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Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (Former) - The Timeball Tower'
6-18 Battery Road WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City
Point Gellibrand Heritage Precinct

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Hobsons Bay City
Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (former), Bay Heritage Study 2006
Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (former), Bay Heritage Study 2006
Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (former), Bay Heritage Study 2006
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Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The former Point Gellibrand Lighthouse also known as the Timeball Tower, designed by Henry Ginn and constructed in 1849 by James Linacre at 6-18 Battery Road, Williamstown.

How is it Significant?

The former Point Gellibrand Lighthouse or Timeball Tower is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay. It is also of historical, scientific and technical importance to the State of Victoria.

Why is it Significant?

Historically, it is significant as the earliest lighthouse at Port Phillip Bay; the second constructed under the New South Wales Colonial Government in the Port Phillip area and it also occupies the approximate site of Victoria's first 'lighthouse'. The earliest surviving public building in Williamstown, if not Melbourne, it is a local landmark, which is evocative of Williamstown's special role as Melbourne's first port. (AHC criteria A4 and G1)

Aesthetically, it is significant as an unusual early lighthouse design, which is notable for its unique square plan and castellations (not used elsewhere) and as one of the few constructed of basalt. (AHC criteria B2, E1 and F1)

Note: The former Port Gellibrand Lighthouse is also of State significance and is included on the Victorian Heritage Register as VHR H1649

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    • Physical Description 1

      Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (Former) - The Timeball Tower' - Physical Description 1

      The former Point Gellibrand Lighthouse is a tapered, square-plan quarry faced basalt masonry tower with dividing string moulds and four rectangular windows on each face, aligned vertically. It is distinguished from other similar buildings by its square plan and primitive ladder access.

      Between 1987 and 1989 the building was returned to a form expressing the time ball function of c1855 by removing the added brick tower, restoring the crenellations of the stone tower and recreating the time ball.

      Integrity

      Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (Former) - The Timeball Tower' - Integrity

      External Integrity and condition

      Integrity - Moderate. Condition - Good.

      Physical Description 2

      Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (Former) - The Timeball Tower' - Physical Description 2

      ContextThe lighthouse is the only surviving part of an historic complex which once included the observatory, pilots quarters, the telegraph office, railway terminus and pier and the flagstaff. The nearby Alfred Graving Dock lends a period and functional context.

      Historical Australian Themes

      Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (Former) - The Timeball Tower' - Historical Australian Themes

      Establishing lines and networks of communication, Developing electronic means of communication

      Physical Description 3

      Point Gellibrand Lighthouse (Former) - The Timeball Tower' - Physical Description 3

      Associations

      Victorian Colonial Government, Henry Ginn

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Hobsons Bay - Hobsons Bay Heritage Study

      Author: Hobsons Bay City Council
      Year: 2006
      Grading: State

Public contributions

Note: Developments may span multiple time periods
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