Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery

Item details


Name of item:	Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery
Other name/s:	Nubrigyn, Nubrygin, Nubrygan, Nubriggan, Newbriggan, Nubrygar, Aubrygan, Lubrygyn, Lubrycan, Yelubrygyn, Eulubrigyn and Lubrygee
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Commercial
Category:	Inn/Tavern
Location:	Lat: -32.933908378 Long: 149.042463503
Primary address:	2531 Euchareena Road, Euchareena, NSW 2866
Parish:	Warne
County:	Wellington
Local govt. area:	Dubbo Regional
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Orange
Hectares (approx):	1.64

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	1		DP	770849

Boundary:

Two separate sections of Lot 1 DP 770849: an area of 1.5638 ha including the whole of the building of Nubrygyn Inn running to the Nubrygyn Creek taking in part of the old Cobb and Co Coach Road as well as original garden area. The second area, covers an area 0.07689 ha, taking in the small historic cemetery bounded by the existing fence.

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
2531 Euchareena Road	Euchareena	Dubbo Regional	Warne	Wellington	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private

Statement of significance:


	The site of Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery is of state significance for its role in the earliest frontier expansion beyond Bathurst into the Central West. It was originally a 'halting' place on the 1823 road for the soldiers and convicts travelling from Bathurst to the remote Wellington convict farm. The 'halting place' utilised permanent water in the adjacent Nubrygyn Creek and a surviving gum tree where convicts were chained while resting. Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery remains in its original landscape setting adjacent to the old road alignment, gum tree and Nubrygyn Creek. It is of state significance as a representative example in the Central West of NSW of an inn dating from the 1840s. It demonstrates how early road networks expanded and were utilised and the necessity of the provision of accommodation and refreshment for travellers in remote areas. Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery is of state significance as a rare surviving example in the Central West of an 1840s mud-brick building that retains relatively intact original fabric and features. Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery is of state significance because of the unusually long and continuous occupation of the Brazier family for at least 165 years, demonstrating strong attachment to their adopted land and detailed insight into the history of a free settler family and their relations with wealthy benefactors, other settlers and former convicts, and their role in expansion of the pastoral and farming industries into the Wellington Valley. The private cemetery provides evidence of social networks between the Brazier family and their neighbours and farm workers, patterns of immigration, work and family life. The Inn gained attention throughout the colonies in 1865 as the scene of a hold-up and hostage event involving bushrangers Ben Hall, John Gilbert, John Dunn and an unnamed co-conspirator. Hall 'borrowed' Brazier's best horse and in less than two weeks was shot and killed by the police. The Nubrygyn Inn therefore contributes to the state significance story of Ben Hall, with typical pattern of hold-up, hostage-taking, 'respect' for the ordinary people, horse stealing, and taunting the police.
	Date significance updated: 09 Feb 16
	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:	unknown
Builder/Maker:	unknown, possibly William Brazier
Construction years:	1840-1850
Physical description:	Inn complex: The building is located on rising ground some 70 metres from the former road which runs parallel with the Nubrygyn Creek, a tributary of the Bell River. The building footprint is 20 x 11 metres. The front of the building is the western elevation and consists of an open verandah with wooden floorboards and stone footing. The plan includes a central hall between the front and rear verandahs. A large room off the hall to the south provides the kitchen and there are two rooms off the hall to the north. The foundations are local stone laid flat with probably local mortar. The roof is corrugated iron laid on battens which indicate the previous timber shingle roofing. A Brazier family photo c. 1870 shows timber shingles on the main and verandah roofs. A slightly later photo c. 1880 shows that shingles replaced or covered by iron.There remains an area of original timber shingle roofing exposed under the rear eastern verandah. The timber floor structure consists of local hardwood joists supporting pit sawn timber boards with flat square edge. The house ceilings are all battened fibro. There is also a stone-walled cellar opening onto the front verandah, and another smaller verandah on the northern facade. It is understood that a rear accommodation wing was removed from the North West corner of the building in the early 1900s and part of the stone foundation remains to indicate the extent of the rooms. Several mature garden trees including a pepper tree (Schinus molle var. areira) and fruit trees, and a vine (Vitis vinifera cv.), are an integral part of the original