Stroud House

Item details


Name of item:	Stroud House
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	House
Location:	Lat: 151.96658 Long: -32.40210
Primary address:	42 Cowper Street, Stroud, NSW 2425
Parish:	Stroud
County:	Gloucester
Local govt. area:	Mid-Coast
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Karuah

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	75		DP	1063954

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
42 Cowper Street	Stroud	Mid-Coast	Stroud	Gloucester	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Private ownership	Private	09 Jun 15

Statement of significance:


	Stroud House is of state heritage significance for its established links with the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo). Incorporated by an act of British Parliament in 1824, the AACo was the first large-scale agricultural company formed in Australia and, having been granted one million pounds and one million acres, it was the first major influx of private capital into the colony. Stroud, the company's second company town and extensive farm, was established in 1827, the year following the selection and development of the company's headquarters at Carrington, Port Stephens. Stroud House was developed as a residence for the company's superintendents and notable guests and, dating from the early days of the company, Stroud House is an early remnant of the AACo and its development and operation of the Port Stephens Estate. Stroud House is also of state heritage significance for its association with convict labour in the colony. Built by the company's convict labour force in 1827 and extensively modified in 1832, Stroud House is a rare surviving and largely intact early colonial building. Retaining much of its early layout and fabric, Stroud House has the potential to reveal further information about the domestic lifestyle of prominent colonists in NSW and the skills and techniques of the AACo's convict workforce. Due to its high level of intactness, Stroud House is a particularly fine example of early colonial architecture and convict construction from an important historical phase in the regional and agricultural development of NSW.
	Date significance updated: 18 Aug 15
	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:	Thomas Laman
Builder/Maker:	AACo convict labour force
Construction years:	1827-1839
Physical description:	Garden: Set amongst half an acre of domestic landscaped gardens. House: An 1832 refurbishment and extension of a once modest single-storey cottage (1827), Stroud House is a two-storey convict-built dwelling with attached servant's quarters. It is a rendered and painted brick building with a corrugated iron roof (early slate roof tiles remain on the servant's quarters). The house has front and rear verandahs running its length, an entry portico, three dormer windows to the front elevation and three brick chimneys aligning with the early fireplaces retained within the house. The single-storey servants quarters has two chimneys. Internally, the house retains two of its reception rooms and is fitted with a series of bedrooms and living spaces. The house retains much of its early red cedar joinery (skirting boards and window and door architraves) and its only internal change since 1890 is the partial removal of one internal wall (most likely to accommodate its previous use as a commercial bank).
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Considering its age, Stroud House is in fair condition. The house has experienced shifts in its foundations over its lifetime which has resulted in noticeable level changes within the house. However, Stroud House is a solidly built structure and has accommodated these shifting conditions well. 2019: Attend to the list of most urgent restoration needs to stop the old 1827 Stroud House deterioating further. 1. Repair sitting room French doors to keep out weather. 2. Cault floor in sitting room to stop cold, insects. 3. Repair upstairs windows to keep out weather. 4. Repair plaster ceilings in cellar. 5. Repair plaster ceiling in Maid's room. 6. repair collapsing eves. 7. Repair pegs under eves.9. Possibly complete ground drainage trenches in northern end to complete work funded by DE&H for graund drainage in southern end of house to stop rising damp (grant application, 3/2019).
	Date condition updated:10 Jul 15
Modifications and dates:	1827 - single storey cottage built by AACo (rudiments of Stroud House) 1833 - Captain Sir Edward Parry had cottage renovated and extended to accommodate family. 1839 - Director Admiral Phillip Parker King, RN had front portico added to house 1890 - likely some modification to accommodate Bank of Australasia 1931 - likely some modification to accommodate consulting rooms for local doctors 1945 - likely some modifications to reconvert Stroud House to a private residence 2004-14 - replacement of roof with corrugated iron sheeting; replacement of electrical system throughout house, house painting and general repairs and replacements. 2011 - ground drainage works and replacement of sections of termite-damaged verandah timbers.


Current use:	Residence
Former use:	Aboriginal land, Residence, Bank of Australasia, medical facility

History

Historical notes:

The Australian Agricultural Company (AA Co.)
Emerging from the industrial depression of the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815), Britain sought to recover its textile trade to address growing demands for wool production. Previously sourced offshore from the Mediterranean and Germany, Britain sought to establish its own fine wool sources to provide increased supply and control of the product to the British market and return increased profits to the economy. The British colony in Australia, with its seemingly endless landscape to accommodate sheep flocks and substantial convict labour force to tend them, was soon regarded as the future of the British pastoral industry.

