This building has stood in the centre of the Windsor township for 200 years, as the focal point for the administration of justice in the Hawkesbury valley.
By Floyd Alexander Hunt -
A ceremony was held on 5 December 2022 to mark the 200th anniversary of Australia’s oldest courthouse – Windsor Courthouse. The Courthouse was designed by the late architect Francis Greenway and built in the Georgian style. It is located in Windsor on the lands of the Darug people.
It was originally built for 1,800 pounds which is the equivalent of $3,245 in Australia. It has functioned as a court since 1882.
Attorney General Mark Speakman described the anniversary as a “milestone event”. He reaffirmed the NSW Government’s commitment to preserve the courthouse and retain its historic character.
“This building has stood in the centre of the Windsor township for 200 years, as the focal point for the administration of justice in the Hawkesbury valley,” said Speakman.
“When this building first opened in 1882, convicts were still being transported to Australia and Governor Lachlan Macquarie had not long returned to Scotland,” said Speakman.
“The courthouse, which was commissioned by Governor Macquarie, was designed by a former convict, architect Francis Greenway, and built by William Cox, using convict labour.”
Francis Greenway is also known for designing Sydney’s King Street Courts and the Hyde Park Barracks.
Attorney General Mark Speakman
Robyn Preston, Member for Hawkesbury, said: “It is wonderful to be here today celebrating and commemorating this moment in time”.
Preston observed that the courthouse had been renovated in recent years to keep up with modern standards.
“Most recently, the NSW Government has completed upgrades to the existing safe room and remote witness rooms to help empower domestic and sexual violence survivors and vulnerable witnesses to give their best evidence in court,” said Preston.
“Additional restoration and landscaping works to preserve the building’s unique heritage have also been carried out over the past month.
“Windsor Courthouse has stood the test of time, administering justice in our community for more than 200 years and will continue to do so for many more years.”
