A short walk through 19th century North Melbourne
A short walk through 19th century North Melbourne
Within the span of a few blocks this walk gives you a glimpse into the Victorian and Federation era development of North Melbourne.
Summary
Within the span of a few blocks this walk gives you a glimpse into the Victorian and Federation era development of North Melbourne.
Description
This is a bite size historical walk that can take less than 30 minutes (walking speed dependent). It is great for anyone who would like to experience Victorian and Federation era North Melbourne. Several sites along the walk are listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and have architectural, historical and social importance.
Points of interest along this walk include:
* Former North Melbourne Town Hall and municipal buildings
* Errol Street shopping precinct
* Presbyterian Union Memorial Church complex
* Early Cable Tram Engine House
* Melbourne Benevolent Asylum
* Victorian State School No. 307 (later known as the Melbourne College of Printing and Graphics Arts and now the Bastow Institute)
* Henry Bastow monument
* Victorian and Federation era homes
* Ferguson & Urie stained glass workshop
Note: Consider going further along Victoria Street to visit the 19th century Queen Victoria Market if you would like a longer walk.
6481 Views
Points of Interest
1. Footprint of the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum, lot between Abbotsford, Curzon, Elm & Miller Street
The Melbourne Benevolent Asylum opened 1851 to help the aged, infirm & disabled. Demolished 1911. Photo Source: Museums Victoria, https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/774057. Access 16.8.19
2. Federation era homes built on the old Melbourne Benevolent Asylum lot, 387 Victoria Street
Example Federation (or Edwardian) style homes. Often single story, of red brick or rendered, with a front setback garden and prominent roof forms (some with terracotta tiles). See Miller Street too.
3. Presbyterian Union Memorial Church Complex, 51-57 Curzon Street
An 1879 Gothic Revival style church designed by Evander McIver. Part of a historically significant complex of buildings built from 1860s -1915; including a hall, manse, parsonage, and cottages.
4. Ferguson & Urie Workshop, 42 Curzon Street
Ferguson & Urie were one of the first stained glass companies in Australia. Perhaps best known for their ‘Shakespeare window' at the State Library.
5. Cable Tram Engine House, 187-201 Abbotsford Street
In operation between 1890-1935. Engine house likely designed by Robert Gordon of the Melbourne Tramways Trust. Building is Italianate style. Nearby only example of period cable tram track extant.
6. State School No.307 & Bastow Institute of Educational Leadership, Corner Union & Queensberry Street
In 2011 Maddison Architects (Perter Maddison hosts Grand Designs Australia) conducted a massive restoration and transformation effort to create a contemporary facility for the Bastow Institute.
7. State School No.307 front view, 603-615 Queensberry Street
Designed by Henry Bastow and built in 1882. Special features include the limestone quatrefoil tracery, central tower and five traceried windows on upper floor.
8. Henry Bastow Monument, 603-615 Queensberry Street
Henry Bastow was a prolific architect in the 19th century. Working for the Department of Education he built more than 600 schools to meet the 1872 Education Act mandate for free secular education.
9. Alexander McDonald House, 596 Queensberry Street
One of the oldest homes in the North Melbourne. Built in 1857 for Alexander McDonald who ran a carriage works on Leveson street and was a prominent local figure.
10. Queen Anne Cottages on the Presbyterian Union Memorial Church lot, 591-599 Queensberry Street
A group of understated Queen Anne style cottages were designed and built between 1911-1915 on the Queensberry street boundary of the Presbyterian Union Memorial Church grounds for rental revenue.
11. Mattingly Lane named after a pioneering family of educators (the Mattingleys), Queensberry Street
Lane commemorates early school initiatives by Elizabeth and her son Albert. Their secular education efforts started late 1850s and by 1874 grew into State School no.1402. Now North Melbourne Primary.
12. Court House Hotel, Corner Queensberry & Errol Street
North Melbourne residents voted to close 37 pubs in 1902. The Court House Hotel was one of the few allowed to remain. Originally owned by Samuel Lancashire mayor of the municipality in 1869.
13. Former North Melbourne Town Hall , 52-68 Errol Street & 513 Queensberry Street
1876 Town Hall with clock tower and municipal offices designed in Renaissance Revival - Free Classical style by George Johnson. Included post office, courthouse, mechanics institute, library & shops.
14. Henderson Drinking Fountain, 52-68 Errol Street
The drinking fountain was donated in 1877 by Mayor Thomas Henderson at the end of his term. In 2000-2001 the fountain was renovated and restored.
15. George Johnson Lane, 52-68 Errol Street
Named after architect George Johnson for his work on the North Melbourne Town Hall. Known for his halls and theatres in Renaissance Revival style. He also designed the nearby Meat Market.
16. Get your quinine wine at Charles Atkins Chemist shop No.67, Errol Street
Parts of the Errol street shopping precinct date from early 1850s. Shop no.67, Atkins chemist, was built in 1854. Known for Quinine Wine Tonic - a sure cure for nervousness, neuralgia and influenza.
17. Visit the Leeming Boot Bazaar (now the TAB) at No.1, Errol Street
William Leeming opened this shop in the 1880s and became known for marketing gimmicks like ‘gazeka’ creatures. Photo Source: Museums Victoria, https://collections.museumvictoria.com.au/items/1401917.
Features
Public Transport
Seating available
Public toilets
Pram friendly
Historical interest