Having received the Bigge reports on the status of the Australian colony in 1822 and 1823, the British Parliament commenced its colonial plans and incorporated the Australian Agricultural Company (the AA Co) in 1824. The first of Australia's large-scale agricultural companies, the AA Co was allocated one million pounds to take up one million acres of land outside and beyond the limits of the settled area of the Australian colony. Funded largely by prominent wealthy and enterprising British gentlemen, who in-turn became shareholders in the company, the AACo was tasked with using the first major influx of private capital into the colony to raise fine wool sheep, breed cattle and horses for company use and cultivate agricultural crops to export to Britain and sustain the colony.

A mammoth proposal with strong financial backing, the AA Co would receive direction from a Court of Directors in Britain, be supervised by a Colonial Committee in Australia and run by a resident manager on the company estate. Seeking to augment an income tarnished by the depression, Welsh pastoral farmer Robert Dawson was appointed as the chief managing agent of the AA Co.

Arriving in Australia in 1825 with fellow company employees and early stocks of sheep, cattle and horses, Dawson immediately set out to explore the unsettled land north of the Hunter Valley to settle the company. Previously sighted from the coast, the harbour of Port Stephens has already been recorded and the still deep water considered suitable for the development of a shipping transportation port. Under some pressure to clear land quickly and commence construction of facilities for the new company estate, Dawson visited the region and observed (perhaps romantically) the fresh water of its rivers, the rich alluvial flats suited to agricultural cultivation, the lightly timbered rolling hills and the availability of shell and lime that would be useful in the construction of the company's buildings and facilities.

Unbeknownst to Dawson at the time, he had observed the area at the height of its good season, without flooding and when fresh water rivers ran freely. Reported by Dawson as reminding him of the "gentleman's park and grounds" (Ecotecture, 2001, p3) of Britain and deemed to be suitable to the objectives of the new company, the area of Port Stephens and the land to the north was soon recommended to the Colonial Committee as the prospective AA Co estate. Keen to commence the company's activities, the Colonial Committee accepted Dawson's recommendation and selected one million acres of land between Port Stephens to the south, the Manning River to the north, the Great Dividing Range to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.

In early 1826, Dawson led the first major party of AA Co staff and supplies from Sydney to Port Stephens to begin construction of the company's headquarters and first town at Carrington. The new company was to be a self-sufficient and self-contained community in the unsettled landscape and Dawson relied heavily on the varied skills of the company's staff, coupled with the convict labour force and the assistance of the local Aboriginal people, to establish and prepare the AACo headquarters and the early company roads and land in a few short months.

Stroud:
Once the AA Co had been established at Carrington, Dawson set out in late 1826 to explore the Port Stephens Estate further. A short distance away, the alluvial flats of Stroud was selected as the site of the company's principal agricultural farm and second township. Establishment works commenced immediately and, by the Colonial Committee's visit in 1827, it was pronounced that Stroud possessed "advantages for every purpose of Agriculture, whether arable or grazing" (Bairstow, 2003, p64).

Although the company's establishment and early activities were undertaken with vigour, the shortcomings of early company decisions soon became apparent. Receiving direction from Britain, from a board with no colonial experience, saw lengthy time delays in communications between the parties. As the company was established and quickly expanding within a short period, much of the decisions became the responsibility of the company's manager and its Colonial Committee.

The failings of Dawson's early decisions also became clear. Based on limited time to explore the region and observe its true nature, the selection of the company's one million acres proved to be misjudged. The coastal landscape, both its soil quality and humidity, was unsuitable for agricultural pursuits and sheep grazing. The harbour of Port Stephens was found to not be suitable for berthing ships and the company's headquarters at Carrington proved to be flood-prone.

The insufficiencies of the estate landscape, and claims about incompetence and company mismanagement, caused a division between Dawson and the Colonial Committee which led to Dawson leaving the company and returning to Britain in 1828.