Inn garden and orchard. A large gum tree on the north side of the Inn is associated with the convict history and the Ben Hall hold-up of the Inn. Cemetery: A small historic cemetery is associated with Nubrygyn farm and Inn and is located about eight hundred metres from the southern side of the Nubrygyn Inn. The small cemetery has an outlook across rural hills and is on a rise almost at the highest point of the adjacent land, surrounded by paddocks and looking west about 500m to the Nubrygyn Creek. The cemetery is enclosed by a steel star picket wire fence with access through a modern day steel gate and has a patchy and weedy ground cover. Within the small enclosed cemetery there are 5 original headstones marking the burials of seven individuals, plus an additional wrought iron enclosure without headstone. The graves of William and Caroline Brazier are enclosed within a rusted elaborate wrought iron framework fence made up of 4 interconnecting panels, William's 1882 headstone is sandstone, with Caroline's 1905 headstone being a much larger marble monument. Caroline was the last person to be buried in the cemetery. Both headstones are weathered but structurally sound. Another sandstone headstone to the right of William and Caroline belongs to their two young children Ann Caroline and James, which were the first burials (1854) in the Nubrygyn Cemetery. Their headstone shows signs of being weather worn but is structurally sound, and although the inscription is hard to read the following was legible "died of measles" "Happy the babe who privileged by fate, to shorter labourer and lighter weight, received but yesterday the gift of breath, ordered tomorrow to return to death". On the western fence line is another sandstone headstone marking two graves, John Maurice Roche who died in 1874, and John Thompson who died in 1868. There is also another marble headstone surrounded by wrought iron fencing, marking the grave of Emanuel Thompson aged 82 who died 1897. Another smaller wrought iron enclosure without a headstone appears to enclosure a child's grave or graves. There is also a polished black granite memorial stone commemorating the total of 58 people buried in the cemetery, recently installed by the Nubrygyn History Group, including members of the Brazier family.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The building has not been occupied as a residence for 30 years and has been used for the storage of farm equipment. The stone foundation to the perimeter is generally sound; the intervening sleeper walls have suffered from unrestrained stormwater running from the high rear ground through the cellar. The mud brick walls are generally sound with one exception in the north east corner where the roof to the veranda has been lost and the walls and chimney are damaged. The outer plaster and whitewash is generally sound. The timber windows are generally six paned double hung sliding sash type with an alteration to one window on the east elevation to form a picture window. The original shingles remain on the rear veranda (and possibly the main roof) and generally the cgi roofing iron on the roof and veranda remains in place. The gutters have all been either damaged or removed. Internally the timber floors are not sound having been exposed to white ants, poor ventilation and damp. There are two timber framed extensions to the south and northern rear elevation which provided bathrooms and laundry and these are clad in fibro. There is a redundant iron water tank to the south eastern corner of the building. Ceilings are generally fibro. The doors are generally timber panel and boarded types and in good condition. The internal walls are coverd with original plaster and limewash.
	Date condition updated:10 Aug 15
Modifications and dates:	There are two 1950s timber framed extensions(bathroom and laundry) clad in fibro on the northern and southern corners of the rear western elevation. There is a picture window inserted into the rear veranda of the western elevation. There is a collapsed stone wall within the cellar beneath the central main roof. The timber shingle roof cladding was covered with galvanised iron sheeting in the late 1880's. The fibro ceilings were added in the 1950s.


Current use:	not lived in at present
Former use:	Aboriginal land, coaching Inn, farmhouse

History

Historical notes:

THE WELLINGTON VALLEY
At the time of European settlement, the land between Bathurst and Wellington was occupied by the Wiradjuri people whose land extended from the Great Dividing Range in the east and bordered by the Macquarie, Lachlan and Murrumbidgee Rivers. The rivers acted as an important travel and trade routes with each clan group having a clearly defined area of responsibility. The people from this area settled along the main rivers during the summer months and moved to other favoured and drier campsites in the winter months. Evidence of the occupation of the Wellington area by the Wiradjuri in pre-contact times survives in the form of rock shelters with deposits, carved trees, scarred trees, open camp sites, grinding grooves sites, bora (ceremonial) grounds and burial grounds (AHIMS). The name Nubrygyn derives from the Aboriginal name "Lubrygee", said to mean junction of the two creeks (Australian Town and County Journal, 1882, 25 Feb:15).

