Former Courthouse - Hartley, NSW
Posted by: 
Tuena
S 33° 32.715 E 150° 10.468
56H E 237644 N 6284687
An historic Courthouse in the township of Hartley.
Waymark Code: WMWPWZ
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 09/28/2017
Views: 6
Hartley is one of the first colonial settlements west of the Blue Mountains. The township was reserved in 1972 as an historic site under the National Parks & Wildlife Act. It has been on the register of the National Estate since 1978.
A plaque beside the Courthouse states that law & order was initially a military matter but in 1834, after the opening of Victoria Pass a Police District & Courthouse was deemed necessary. The Courthouse was designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis in Greek Revival style and completed in 1837. It contained a court room, a clerk's room, a magistrate's room & a lock up. It was the focus of government in the area for 50 years.
With the abandonment of the convict system & the bypass of the Hartley Valley by the railway line, the need for the courthouse declined & functions were transferred to Lithgow in 1887. In 1937 the Courthouse was declared a public recreation reserve & it was opened to the public ensuring its survival.
It is constructed of sandstone & is in first class order.
Year Built: 1837
Current Use of Building: Tourism
Level of Courts: County
Architect: Mortimer Lewis
Dates this building was used to house judicial proceedings: 1837 to 1887
Physical Address:
Old Bathurst Road, Hartley, NSW, 2790, Australia
Hours:
Check with the Visitor Centre over the road.
(02) 6355 2117
Related Website: [Web Link]
|
Visit Instructions:
At least one original photograph should be added to the gallery. And please describe your impressions and visit to the courthouse.