Shocked by the preceding events and the prospect that the Port Stephens Estate was ultimately unsuitable for the objectives of the company, the Board of Directors decided to dispense with the Colonial Committee and appointed a resident commissioner to manage the company affairs. By late 1829, Captain Edward Parry RN (an Arctic explorer and navigator) had arrived in the colony to restore order and management to the estate and assess options to improve its future returns.

As Stroud was progressing as the principal town and possible future centre of the AA Co, Parry chose to live in Stroud with his family during the company's sheering and harvest season. To accommodate the Parry family, an existing AACo cottage (built in 1827 and once considered to be a 'humble hovel'), underwent extensive renovations to convert it into a stately dwelling suitable for Parry and any future company leaders and visiting guests. By 1832, Stroud House was complete.

During his four year term with the AA Co, Parry sought out new and more suitable tracts of land for the company's activities and was successful in negotiating complex sales and exchanges to obtain more productive land for the company in the New England Plains. With Parry's efforts, the AA Co soon returned a profit but success was quickly followed by the collapse of London's wool trade in 1836 and the British financial crisis of the late 1830s.

Stroud prospered during the 1830s with the construction of many of its buildings and facilities and a notable rise in its population numbers. In 1839, Stroud House also became the periodic home of Parry's successor and new AA Co resident commissioner, explorer and navigator Captain Phillip Parker King, who added the front portico to the house (essentially completing the house in its current form). King's addition was in 1839. The house has not been (significantly) altered since that addition (Davis, 2016).

Phillip Parker King:
In February 1839 Governor Gipps appointed King to the Legislative Council and reported that 'though connected by family ties with what is here called the anti-emancipist party', he was 'liberal in his politics, as well as prudent and moderate in his general bearing'. Soon afterwards King was appointed resident commissioner of the Australian Agricultural Co.; he immediately offered to resign from the Council but was induced to retain his seat until October when Gipps was advised to accept the resignation (ADB online).

King was commissioner of the AACo. for ten eventful years in its history. They saw transition from mainly convict to mainly free labour, drought and depression in 1838-45, abandonment of the company's claim to a coal monopoly and initiation of a plan to dispose of much of company land to small settlers. King took charge on 8 April 1839 at a salary of (Pounds)1000. The company was then employing about 500 men, including 400 convicts, on its pastoral properties and 100 convicts in the coal-mines, and sold 655 bales of wool and 21,200 tons of coal. The demand for coal was rising but skilled labour was scarce. In 1840 the company imported 100 Irish labourers, who proved unreliable, and 40 Welsh miners, who proved troublesome. Between 1842 and 1845 sales of coal dropped from 35,000 tons to 23,000 tons. King often protested that coal was being mined elsewhere to the detriment of the company's monopoly. In 1845 James Brown was taken to court for opening a coal-mine near Maitland. Brown lost the case, but thereafter private coal-mines were not hindered and in 1850, with the company's consent, a proclamation cancelling the reservation of coal on all grants was issued. In 1842-45 the company, in common with other pastoralists, was in difficulty; King and his officers asked that their salaries be reduced but the directors would not agree. By 1845 the company had obtained power to alienate 500,000 acres (202,345 ha) of its land and by 1847 all the company's properties had been freed from all conditions hitherto imposed and it was enabled to sell land as it wished. In 1849 King went to London in the Hamlet to plan the settlement of farmers on land sold to them by the company, and the establishment of towns and villages. The reduction of the company's holdings led to the abolition of King's post. There was some indignation when it was discovered that the only officer who obtained promotion in the reorganization was P/P. King's son, Philip Gidley King (1817-1904)(ADB online).

In October 1846 the secretary of state called for annual reports on each observatory in the various colonies. P.P. King was appointed to the commission of inquiry and found the instruments and books in good condition at the Parramatta observatory but the buildings very dilapidated. On the commission's advice Governor Sir Charles FitzRoy ordered that the instruments be packed and placed in the ordnance store to preserve them. As pastoralist and manager King kept up his interest in exploration and drawing. In 1837-38 he made an expedition to the Murrumbidgee and recorded his observations. In December 1838 and January 1839 he visited New Zealand and Norfolk Island in the Pelorus. His field books of surveys in the neighbourhoods of Parramatta, Newcastle and elsewhere in 1843-55 occupy eight volumes. In 1843 he made a survey of Port Stephens. He published articles in the Nautical Magazine and the Zoological Journal and printed some of his papers on a small private press. In 1844 Gipps placed King's name eighth in the list of nineteen persons considered eligible for a local order of merit (ADB online).

