Kyneton Town Historical Walks
Kyneton has many fine old historical buildings and these two walks explore them.
Location of Buildings
WALK TOUR No 1 (Approx. distance 1.75 km)
1. SHIRE HALL AND OFFICES - 129 MOLLISON STREET:
Kyneton Shire, one of the states (earliest dating from 1836). The Shire was proclaimed in 1865. The three southern bays of the present facade were built on 1877-78 and the present front was completed in 1929. Presently the head quarters for Shire of Macedon Ranges.
2. COURT HOUSE: 1857 - 1A HUTTON STREET:
Wedge's station was promulgated a Court of Petty Sessions as early as 1847 and a timber slab court house was erected in 1848. However, by 1856 it was described as less sanitary than the Black Hole of Calcutta. The court house was built In 1857. It was decided to build it from local bluestone as this was cheaper than timber. A young Ned Kelly was charged at this court house.
3. BAPTIST CHURCH 1870 - 43 EBDEN STREET: This church was formerly the Methodist Church and was built in 1870.The Methodists held their first service in Kyneton in 1849. After the Uniting Church was formed the Baptist Church acquired the building in 1982. A modem annex was built on the north side of the Church.
4. BLUESTONE THEATRE - 28 HUTTON STREET (OLD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH):
The first Independent Church in Kyneton was a timber building, built in 1853. The new bluestone church was built in 1859. The George Fincham organ, installed in 1880, is one of the few to survive in Victoria virtually intact. It was purchased by the Kyneton Shire as an Arts Centre.
5. CARRICK - 31 HUTTON STREET (PRIVATE HOME): The Italian Architect, Sculpture, and Stonemason, Andrea Stombucco, built the bluestone section in 1859 as his own home. He designed buildings and memorials, stone carved and completed other works in Kyneton, and subsequently produced significant buildings in New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. Stombucco sold to W.H.Greene, who was the grandfather of Dame Elizabeth and great grandfather of Rupert Murdock. During 1925-80 it was Residence School for the Marist Brother's. Closed in 1967.
6. RED BRICK HALL - YALDWYN STREET:
Built in 1898, former Congregational Church Sunday School. For its time was an exceptional building, was illustrated in a journal 1890's and was described as one of the finest buildings constructed in Victoria during 1890's.
7. ST. PAULS CHURCH OF ENGLAND - CNR POWLETT ST W & YALDWYN STREET:
This church was erected in 1855, also out of bluestone. It is one of Victoria's oldest churches and one of the very earliest with a tower. This building is a local landmark being situated on one of the highest points in the town.
8. KYNETON MUSEUM - 67 PIPER STREET:
This building is the oldest bank building in Victoria being built in 1855-56. It was built for the Bank of New South Wales. It is now the Museum and houses many fire examples of district heritage, included is Theadon, a squatters home in the period of 1837-50.
9. ROYAL GEORGE HOTEL - 22 PIPER STREET:
Built approximately 1855 was first licensed as the Gold Diggers Arms, possibly in a timber building. The western bluestone half of the present building was erected prior to 1860. The eastern brick half was completed in 1891 and in 1915 named the Criterion and was subsequently re-named Wedgwood. The family were reputed to be descendants of the English potter Josiah Wedgwood. On 24th April 1856,a lavish Cricket Club ball was held at the Gold Diggers Arms, with 150 attending and presenting "an array of beauty and fashion never before seen in Kyneton".
10. OLD STEAM MILL (FORMERLY WILLIS' FLOUR MILL) - PIPER STREET: Built in 1862 by Frederick Castella, this Mill, including the bluestone residence, was acquired by the Willis family in 1898. Unlike many other medium-sized the mill operated well into the 20th Century and during the 1930's was advertising to purchase "wheat for cash" and selling "the best roller flour". Now B & B, restaurants, speciality shops and studio.
11. OLD MARKET - TODAY A FRUIT & VEGETABLE MARKET - PIPER STREET:
The original building was built in 1878. It was the original market building and housed five butchers and pie and coffee shop. It was extensively altered in 1912, and become the Kyneton Technical School. Then a new High School was built. It was a Brass Bed Factory until it was gutted by fire in 1994. The front facade has been retained in the renovation works.