The first Europeans officially travelling through this country were members of the expedition party led by John Oxley, Surveyor-General for the Colony. It was during his exploration of the Lachlan Valley that he discovered the Wellington Valley on 19 August 1817, when the explorers entered the valley through Glenfinlass (Curra Creek) finding and naming the Bell and Macquarie Rivers. Oxley called the valley "The Vale of Tempe" after the Duke of Wellington. Nubrygyn is situated about 50 kms from Wellington and is surrounded by many hectares of farmland, producing wheat, sheep, cattle and canola. The nearby village of Euchareena was originally known as Warne, after an early settler.

NUBRYGYN
The locality of Nubrygyn was established in the period 1823-1830, on the original road from Bathurst to the Wellington Convict farm, and also on route from Molong to Ironbark (now Stuart Town). It is adjacent to the spring fed Nubrygyn Creek, which is a tributary of the Bell River. It became a 'halting place' for soldiers and convicts travelling between the newly established depots at Bathurst and Wellington (The Land 1934, 19 Jan:3). A large gum tree on the northern side of the Nubrygyn Inn is said to have been the tree that convicts were chained to when they halted to rest.

The area was surveyed by John Rogers in 1829 (CP 7:772), and Thomas Kite is noted as a landholder. Captain Charles Wray Finch (magistrate, pastoralist and later Parliamentary Sergeant-at-Arms) appears to have occupied land at Nubrygyn in 1835 (The Land 1934, 19 Jan: 3, Letters from C. W. Finch State Archives Kingswood). Another article suggests that he moved his family there in 1839 (Richmond River Herald.1937, 6 Aug:5) and he was still occupying some land there and farming sheep in 1846 (Molong Express 1934, 12 Jan:17), later taken over by his sons (Bathurst Free Press1850, 2 Nov:6).

The original conveyance (Conveyance Book No. 6 pages 509 and 510) for the Nubrygyn area was to Charles Frederick Warne and Charles Windeyer. Warne owned 2,560 acres and was the first recorded owner of the actual site of the Nubrygyn Inn. In 1843 Warne went bankrupt and the papers include a list of all inhabitants of Nubrygyn working for him, including William Brazier (Insolvency 685, NSW State Archives). The land then passed to Dr John Dobie (mortgagor) and then to John Maxwell, Superintendent of Stock for NSW and the Wellington Valley Settlement, and a large land holder in the Nubrygyn area (Molong Express 1934, 12 Jan:17).

In 1853 William Brazier purchased 252 acres including the site of the Nubrygyn Inn from John Maxwell (Conveyance Book 105 No. 67). This document includes a map and plan showing the purchased land included Nubrygyn Inn and "Braziers huts" immediately adjacent to it, thus indicating that the Braziers were already living in or adjacent to the Inn prior to their purchase of the land.

NUBRYGYN INN
The actual builder of the Inn has not been identified. Possible builders include Warne, John Dobie, John Maxwell and William Brazier. Of these John Maxwell or William Brazier are the most likely (Warne leaving in 1843, and Dobie probably not being a resident). Research into the techniques used to build the mud-brick building, such as brick size and material, mortar material, stone work, etc. may clarify the date and builder (Lewis n.d.). The Brazier family history and conveyancing records demonstrate that the inn was already built in 1850, but the exact date is not known.

William Brazier along with his two brothers James and Francis immigrated to Australia as free settlers in 1838. They came from Little Shelford in Cambridgeshire, the same small village as Charles Wray Finch, whose father Henry Finch the Rector at Little Shelford had given the Brazier brothers references to immigrate as free settlers (Australian Town & Country Journal 1873, 7 June:9 &William Brazier's immigration certificate). Upon his arrival in Australia William Brazier (who had been offered employment by Charles Wray Finch) travelled to Nubrygyn and commenced working there. In 1843 he was working for Warne at Nubrygyn. In April 1847 at Shepherds Creek, 4 miles east of Nubrygyn, William Brazier married Caroline, the daughter of two convicts William Coleman and Hannah Jefferies, and almost from the date of their marriage they lived and raised a large family in the Nubrygyn Inn.

