Historical Buildings in Wollombi Valley

Laguna Feed Shed

As a reward for his 1825 survey of the Great North Road, Heneage Finch was granted 1000 acres of land which he selected in 1827 on the line of road near Wollombi. He named the property "Laguna". In 1834 he sold “Laguna” to Richard Wiseman.

The Feed shed and a corn barn were built slightly later than the convict period, possibly by Richard Wiseman, they are of typical 19th Century construction with mortised and dowelled joints and extensive use of round bush timber. They are rare early farm buildings, the two story Feed Shed was conserved in 2000. The Corn Barn was modified in 2002.

Directions:
These are privately owned buildings, but can be viewed 9.9 km south of Wollombi Tavern in Laguna

Laguna House

Originally owned by Heneage Finch, "Laguna" House and Barns is one of the few collections of early nineteenth century rural buildings that can be seen from a public road. The property, now subdivided, had an elegant Georgian stone house nestled in the trees and a group of farm building on the opposite side of the road that include a feed shed and a corn barn both thought to be built before 1850.

The feed shed and barn are of typical 19th century construction with mortised and dowelled joints and extensive use of round bush timber. They are rare early farm buildings, the two story feed shed was conserved in 2000 and the Corn Barn was modified in 2002.

Directions:
These are privately owned buildings, but can be viewed 9.9 km south of Wollombi Tavern in Laguna

Mulla Villa

This two-storey Georgian house was convict-built in 1840-41 for David Dunlop, the first magistrate for the police district of Wollombi and the MacDonald River (1839-1847).

David Dunlop and his wife Eliza were both interested in Aboriginal culture and welfare. David understood their obligations to tribal matters and advocated allowing them to return to their tribes when a particular job was finished. Eliza also offended some contemporaries with her displays of sympathy for indigenous ways though the Reverend Threlkeld was a supporter. Both David and Eliza are buried in the Church of England section of the Wollombi cemetery.

Phone: 02 4998 3254

Directions:
About 1km from Wollombi, towards Laguna

St Michael the Archangel Catholic Church

One of the earliest centres of Christian worship in Eastern Australia, St Michaels Church was built by local craftsmen and convicts in the early 1840s. Built near Cuneens Bridge, it remained there until the great flood of 1893 when it was moved to the present site in the centre of Wollombi Village. Restoration in recent years has revealed interior decoration of great taste, including some fine stencil work. St Michael's was bought by the Wollombi community in 1991 and is available to all denominations and for civil ceremonies

Mini site: http://www.wollombivalley.com/stmichaels

Web site: http://www.saintmichaels.org.au

Directions:
In Wollombi village, opposite General Store

St. John's Anglican Church

Designed by Edmund Blacket, one of the last of the great church architects in Australia. The church is a sandstone building in the Gothic tradition: lofty and of good proportions. Consecrated by Bishop Tyrrell, first Bishop of Newcastle, in 1849, it stands in delightful grounds and features glorious stained glass interiors. It has aged and mellowed during 153 years.

Directions:
In Wollombi village, on the road to Broke

St. Mark's Anglican Church

St Mark's was consecrated in 1884. A large, well-designed church, it features panelled reredos and wall tablets showing the Creed, Lord's Prayer and Commandments. Local cedar is much in evidence in the interior of this lovely old church.

Directions:
Near the junction of Watagan Creek Road and Great North Road, Laguna

Wollombi Cemetery

Consecrated in 1849 by Bishop Tyrrell, many pioneers of the district are buried here. Behind the cemetery is the mill pond. A flour mill here was used to grind the wheat which was grown in the district. From this spot can also be seen the twin-gabled roof of "Wollombi House". For many years Dr Bapty and his family lived here (it is now a private house).

Directions:
Short walk north from Wollombi village, towards Cessnock

Wollombi Cottage

Built in about 1840 as a residence and office of the Clerk of Petty Sessions, the building was restored during the 1970s. Remnants of the original cottage were identified and are still evident, including the old kitchen wall covering and an amazing barn.

Directions:
In Wollombi village, opposite the General Store

Wollombi Courthouse (Endeavour Museum)

Constructed in 1866, the historic stone courthouse now houses the Endeavour Museum. It was designed by Mortimer Lewis and replaced a slab lock-up which apparently "leaked prisoners like a sieve". A modest building, it has a hipped roof with gables and a front verandah.

Directions:
In Wollombi village, on the corner of Wollombi and Broke Roads