Liverpool Courthouse (former) and Potential Archaeological Site

Item details


Name of item:	Liverpool Courthouse (former) and Potential Archaeological Site
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Law Enforcement
Category:	Courthouse
Location:	Lat: -33.9244 Long: 150.9256
Primary address:	251 Bigge Street, Liverpool, NSW 2170
Parish:	Holsworthy
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Liverpool
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Gandangara

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	441		DP	831058
LOT	442		DP	831058

Boundary:

251 Bigge Street, corner Moore Street, Liverpool, including wall and fence to Bigge Street.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
251 Bigge Street	Liverpool	Liverpool	Holsworthy	Cumberland	Primary Address
Moore Street	Liverpool	Liverpool			Alternate Address

Statement of significance:


	The former Liverpool Courthouse (1819) and Potential Archaeological Site is of state heritage significance as it demonstrates the activities of significant historic importance to the State from 1819 for over 120 years. The archaeology site is one of the earliest surviving examples of a convict barracks on the Australian mainland. It is likely that only Sydney's Hyde Park Barracks, (1817-19) predates it. The potential archaeological remains of the barracks at the rear of the courthouse may provide key ongoing research opportunities in fields such as convict studies, colonial settlement and working class communities, all important themes in Australian history. The former Liverpool Courthouse and potential archaeology provides evidence of the important role of Liverpool in the early colonial period as a key government administrative centre during Macquarie's time in office. The extant building served important functions in the colonial period, first as a gaol and then as a courthouse and demonstrates the history of judicial service in the colony of New South Wales for over 120 years. The Courthouse is a rare example of an early colonial Georgian courthouse with later Victorian additions and embellishments, indicating a level of achievement in its design and construction. Because of its early construction and use as a convict barracks before it became a courthouse, the building demonstrates variation in form and style in NSW, highlighting its rarity and importance.
	Date significance updated: 05 May 17
	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


Construction years:	1820-1820
Physical description:	Siting and grounds: Located on a corner site comprising two lots, with the courthouse building set back more from Moore Street than it is (it is close to) from Bigge Street. Several mature trees are on the north side of the building complex towards Moore Street, including hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii). A jacaranda (J.mimosifolia) and tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) are to the rear of the courthouse building. (Stuart Read, observation). Two bays remain of an impressive iron palisade with stone gate piers. Courthouse: Single storey colonial style Government building with hipped roof, L-shaped plan, probably incorporating main block of convict gaol built early 1820s. Sandstock brick construction on sandstone foundations with articulated sandstone quoins, decorative timber verandah with valance and iron roofs. Twelve pane double hung windows and four panel doors doors. The original structure appears to have been altered and extended about 1855 using part of gaol wall on the south east portion of the site.
	Date condition updated:03 Feb 98
Modifications and dates:	Later alterations and additions occurred, most significantly a police station to the rear of the courthouse and likely outside, or adjacent to the wall of the barracks visible in Hoddle's 1827 map and the 1840 plan. This police station remained until after the mid-20th century.


Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot

History

Historical notes:

The land around the Georges River and Liverpool was occupied by the Darug Aboriginal people prior to the arrival of British settlers in 1788. The Liverpool district was home to what the early Europeans mistakenly ccalled the Liverpool Tribe, who were in fact the Cabrogal clan of the Darug Tribe (Casey & Lowe, 2014).

Governor Macquarie selected a site for a town at Liverpool on 7 November 1810. After establishing a site in the centre of the proposed town for a church, he left the details of laying out the town in the hands of surveyor James Meehan.
After the departure of Governor Macquarie in 1821, Governor Brisbane began the relocation of convict labour from public works to assignment on private properties, on the recommendations of the Bigge Report. The offical end of transportation in 1840 led to the winding down of the convict system and an economic decline for Liverpool (Casey & Lowe, 2014).

Liverpool Convict Barracks, and later, Courthouse:
The story of the former Liverpool Courthouse is, perhaps most significantly, the story of the former Liverpool Convict Barracks; the structure that now occupies the corner of Bigge Street and Moore Street in Liverpool was purpose built as a convict barracks. Many alterations, additions and demolitions have since occurred to render the collection of buildings at that location in their current form. (Rappoport, 2009).

The former Liverpool Courthouse building was constructed on the site of, or adapted from, the original buildings of the c 1819 barracks. As such, it is considered one of the earliest examples of a convict barracks on the mainland, only predated by Hyde Park Barracks (1817-1819). The area has the potential to contain a range of archaeological remains associated with the earliest use of the site. These remains are considered to be of state heritage significance and may provide information about early colonial and convict life in Liverpool.