King was seriously ill in November 1854. In 1855 he was promoted rear admiral on the retired list. On the evening of 26 February 1856 he dined on board the Juno as the guest of Captain S. G. Fremantle. He was cheerful, but abstemious because of his poor health. He was put ashore and walked to his home in North Sydney, where he collapsed at the gate in an apoplectic fit from which he did not recover. His widow died at Ashfield, Sydney, on 19 December 1874. Of their eight children, the eldest, Philip Gidley, became stock manager of the Australian Agricultural Co.(AA Co.) in 1851 (ADB online).

Stroud's early growth became stunted as the Australian economy became depressed in the 1840s and the company's prerogatives were reconsidered and focus shifted elsewhere. By the 1840s, the AA Co. sought to stem its ongoing financial expenditure and recoup capital. As early plans to use convict labour to work the company's land did not come to fruition, and much of the company's one million acres remained uncultivated as labour was scarce, the company turned its attention towards land sales to generate a new income.

Land sales were sporadic, largely due to the isolated nature of much of the company's land lying beyond existing colonial settlements (such was the case with the township of Stroud), but the AA Co. did leave Stroud and successfully refocus its operations towards cattle farming in the north of Australia. By the end of the 19th century, large-scale pastoralism had reached its conclusion but the restructured Australian Agricultural Company, despite years of struggle and disappointments, survived and today is one of Australia's oldest companies still in operation.

With the departure of the company, Stroud remained a small community town that continues to reflect the past influence of one of Australia's large-scale agricultural companies. Stroud House, used as a banking and later doctor's office, has remained a landmark building in the region (Davis, 2016).

In c1890 Eden Herschel Babbage (1844-1924) was Bank Manager and Bank Inspector for the Bank of Australasia, having joined that bank in c.1864 in Adelaide. He worked for it also in New Zealand, Queensland and New South Wales, retiring in 1904. Babbage took a c.1890 photograph of Stroud House, which at that time was the Bank of Australasia in the town (Matthew Stephens, #matthewstephens8 instagram post, 31/10/2021).

Today, Stroud House has been converted back to its original use as a dwelling and has returned to the hands of descendants of the AACo's commissioner from 1839 to 1849, Admiral Phillip Parker King, FRS, RN. The family bought the property in 2003 from Stroud teacher, Rosemary Neville, who had spent 50 years there and was its longest private owner (Davis, 2016).

Rear Admiral Phillip Parker King, FRS, RN (1791-1856):
The explorer Rear-Admiral Phillip Parker King was appointed to complete the full charting of the Australian coastline following on from the work of Matthew Flinders. He mapped more of Australia's coastline and in greater detail than the great Captain Cook or Matthew Flinders. Phillip Parker King was the son of First Fleet officer and later Governor, Philip Gidley King. (He was named after his father's mentor, Admiral Arthur Phillip which explains the difference in spelling of his and his father's first names.)(Mexon, 2019).

As well as charting the Magellan Strait over three challenging years, Phillip Parker King was also a member of the NSW Parliament and had a state funeral. He was the first Australian to be promoted to Admiral rank. Together with his wife Harriet, he had eight children. He complied an extensive vocabulary of different Aboriginal languages and took Aboriginal interpreters on his ships (ibid, 2019).

Stroud House
Phillip Parker King was resident commissioner of the Australian Agricultural Company for 10 years and lived in Stroud House from 1839 (ibid, 2019).

Historian and author Dr Jonathan King, who spearheaded the famed reenactment of the sailing of the First Fleet from London to Sydney for Australia's 1988 bicentenary, has a special connection to the pioneer. He Phillip Parker King's great great grandson but also now owns his ancestor's former home - Stroud House. Jonathan and his wife Jane are only the fifth owners of Stroud House since it was built in 1827 (ibid, 2019).

The house is relatively unchanged from its original days and the current owners have done much to preserve it. They have restored the roof, re-wired the home and additions have been limited to the planting out of rose gardens. They pursued its listing on the State Heritage Register to ensure it is preserved (ibid, 2019). Its listing on the NSW State Heritage Register was announced by Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen in April, 2016 (Davis, 2016).