12. FORMER CHURCH OF ENGLAND RECTORY - 61 EBDEN STREET: Built in 1850. It is the oldest surviving house in Kyneton and one of a rare group of buildings in Victoria which predate the gold discoveries. It is a private home today.
13. THE UNITING CHURCH - 54 EBDEN STREET:
Formerly St Andrew Presbyterian Church. This church was built in 1857 by William Brown and Alexander Rodger under design and supervision of James Thomson, who was also it's first secretary. In 1874 the vestry was built, and the porch added in 1932. Before the church was built, services were held at Post Office Creek. The bluestone Manse was built by the same builders in 1860.
14. OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY - 53 EBDEN STREET:
The Catholic Church was built in 1857. To the right of the church is the Presbytery built in 1865. It has a fine ceiling and the original marble altar. Other features include the stained glass windows, and the Stations of the Cross which were carved in Munich in Germany and installed in the 1860's. The bluestone was cut on the site and the church is built over the quarry.
WALK TOUR No 2 (Approx distance 2.5 km)
1. SHIRE HALL AND OFFICES - 129 MOLLISON STREET: Kyneton Shire, one of the states (earliest dating from 1836). The Shire was proclaimed in 1865. The three southern bays of the present facade were built on 1877-78 and the present front was completed in 1929. Presently the head quarters for Shire of Macedon Ranges.
15. STATE SAVINGS BANK - 142 MOLLISON STREET:
The first Kyneton Savings Bank was opened in Piper Street in March 1861. The present building was constructed in 1883-4. Since 1912 it has been part of the State Savings Bank of Victoria. Features of the design are the cast iron balconnetts, the column faced ground floor with its big windows with rusticated surrounds and the balustrade parapet. The first floor has a pedimented central window. Corinthian pilasters frame each front corner and both corners of the projecting side entry bay. (Now a Veterinary Surgery).
16. FORMER BANK OF VICTORIA - MOLLISON STREET:
Built in 1876, in design, the building retains the projecting front porch and has a stuccoed facade, allowing the use of rusticated ground floor, applied pilasters and elaborate window cases, all in the then fashionable Italian palazzo style. Has a 25,000 gallon water tank built underneath. Today it is an antiques shop.
17. BANK OF NEW SOUTH WALES - MOLLISON STREET:
The Bank of New South Wales first opened in the now demolished Halliday's Folly (corner of Piper and Wedge Streets) in 1854. Its first purpose-built branch was in Piper Street. After Mollison Street developed as the main centre this branch was built with offices and residence in 1904. Now Boutique Accommodation and gift shop.
18. POST OFFICE - 113 MOLLISON STREET:
Built in 1871. Firstly operated in Piper Street. In 1868 the Post Office handled 1,000 letters daily. Planned without a tower, the design was modified after the Shire agreed to contribute to the cost and provide the clock.
19. NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK - 111 MOLLISON STREET:
This fine elaborate brick and stucco bank, designed by Terry and Oakden, was opened in 1877. Features are the rounded corner, side street arcade, den-tiled cornice, first floor window cases and yard walls with gate posts and bollards. The sitting of the bank indicates that by that date Mollison Street had taken over from Piper and High Streets as the centre of business. Note the old Bank of Victoria (1875) and the Bank of New South Wales (1904) are both nearby. The National is the only bank in its 19th Century premises.
20. MECHANICS INSTITUTE - 81 MOLLISON STREET:
The Institute was built in 1858 with a library, however it was gutted by fire on three occasions - 1867, 1877 and 1897 - but was rebuilt each time. Built of bluestone with a rendered facade.
21. OLD PRIMARY SCHOOL - BAYNTON STREET: Built in 1856 this School is one of Victoria's oldest and is of particular interest due to it being initially a National School. February 1853, over 200 pounds was raised to build it and, despite opposition, the Inspector of National Schools gave support as Kyneton town "promises to be the third in importance in Victoria".
22. INVERUGIE - BAYNTON STREET (PRIVATE HOME): Built in 1858 for Dr. Geary, it was designed by local architect Gabriel Fleck. The 20th century extensions are also in bluestone. Was occupied by a doctor until 1997.