The Brazier's had 11 children, and with the possible exception of the first child born in 1848, they were all born and raised at Nubrygyn Inn. It was in this beautiful and inspiring landscape that they lived and raised their family, and it is still owned by their descendants. Conveyancing documents indicate that the Inn was constructed by 1850 or before, and outbuildings associated with the Inn included a blacksmith, stables, school and bakery, with accommodation for local farmhands and shepherds. William Brazier applied for and was granted General Publican Licenses for the Nubrygyn Inn, examples of these licenses include one granted with his brother Francis in the year of 1857, and 1860 William on his own (see references). William ran the Inn until his death in 1882, and his death notice states that he had lived at Nubrygyn since 1838. Francis Brazier died at Nubrygyn Inn in 1898, aged 84 years, where he was being cared for by Caroline Brazier. His death notice says that he had lived in the area since 1849 (Molong Argus, 1898, 24 June: 4). The other brother James, is listed as a witness to a burial in the Nubrygyn cemetery in 1861, indicating he also spent time at Nubrygyn.

Caroline Brazier nee Coleman was born at Parramatta in 1829, but she is quoted as having witnessed a severe flood around 1842 that washed away many of the fruit trees brought from England and planted by Charles Wray Finch at Nubrygyn (The Land 1934, 19 Jan: 3), and was therefore living in the district by this time. Caroline's parents William and Hannah Coleman came to Australia as convicts and were living and working at Nubrygyn, and are buried there. Caroline passed away at her house, the Nubrygyn Inn, in 1905, and her death notice states that she had been living in that same house/inn for 55 years, i.e.. since 1850 (Molong Express 1905, 30 Dec: 7). After Caroline's death the shingle roof was replaced (or covered) in corrugated iron and family members continued to live in it until about 30 years ago. The Brazier family still owns the Nubrygyn Inn and farm, at least 165-8 years of continuous occupancy, plus the 10-12 years William spent before that working at Nubrygyn for Finch, Warne and probably Maxwell.

A good description of Nubrygyn Inn was written in an article published in the Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (1877, 21 April: 7) by an "old" correspondent travelling from Mudgee to Molong:

"... arrive at Nubrygyn, a transition country, with the slaty shales and quartz leaders of the diggings, combined with the alluvial flats and low, grassy ridges of a farming country. There are many fine farms, and a good inn, which has been kept by Mr Brazier for about a quarter of a century; it is a pise building, the front verandah is covered by a mass of ivy, grapevines and jasmine, the garden, besides flowers contains various and numerous fruit trees, so that in their season peaches, apricots, plums, quinces, cherries, medlars, walnut and gooseberries, are obtainable and on his neighbouring farm a profusion of melons and strawberries. As we are entering on the limestone district, springs are numerous, and Nubrygyn Creek is never dry; this certainty of water has attracted many travelling stock and the grass has been eaten off to the roots. Some fine showers have lately given a green hue to the landscape."

Another description (The Empire 1874, 1 Jan:3) describes the Inn garden and farm:
"Nubrygyn was once a village of some importance, having boasted a public school, a store, a blacksmiths shop, and a hotel; but of these establishments, only one, the latter, now remains. The village is now the exclusive property of Mr William Brazier, who in conjunction with his hotel business, manages a very extensive farm, and has one of the most beautiful and flourishing flower gardens and orchards in the locality. A visit to the garden or orchard will amply repay any person imbued with a taste for the beauties of nature, or a taste for delicious fruit of every variety."

