Roma Courthouse

Coordinates: 26°34′14.55″S 148°47′5.26″E / 26.5707083°S 148.7847944°E / -26.5707083; 148.7847944

Roma Court House, 2009

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Roma Courthouse is located at 141 McDowall Street, Roma, Queensland, Australia. Constructed in 1901, the heritage-listed courthouse is a rendered masonry building, which is still in use today.[1] Predominately influenced by the Federation free style, it is considered a stunning example of Federation colonial architecture at its best.[2]

History

The Roma courthouse was designed by architect John Smith Murdoch. It is one of only ten surviving masonry courthouses built in Queensland in the 19th century.[3]

The courthouse is located on a hill west of the Roma town centre. Its location influenced the town's continued development, resulting in the area becoming known as the West End.[3]

The trial in 1872 of Harry Redford (also known as Captain Starlight) was held in the Roma Courthouse. Redford was accused of stealing 1,000 head of cattle from Bowen Downs Station near Longreach in Queensland and driving them to South Australia. Explorers Burke and Wills had died attempting to cross the same terrain nine years earlier. He was tried and acquitted in February 1873.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Roma Court House and Police Buildings (entry 601285)". Queensland Heritage Register. Queensland Heritage Council. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  2. ↑ "Roma builds a courthouse". The Department of Justice and Attorney-General. 1 February 2010. Retrieved 28 May 2010.
  3. 1 2 "Roma". Our historic courthouses. Queensland Government. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
  4. ↑ "ROMA DISTRICT COURT.". The Brisbane Courier (National Library of Australia). 18 February 1873. p. 3. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
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