Surveyor Robert Hoddle's 1827 map of Liverpool clearly shows the complex of buildings on the site. In 1836 James Backhouse visited the Liverpool gaol and described it as:
'A brick building of two large rooms for prisoners of common order, one for debtors, another for females, which is small: also three good cells, but all opening into one common yard, along with the dwellings of the turnkey and overseer, and the cooking-place, and other offices'. (Backhouse 1842 p.6).
An 1840 plan also show these buildings.

Later alterations and additions occurred, most significantly a police station to the rear of the courthouse and likely outside, or adjacent to the wall of the barracks visible in Hoddle's 1827 map and the 1840 plan. This police station remained until after the mid-20th century.

Overview of Archaeological Potential:
there is a high potential for archaeological remains associated with the barracks buildings shown on the 1827 and 1840 plans (Casey and Lowe 2014 p. 14).

The development of Liverpool in the second half of the 19th century was driven by the establishment of the railway in 1856, although substantial expansion did not occur until the end of the 1880s when there was a growth in workers housing and subdivision of preivously vacant land. (Casey and Lowe, 2014).

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.	Gardens-
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.	Modification of terrain-
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.	Introduce cultural planting-
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-
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	Convict barracks-
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	Convict labour-
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	Demonstrating convicts' experiences and activities-
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	Administering the convict system-
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 for the Crown-
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	Creating environments evocative of the '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 military activities-
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	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	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
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	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Providing a venue for significant events-
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.	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.	Accommodating prisoners and internees-
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.	Accommodating convicts-
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.	Architectural design-
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.	Victorian era residence-
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	Demonstrating Governor Macquarie's town and landscape planning-
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	Stone Wall-
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	Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
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	Townships-
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	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	Fencing boundaries - mortared stone walls-
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	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Macquarie's town layout-
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	19th century suburban developments-
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	Subdivision of urban estates-
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	Early Sydney Street-
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	20th Century infrastructure-
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	19th Century Infrastructure-
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 suburban settings-
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	Institutions-
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	Suburban Consolidation-
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	Suburban Expansion-
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	living in the suburbs-
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	Impact of railways on suburban development-
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	Shaping riverine 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	Shaping inland settlements-
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	Indicators of early town planning and the disposition of people within the emerging 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	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	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-
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	Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-
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	Urban landscapes inspiring creative responses-
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	Planned towns serving a specific industry-
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	Beautifying towns and villages-
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	Outlying settlements-
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	Cultural Social and religious life-
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 government towns-
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 the social life of a rural community-
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 with hand tools and implements-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working at enforced labour-
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 in the public service-
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	Servants quarters-
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.	19th century government - a regional centre-
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.	Colonial 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 - providing community facilities-
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 - managing the convict 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.	Public works-
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.	Suburban Consolidation-
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 - town and country planning-
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.	Providing public offices and buildings-
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.	Direct vice-regal governance (pre 1856)-
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	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 - jailing prisoners-
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 - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Prison colony-
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	Administration of justice-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	court house-
7. Governing-Governing	Law and order-Activities associated with maintaining, promoting and implementing criminal and civil law and legal processes	Policing bushrangers-
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.	Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
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 - colonial Georgian-