P.P.King Memorial unveiling
There is a memorial to the Rear-Admiral in Chile, erected by the Chilean Navy in 2008 and he featured on a 1963 Australian postage stamp and even has an orchid named after him. But until now, there has been no permanent memorial for him in Australia. "Captain Cook has statues, Flinders has statues but King has never had a statue, not even a worthy memorial," said Dr King. The marble memorial will be unveiled in St John's Anglican Church in Cowper Street, Stroud on Sunday, May 5, beginning with a festival Eucharist at 9am. Joining the priest in Charge of St John's Stroud, Fr Martin Davies, will be guest preacher Fr Andrew Sempell, rector of St James', King Street Sydney. The King's youngest daughter Charlotte will officially unveil the memorial and morning tea will follow in the church hall. Later that morning Charlotte will join her father and author Brian Abbott in making speeches detailing the history of Phillip Parker King and his association with Stroud (ibid, 2019).

In the lead up to this unveiling, the town is preparing another special event. On Thursday, May 2, Dr King will play the part of his ancestor in a period drama at 11am outside the mansion. The performance comes complete with the Mark Wheeler and family brass band and period costumes - led by thespian Anne Frost. Stroud House will be open to the public for one hour on Saturday, May 4 from 4-5pm. On loan for the day courtesy of the Stroud Historical Society is a model replica of the home (ibid, 2019).