On 22nd April 1865 the Nubrygyn Inn was to become famous throughout the Colony of NSW and Australia. Ben Hall, John Gilbert, John Dunn and an unknown colleague arrived at the Inn that evening, held up the bar and drank and danced all night at the Brazier's expense. The event was written up in many Australian newspapers of the day, a typical article follows (Clarence & Richmond Examiner... 2May:3):

"Gilbert, Hall and Dunn Raid the Nubriggan:
...on the evening Sunday, as Mr Brazier, landlord of the Nubriggan Inn with some other gentlemen, were enjoying their pipes, four horsemen well mounted, three of them with every appearance of wealthy gentlemen, dashed up to the door. The stoutest immediately dismounted, entered the inn, and walking up to Mr Brazier, ordered him to turn out his pockets, Mr Brazier thinking that it was making rather free, asked him sternly what he meant and ordered him behind the bar but the sight of a revolver in hand and a number around his waist caused him to unbend his brows, and submit with as good grace as possible. Gilbert turned the pockets of Mr Brazier inside out, and threw the few shillings they contained on the counter, and demanded to know where he kept his cash. He was told generally in the pockets of his pants. In the meantime Gilbert and Dunn placed all the men, women, and children that were about the house in one room, locking every door. Dunn went over to Mr Peter's house, and the house of Mr Cousin's shepherd, bringing all the inmates, ... Mr G. West had just arrived from Wellington, and was putting his horse in the stables, when Gilbert walked in ... [he was] requested to walk to the parlour. The fourth party had his face masked and muffled ... he was armed with a revolving rifle and a revolver... the drink was called for fast and furious ... between brandy and bullets they soon had nearly all the hands dancing. The dance and song went round, Gilbert and Dunn taking the principal parts, Hall remaining as a spectator, and the ranger incog. still continuing to guard outside ... Hall asked Brazier did he have a horse called Brandy? and was answered in the affirmative; he said he must have it but that Brazier would get it back. They shouted back nearly all the money they took, and, at daybreak, mounted their horses and started towards Shepherds Creek"

This event has particular significance as Ben Hall's last major hold-up before he was shot and killed less than two weeks later, on 5th May 1865. It is probable that he was still riding Brazier's best horse when he was killed. The large gum tree on the north side of the Inn (the same one convicts had been tied to) was used by the gang to tie up their horses during the hold-up. 'Stand and Deliver' are the famous words Ben Hall is known to have uttered when he took up a life of bushranging and became part of Australian folklore, he and his various mates travelling the highways around the goldfields area of NSW from Bathurst to Forbes, south to Gundagai and east to Goulburn. Ben Hall carried out many bold raids, some of which were simply intended to taunt the police after joining Johnny Gardiner and some other men to carry out the famed Escort robbery at Eugowra Rocks on June 15th 1862, where the gang got away with more than 14000 pounds in gold and cash. In an incident similar to the one at Nubrygyn, Ben Hall and his mates also held locals for 3 days at the Robinson's Hotel in Canowindra, while they enjoyed themselves by drinking and merry making and as with Nubrygyn the gang members as a display of their honesty and respect for the common man insisted on paying the hotelier for the good time they had (even if it was with his own money).

Nubrygyn remained a thriving hub for travellers and stock for many years due to the permanent water in the creek and the direct route between Bathurst and Wellington. It began to decline in terms of both workers and visitors in the late 1890s after the railway had come through at Warne (re-named Euchareena), only a few miles away.

NUBRYGYN CEMETERY
The small historic cemetery began as a private cemetery for the burial of the two young Brazier children who died from measles in 1854. Altogether nine members of the Brazier family are buried there, including William and Caroline Brazier, three of their children, and three grandchildren, as well as William's brother Francis. In addition the parents of Caroline Brazier, William and Hannah Coleman, are also buried there. William Brazier died while being treated for an illness in a Sydney hospital in 1882 and his remains were bought all the way home by train for burial on the family property in the little cemetery he had created on the death of his two young children in 1854. The cemetery is thus closely tied to the history of the Brazier family and Nubrygyn Inn.

However, a total of 58 people are buried in the cemetery (Australian Cemeteries Index) and it is the resting place of other early settlers and their descendants who played a part in the establishment and early development of the Nubrygyn and Euchareena area. This cemetery is a valuable historical resource detailing aspects of the early life in rural New South Wales. For example, of the 58 people known to have been buried here, 35 of them were children, of those 33 were five or under, and 21 were under 1 year old. In contrast to this, many of the adults buried there are between 70-83 years old, some in their 50's and 60's, and very few young or middle aged people. This dichotomy is typical for rural communities of the era, reflecting the effect of "childhood ailments" and the relatively good health of people who managed to survive childhood and child bearing.