23. CARN BRAE - BAYNTON STREET (PRIVATE HOME):
The rear of this home was built for Frank Robertson about 1854 as a refreshment house with coffee shop and pie stall, serving travellers passing down Baynton or Ebden Street to Piper Street. He built the bluestone front in 1886 to the design of Andrea Stombucco. It is a good example of the home of a successful local businessman of the 1860's.
24 CATHERINEVILLE - BAYNTON STREET (PRIVATE HOME): Built in 1872 for brewer Martin McKenna M.L.A. One of the finest houses around Kyneton, with exemplary stonework and craftsmanship. The twin front bay windows, fan light, verandah and long stone approach steps are the features of the front.
25. FORMER KYNETON HOSPITAL - SIMPSON STREET
As early as 30th June 1853, a meeting was held and a committee appointed to raise money and petition the Government for a hospital. A foundation stone was laid on the 11th October 1854. The building was finished in July 1855, but due to the lack of money wasn't opened until 1857. This hospital is probably Victoria's oldest health care building. A new hospital was built in 2002 at a cost of approx $20,000,000.
26. KYNETON LODGE (FORMERLY RENNIE HOUSE): Built in the 1920's by a South American couple named Rennie as their Summer Home. It has 17 rooms, three bathrooms, and a 36' X 18' ball-room. Used to care for the not so well today.
27. ALBION HOTEL - 41 MOLLISON STREET: Built as the in 1861 (for number of years up until 2005 was called the Club Hotel). It was mentioned in the reports on the railway riots of that year, when the hotel's flag was stolen to head the procession. The Kyneton Mounted Rifles, sixty strong, had been called out by Magistrate Lavender to help maintain order. The third storey was removed about 1900 and over the years the building has had various alterations and additions. As recently as 1988 it was completely renovated, but still maintained many of the early interesting features. The hotel with its fine cast iron and double storey verandah is a landmark.
28. BOTANICAL GARDENS - CNR MOLLISON ST & CLOWES ST: The Botanical Gardens were first landscaped in 1866 and have fine examples of exotic trees and shrubs, with many original species supplied by Dr. Ferdinand von Mueller of botanical fame in the early days. Upgrading the Gardens with 150th Anniversary funding includes the river bank fernery and beautification. Fine old rare trees, many of which were planted when the Gardens were laid out, are a key feature of the Kyneton Gardens.
BOTANICAL GARDENS GATE: The bluestone Pillars were made by local Monumental Masons W.T.Jones. The Gates were designed by local Artist Tom Levick, and made by locals George Fowler and Mr Wherrett. The gates were donated to the Kyneton People by the Elliott Family who had a Licenced Grocery in High Street Kyneton. A drinking Foundation in the Gardens- Isaac Smith's donation. (There is a Rose Garden, a Memorial Daffodil Garden for Alistair Clarke, Hugh Dettmann and Mrs Murray). Also in the gardens is a Sculpture "Fetching Them In".
29. MOLLISON STREET BRIDGE - MOLLISON STREET: Built in 1861 over the Campaspe River, built of bluestone. The gaslights have been recently replaced - by the generosity of a local lady.
30. RAILWAY STATION - MOLLISON STREET:
Built in 1861. Largest Bluestone Railway Station in Australia. The station was built in the same year the rail line was laid to Bendigo. The signal box and gates were erected in the 1880's. The Prince Patrick Hotel was built for railway travellers in 1865, and stands across from the station.
31. OLD COLONIAL BANK - 1863
32. SACRED HEART COLLEGE - 1889
33. KYNETON SECONDARY COLLEGE - 1928
34. PIPER STREET - CNR PIPER STREET AND POWLETT STREET (WEST):
.jpg)
35. PIPER STREET - CNR PIPER STREET AND POWLETT STREET (EAST):
.jpg)
36. COLLEGE HOUSE - 106 PIPER STREET:
Built in 1857 with coursed, rusticated Bluestone for Miss Thompson to open a ladies school. Designed by sculptor/builder/architect Andrea Stombuco, it is Kyneton's finest 1850's two storey residence. The upper floor is only one room deep, the stonework indicates that the planned rear extension was never completed. From 1864-66 it was licensed as the College Hotel.
Information for the walks was produced by Don McClure.
Location
129 Mollison Street, Kyneton 3444 Map