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.	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 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	Working for the Crown-
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	Private farming-
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	Truffle farming-
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	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Experimenting with new crops and methods-
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	Experimenting with new breeds of animal-
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	Associations with the Australian Agricultural Company, estd.1824-
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	Improving agricultural production-
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	Agroforesty-
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	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Banking-
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 Places How are significant places marked in the landscape by, or for, different groups-Monuments and Sites
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 gardens of domestic accommodation-
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	Exploration-Activities associated with making places previously unknown to a cultural group known to them.	Exploring and surveying for the Crown-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Exploration-Activities associated with making places previously unknown to a cultural group known to them.	Opening Up, 1818-39-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Forestry-Activities associated with identifying and managing land covered in trees for commercial purposes.	Timber getting-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Doctor's office and clinic-
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.	Residential-
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.	gentlemen's residences-
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	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	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.	Bank residence-
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.	early settlement or worker's cottage-
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 professional people-
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.	Housing for industrial managers and owners-
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 (regional towns)-
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	1820s-1850s 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	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
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	Illustrates early ownership and occupancy of land within the Hunter Region-
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	Naming places (toponymy)-
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	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	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	Granting Crown lands for private farming-
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 farming (sheep grazing)-
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 as a manager or executive officer-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working independently on the land-
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.	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.	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.	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.	Landscaping - Victorian 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 - 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.	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.	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.	Vernacular structures and building techniques-
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 (early)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1788-1850-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Convict housing near workplaces-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Ornamental Garden-
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	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.	Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
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	Common-
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-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Robert Dawson, Director Australian Agricultural Company, pioneer pastoral and agricultural company-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Robert Dawson, Director Australian Agricultural Company, pioneer pastoral and agricultural company-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Captain Henry Dumaresq, AA.Co.Commissioner-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Rear Admiral Phillip Parker King, navigator, AA.Co.Commissioner, politician-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Governor (Mjr-Gen., later Gnl., Sir) Ralph Darling and Eliza Darling, 1826-1830-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the Australian Agricultural (AA) Company-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Captain (later Sir) Edward Parry RN, Director, Australian Agricultural Company-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Captain (later Sir) Edward Parry RN, Director, Australian Agricultural Company-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Rosemary Neville, teacher-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edward Ebsworth, Deputy Commissioner, Australian Agricultural Company-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Phillip Gidley King, AA Company Stock Manager-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Stroud House is of state heritage significance for its established links with the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo). The first of Australia's large-scale agricultural companies, the AACo was incorporated by an act of British Parliament in 1824 and, having been granted one million pounds and one million acres, it was the first major influx of private capital into the colony. Stroud, the company's second company town and extensive farm, was established in 1827, the year following the selection and development of the company's headquarters at Carrington, Port Stephens. Stroud House was developed as a residence for the company's superintendents and notable guests and, dating from the early days of the company, Stroud House is an early remnant of the AACo and its development and operation of the Port Stephens Estate. Developed by the company's convict labour force, Stroud House reflects an important historical phase in the regional and agricultural development of NSW.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	Stroud House is of state heritage significance for its association with the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo). Incorporated by an act of British Parliament in 1824, the AACo was the first large-scale agricultural company formed in Australia and, having been granted one million pounds and one million acres, it was the first major influx of private capital into the colony. When Stroud was established as an extensive farm and company town in the late-1820s, Stroud House was constructed for use by the company's superintendents and notable guests. Stroud House is also of state heritage significance for its association with the convict labour force of the AACo. Built by the company's convict workforce in 1827 and extensively modified in 1832, Stroud House was constructed under the direction of former convict Thomas Laman (who oversaw a number of convict constructions for the AACo on the Port Stephens Estate, including St Johns Anglican Church, Stroud).
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Unlike other constructions of the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo), Stroud House is an extensively sized and elaborate dwelling that reflects the prominence and status of the AACo superintendents and notable guests that occupied the house during its association with the company throughout the 19th century. Originally a modest single storey cottage (1827), Stroud House was extensively modified in 1832 using the company's convict labour force. The condition and intactness of Stroud House lends it to be one of the better examples of colonial architecture in NSW today.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	With a long held use as a private residence, the social significance of Stroud House is limited. However, the house is widely recognised as a landmark in the area and an early colonial property associated with the Australian Agricultural Company. Thus, Stroud House does have some social significance for the greater Stroud district and the former Port Stephens Estate.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	Stroud House is of state heritage significance for its potential to reveal further information about the domestic lifestyle of prominent colonists in NSW. Due to its intactness, Stroud House can demonstrate the domestic living standards and styles of the superintendents and leaders of the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) from the early 19th century. The construction and fabric of Stroud House can also provide information about the techniques and skills of the convict labour force in NSW during times of colonial expansion and settlement.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The retention of intact early colonial architecture, such as Stroud House, is important to our understanding of Australia's colonial period. However, survival of these types of properties is not necessarily rare in NSW. Originally dating from 1827 and extensively modified to its current form in 1832, Stroud House retains much of its early layout and fabric (including convict-made bricks and joinery).
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Stroud House is of state heritage significance as a fine representative example of early colonial architecture in NSW. Due to its high level of intactness, Stroud House is a particularly fine example of early colonial architecture that can demonstrate the domestic lifestyle and tastes of prominent British colonists in NSW. Stroud House is also of state heritage significance as a fine representative example of a convict-built dwelling from the colonial period of the 1830s. The intactness of Stroud House lends it to be one of the better examples of colonial architecture in NSW today.
Integrity/Intactness:	Due perhaps to its small number of owners over its lifetime, Stroud House is a particularly intact convict-built residence dating from the late 1820s/30s. Stroud House retains its early layout, the only alteration from plans prepared in 1890 appears to be the partial removal of one internal wall (likely during the house's use as the Bank of Australasia). The house retains much of its early red cedar joinery and floorboards. Fireplaces remain extant, original plaster ceilings are evident in most rooms and some features (including servants bell systems) remain in situ.
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	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01969	04 Mar 16	17	362
Local Environmental Plan	Great Lakes Local Environmental Plan 2014	52	19 Nov 14	176
National Trust of Australia register	NTA (NSW) Country Register	4975
Register of the National Estate	RNE Stroud House	1454	21 Oct 80

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	John Chadban	1970	Stroud and the A.A. Co.
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	Villa Garden (entry)	View detail
Written	Damaris Bairstow	2003	A Million Pounds, A Million Acres: The Pioneer Settlement of the Australian Agricultural Company
Written	Davis, Belinda-Jane	2016	'State Heritage Register for Stroud House'
Written	Dr Jonathan King	2015	SHR Nomination
Written	Ecotecture	2001	Stroud Heritage – Heritage Significance
Written	Garry Smith	2009	The Stroud-Gloucester Valley and the Vale of Gloucester: A heritage landscape under threat
Written	Jesse Gregson	1907	The Australian Agricultural Company 1824-1875
Written	Mexon, Michelle	2019	Stroud to erect a memorial to Phillip Parker King	View detail
Written	Pemberton, Pennie, Dr.	2009	The Australian Agricultural Company: Pioneers of Wealth

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:	5060873
File number:	EF11/16071

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