (PWD 1991: 6-7, for further detail see 40-46) Above ground archaeological remains: An archaeological watching brief or monitoring program is recommended. Below ground archaeological remains: An archaeological watching brief or monitoring program is recommended.

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
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
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 Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01541	10 May 02	85	2865

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
SCA Register 1979-1998	1998	B048, AR021	Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Tourism		2007	Rocks Self-Guided Tour	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Rocks Self-Guided Tour	View detail
Written	Graham Brooks & Associates	2004	Coroner's Court (former) Conservation Management Plan
Written	Graham Brooks & Associates	1994	Conservation Management Plan, Coroners Court (former)
Written	Heritage Group, Public Works Department	1991	Conservation Plan for City Coroner's Court, 102-104 George Street, The Rocks,
Written	Higginbotham, E., Kass, T., & Walker, M.	1991	The Rocks and Millers Point Archaeological Management Plan
Written	Le Sueur, Angela	2016	Government Architects - part 2

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:	5053156

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