Old Court House. Francis Burt Law Museum, Perth
The Old Court House stands as Perth's inaugural courthouse, erected in Western Australia. Nestled amidst Stirling Gardens and Supreme Court Gardens, off Barrack Street, it stands adjacent to the Supreme Court edifice. This single-story cream-rendered structure boasts a wooden shingle roof.
Built in 1836, it holds the distinction of being the city's oldest extant public building and is among the last vestiges of Henry Reveley's architectural legacy, the colonial civil engineer. Notably, it exemplifies the classical Greek revival style prevalent in 19th-century Perth.
Its design reflects the simplicity of Georgian architecture, characterized by stone rubble construction with a stucco finish. The modest structure features a hipped roof originally covered in slate. A later addition, the entry portico, is upheld by Doric pillars. The surrounding area, particularly to the north and west, is adorned with sandstone-colored interlocking concrete paving bricks.
The Old Court House was formally recognized for its historical significance, entering the Register of the National Estate in October 1980 and receiving classification from the National Trust of Australia (WA) in February 1978. Subsequently, on 14 February 2003, it earned a permanent place on the state heritage register.
Contained within the Old Court House is the Francis Burt Law Museum, which showcases artifacts that illustrate the evolution of law in Western Australia. The collection spans from 1616 and comprises a diverse range of items, some of which are accessible for research. Among the artifacts are books, journals, photographs, legal attire, personal belongings, embossing presses, furniture, firearms, and evidence items. The primary courtroom is preserved in its 1800s state. Beyond its role as a museum, it serves as an educational and research hub.
Built in 1836, it holds the distinction of being the city's oldest extant public building and is among the last vestiges of Henry Reveley's architectural legacy, the colonial civil engineer. Notably, it exemplifies the classical Greek revival style prevalent in 19th-century Perth.
Its design reflects the simplicity of Georgian architecture, characterized by stone rubble construction with a stucco finish. The modest structure features a hipped roof originally covered in slate. A later addition, the entry portico, is upheld by Doric pillars. The surrounding area, particularly to the north and west, is adorned with sandstone-colored interlocking concrete paving bricks.
The Old Court House was formally recognized for its historical significance, entering the Register of the National Estate in October 1980 and receiving classification from the National Trust of Australia (WA) in February 1978. Subsequently, on 14 February 2003, it earned a permanent place on the state heritage register.
Contained within the Old Court House is the Francis Burt Law Museum, which showcases artifacts that illustrate the evolution of law in Western Australia. The collection spans from 1616 and comprises a diverse range of items, some of which are accessible for research. Among the artifacts are books, journals, photographs, legal attire, personal belongings, embossing presses, furniture, firearms, and evidence items. The primary courtroom is preserved in its 1800s state. Beyond its role as a museum, it serves as an educational and research hub.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Perth. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Old Court House. Francis Burt Law Museum on Map
Sight Name: Old Court House. Francis Burt Law Museum
Sight Location: Perth, Australia (See walking tours in Perth)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Perth, Australia (See walking tours in Perth)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Perth, Australia
Create Your Own Walk in Perth
Creating your own self-guided walk in Perth is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Perth Historic Buildings Walk
Established by British settlers in 1829 and originally named the Swan River Colony, the city of Perth boasts a wealth of old buildings – governmental, religious, residential, commercial and institutional, – many of which are heritage-listed.
Just like other Western Australia’s settlements, the city struggled throughout the 1800s from the lack of resources, labor and investment. However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Just like other Western Australia’s settlements, the city struggled throughout the 1800s from the lack of resources, labor and investment. However,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Perth Introduction Walking Tour
Perth is the capital of Western Australia. With a population of more than 2 million, the metropolitan area is the fourth largest in the country.
Perth was founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829. It was the first free-settler colony in Australia established by private capital. The official foundation ceremony took place on 12 August 1829 with the chopping down of a tree. Today a plaque set... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles
Perth was founded by Captain James Stirling in 1829. It was the first free-settler colony in Australia established by private capital. The official foundation ceremony took place on 12 August 1829 with the chopping down of a tree. Today a plaque set... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.2 Km or 2.6 Miles