The Nubrygyn cemetery also is a useful demonstration of social networks amongst the farmers and farmworkers of the 1850s to early 1900s. Many of the other families buried in the cemetery had a relationship of some kind with the Braziers, who in effect embraced their small community and provided a burial place close-by. Some of the families were neighbouring farmers, some married into the Brazier family, and some worked for the Braziers as hut-keepers, gardeners and shepherds.

For many years the cemetery lay neglected until Richard Clayton and Kate Gadsby, both direct descendants of William Brazier, got together in an attempt to restore this historic little cemetery by cleaning up the site. With funding provided by Wellington Council, a granite stone was erected, engraved with the names and dates of all persons known to be buried there (Australian Cemeteries Index). Conservation work has been undertaken at the cemetery and some burials are marked in addition to the surviving headstones and enclosures.

The Molong Historical Society in 2020 received a Create NSW cultural grant of $3200 to preserve the history of Nubrygyn which dates back to 1817, covering the first (colonial) settlers of the district and the local Aboriginal tribe (RAHS, 'History', 12/2020, 23). Significant work has been undertaken at the inn to repair its damaged roof, after termite damage and storms - the pre-1900 corrugated iron and some decayed rafters needed replacement. Works have been assisted by Dubbo Regional Council's heritage adviser Graham Hall and Heritage NSW grant funding (Daily Liberal, 2021).

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.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Innkeeping-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Operating a tourism venture-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Operating an entertainment venue-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Developing Commercial Enterprise-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Communication-Activities relating to the creation and conveyance of information	Postal and telecommunication services-
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	Tourism-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
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	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
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.	Timber and iron vernacular-
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.	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.	Hotel accommodation-
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 working animals-
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 travellers and tourists-
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 tourist-
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	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	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	living in the country-
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	Roadside 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	A quiet Rural District-
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	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	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	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	Developing the social life of a rural community-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in hospitality industry-
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	Servants quarters-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working in an Inn, Public House, Hotel etc.-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working with animals-
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 - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administering public roads and bridges-
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 postal services-
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-
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 vernacular-
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.	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.	Artists, bohemians and intellectuals squat or gathering point-
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.	Performing important ceremonies and rituals-
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.	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.	Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (early)-
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.	Earthen architecture-
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.	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.	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, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Bush ballads-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
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	Going to the pub-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going drinking in bars or clubs-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a bar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playing cards-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Places of informal community gatherings-
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-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Marking the phases of life-National Theme 9
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Cemeteries-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Birth and Death-Activities associated with the initial stages of human life and the bearing of children, and with the final stages of human life and disposal of the dead.	Burying the dead in customary ways-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The siting of Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery is of state significance for its ability to demonstrate the 1823 expansion of the road network beyond Bathurst into the Central West, enabling the transport of convicts to the remote frontier Wellington convict farm, and the settlement of the Wellington Valley. Nubrygyn originated as a 'halting place' for convicts and soldiers travelling on the road. A small portion of the road, the creek bank and a large gum tree within the curtilage are evidence of this earliest use of the site. This convict history transformed as convicts and emancipated convicts then worked at Nubrygyn, settled, married and died there. From the 1840s the Nubrygyn Inn played an important role in providing a wayside stop after the long and difficult time spent on the road travelling between Bathurst and Wellington. It is a surviving structure that demonstrates the way the early road networks were expanded and utilised, and the necessary provision of accommodation and refreshment for travellers.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery is of state significance for its association with Ben Hall. It is associated with the bushrangers Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert and John Dunn through the 1865 robbery and hostage event at the Nubrygyn Inn, and the stealing of the Brazier's best horse for Ben Hall's use, demonstrating the impact of bushranging on rural communities and travellers in the mid-1800s. Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery contribute to the significance of the SHR-listed Ben Hall Sites which are important elements in the construction of the Australian identity, the pre-Federation nationalist sentiment, and the public interest in bushranging. Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery's association with convict history began with the site's function as a 'halting place' and transformed as convicts and emancipated convicts later worked at Nubrygyn Inn, settled, married and died there.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery is of state significance as a rare surviving example of a mud-brick building of the 1840s era. The integrity of the inn's mud-brick envelope, stone foundations and cellar, mortar, plaster, limewash, wooden battens and shingles, and windows makes it a significant example of this type of vernacular building. The construction of Nubrygyn Inn, both as a family home and as a rest stop for travellers, demonstrates skill in design and utilisation of locally available materials and workmanship, and resourceful detailing, all combining to provide a distinctive aesthetic achievement. The surviving garden elements and documented descriptions from the 1870s and 1880s provide evidence of the development of an English-style garden and orchard that was well known in the district.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery is a rare example of an Inn that gained national media attention and notoriety after a robbery, hostage-taking and horse stealing event by Ben Hall, Johnny Gilbert, John Dunn and an unnamed conspirator. The unusually long and continuous occupation of the Nubrygyn Inn and Cemetery by the Brazier family is of state significance, demonstrating a strong attachment to their adopted land. Nubrygyn Inn and cemetery is connected to the history of the Brazier family from the 1840s until the present, providing evidence of occupation by the Brazier family for over 165 years. The cemetery documents Brazier family history and their social networks with neighbours and workers, and also has wider significance as a reflection of the population health and social bonds in a small rural community of the mid to late 1800s, immigration patterns, convict history, ways of life and death and as documentary evidence of the prosperity and hardships of early settlement in the Central West. The Nubrygyn Inn is a rare example in the Central West of a surviving relatively intact mud-brick building from the 1840s.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Nubrygyn Inn is of state significance as a relatively intact representative example, located within an original landscape setting, of wayside inns that provided respite for travellers on the long and very rough roads between the isolated western settlements of the mid to late 1800s.
Integrity/Intactness:	the fabric of the 1840s to 1850 building is relatively intact, with minor additions under the rear verandah
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:


	It is recommended that the owners apply for a grant to undertake a Conservation Management Strategy to provide them with conservation guidelines and maintenance schedule

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Document and prepare an archival record
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01976	20 May 16	39	1107

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written		1843	Land titles Conveyance Book No 6 Ref 510
Written			Insolvency 685
Written	J. P's at Annual Licensing Meeting, Wellington	1857	Certificate by Justices to Authorise the Granting of a License
Electronic	an Ermatic Correspondent	1874	Notes of a Tour in Search of Health. From Bathurst vai Orange, Molong Etc. to Wellington
Electronic	an old correspondent	1887	Mudgee to Molong
Electronic	Correspondent	1882	Nubrygyn
Electronic	Correspondent	1865	Gilbert, Hall and Dunn's Raid on the Nubriggan
Written	Daily Liberal (unattributed)	2021	Roof of historic Nubrygyn Inn undergoes repair	View detail
Written	Finch, C. W.	1835	Letters to the Governor
Written	J. P's at Annual Licesning Meeting, Wellington	1860	Certificate by Justice to authroise the Granting of a License
Written	Land Titles	1853	Land titles Conveyance Book 105 Ref 67
Electronic	Lewis, Miles		3.02 Adobe or Clay Lump	View detail
Electronic	Nibot	1934	Historic Associations of Old Euchareena Property
Written	Nicholson	1858	Surveyors Book
Written	NSW Crown	1831	Crown Plan 173-691
Written	NSW Crown Lands	1834	Crown Plan 211-691
Written	Ogilvie	1838	Surveyors Book
Written	Royal Australian Historical Society	2016	'Wellington and its Historical Society'
Written	Simpson	1861	Surveyors Book
Electronic	unknown	1937	Wanted
Electronic	unknown	1905	Death of Mrs W. Brazier
Electronic	unknown	1904	Molong in the 80's
Electronic	unknown	1898	Death of Mr Francis Brazier, Sen.
Electronic	unknown	1873	Captain Finch, the Late Sergeant-at-Arms
Electronic	unknown	1850	Bathurst Quarter Sessions

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:	5062495
File number:	EF14/24806

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

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