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	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The site meets this criterion at a state level as the Liverpool Courthouse (former) demonstrates the accommodation of convicts at a time when those convicts were actively engaged in the physical construction of the town of Liverpool in its very early days. The Courthouse is one of the oldest buildings in Liverpool and, dating from the Macquarie era, is probably the second oldest existing convict barracks in mainland Australia. A relatively small number of buildings in the state date from this period or earlier. In its role as a courthouse, it provided an important contribution to the administering of law and order and the furthering of social justice over a period spanning 120 years.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The site meets this criterion at a state level. The Liverpool Courthouse is an example of an early Colonial Georgian convict barrack with later Victorian additions and embellishments associated with its use as a courthouse which indicate a level of technical achievement in its design and construction. The site is situated opposite the colonial period Bigge Park and its location in the vicinity to a number of other historic sites in the Liverpool city centre based on the Hoddle grid street plan adds landmark qualities to the site.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The site contains areas of archaeological significance at a state level as these can provide evidence of material culture which yields information that may be unavailable from documentary sources alone. Analysis of the archaeological information that could potentially be gathered at this site includes data that would provide a window into the changing impact of Government during the formative historical period. The site has the potential to contain structural remains associated with the early gaol and barracks buildings, such as footings, postholes, fences and outbuildings. This information may be crucial to interpreting the site's development over time. The physical remains at the site and the associated artefact collection would provide major ongoing research opportunities in fields such as convictism, colonial settlement and working class communities, which are major themes in Australian history.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The former Liverpool Courthouse is one of the oldest and last remaining convict barracks in the State, almost all others of its time having been destroyed or demolished. The Former Liverpool Courthouse buildings provide a fine example of early 19th century architecture erected during the significant period of Governor Macquarie's governorship. Further, the Former Liverpool Courthouse is a remnant of Liverpool's important colonial past. It is part of a group of Colonial buildings which includes St Luke's Church and the former Hospital, which illustrate different aspects of Liverpool's convict beginnings. The potential archaeology of this period is a rare resource. Despite having been originally designed and used as a convict barracks, the Former Liverpool Courthouse served predominantly as a courthouse. As such the building is possibly unique in being the only courthouse in NSW not to have been originally designed by the Government Architect.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The Liverpool Courthouse (former) is representative of the layout, character and architectural style of an early 19th century gaol, which was then modified to a form that is representative of the layout, character and architectural style of a 19th century courthouse.
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	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	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT SITE SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL Liverpool Courthouse (former) and Potential Archaeological Site SHR No. 01999 I, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, in pursuance of section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, do, by this my order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of that Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule "C" by the manager/owner of the land described in Schedule "B" on the item described in Schedule "A". The Hon Gabrielle Upton MP Minister for Heritage Sydney, 27th Day of October 2017 SCHEDULE "A" The item known as Liverpool Courthouse (former) and Potential Archaeological Site, situated on the land described in Schedule "B". SCHEDULE "B" All those pieces or parcels of land known as Lots 441 and 442 DP 831058 in the Parish of Holsworthy, County of Cumberland shown on the plan catalogued HC 3173 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. SCHEDULE "C" 1. Temporary use of a property, temporary road closures and the installation of temporary buildings, structures, fencing, facilities, exhibitions, artworks, crowd control barriers, stages, lighting, sound and public-address equipment and signage for a period not exceeding 40 days (including removal) and not erected again within a period of 6 months where the activity will not affect critical views to and from the property or materially affect the heritage significance of the listed area. 2. Manage the landscaping and gardens where there will be no material impact on the heritage significance of the building or area: * Removal and replacement of existing plantings other than trees; * Removal of dead or dying trees/branches where the applicant undertakes to replace them with the same species and in the same location; Pruning up to 30% of the canopy of trees within a 2-year period as recommended by a qualified arborist for the tree’s health or public safety; * Maintenance, repair and resurfacing of existing roads, paths, fences, gates and car parking where excavation is not involved 3. The erection of temporary security fencing, scaffolding, hoarding or surveillance systems to prevent unauthorised access or to secure public safety for a period not exceeding 40 days (including removal) and not erected again within a period of 6 months. 4. Installation, removal and alteration of interpretative, information and directional signage and labels in existing signage locations and where no excavation is required in accordance with signage policies adopted by Liverpool City Council and where signage is assessed as not having an adverse material effect on the heritage significance of the listed building or its fabric by Liverpool City Council's Heritage Officer. 5. Installation of temporary installation of artworks, statues and monuments for temporary exhibitions or events within Liverpool Courthouse Building where installation does not impact significant fabric of the Courthouse.	Nov 3 2017
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		01999	03 Nov 17	122	6633
Register of the National Estate	Nom. 20/12/1976.	003292	21 Mar 78	AHC

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Liverpool Heritage Study	1990		(not stated)		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Casey & Lowe	2014	Preliminary Archaeological Assessment Former Couthouse 201 Bigge St Liverpool
Written	Casey & Lowe Associates with Tracy Ireland	1996	Liverpool Archaeological Zoning and Management Plan. NEGP Report Date:/10/1998
Written	James Kerr	1984	Design for Convicts. An account of design for convict establishments in the Australian Colonies during the transportation era.
Electronic	NSW Government Gazette	2017	NSW Government Gazette	View detail
Written	Rappoport Pty Ltd	2009	Former Liverpool Courthouse Conservation Management Plan
Written	Whitaker, Anne-Maree	2014	Additional Historical Research on Former Courthouse

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:	5055101
File number:	003292

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