Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Recommendation for Registration considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. The cottage is of local Wellington significance because of its long and well-recorded association with the Randell family, and because of its representative evocation of the lifestyles of late 19th century European settlers.

Physical Significance

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Recommendation for Registration considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Aesthetic: The cottage is a plain and simple example of an early New Zealand dwelling. Such cottages did not have a great deal of ornamentation, and it could be argued that this plainness itself contributes to an aesthetic quality through simplicity. Archaeological: The cottage was built on town section 624 which had been purchased in May 1865. The cottage was built in 1867-68, and has been in continuous occupation since then. Architectural: Randell Cottage is an example of the colonial simple box cottage type, c.1840-1906. Certain aspects of its construction are of interest, and were standard practice at this time.

Detail Of Assessed Criteria

This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1993. The following text is from the original Recommendation for Registration considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Information in square brackets indicates modifications made after the paper was considered by the NZHPT Board. The following comments are made in relation to the criteria identified under S.23(2) of the Historic Places Act 1993. a) The extent to which the place reflects important or representative aspects of New Zealand history: The cottage at 14 St Mary St is a representative example of the working class residences built in late 19th century colonial New Zealand. The information on the Certificate of Title suggests it remained a working class residence until very recently. In terms of family size, house style and layout the building is representative of the houses built for the colonial working class. c) The potential of the place to provide knowledge of New Zealand history: The cottage is relatively unmodified and, as such, gives an idea of the physical conditions of a working class lifestyle of the period. g) The technical accomplishment or value, or design of the place: Randell Cottage is an example of the colonial New Zealand simple box cottage, constructed in 1867-68. This cottage style was preferred by colonial families, as it could easily be adapted to changing requirements, such as the addition of a lean-to or an extra storey. This can be seen in the St Mary St cottage, [which had a two-roomed extension added in 1874. Unlike a simple lean-to, this third box had a pitched roof. It had gables at both ends, just like the original cottage built in 1868.] The original cottage had two chimneys, features which, with windows, were often luxuries for working class families. However William Randell was a bricklayer, and probably constructed the chimneys from the simple technique of placing them up against the built walls and cutting a hole in the wall for the fireplace. The original 12 pane double-hung sash windows have been replaced, and a 1920s porch and hoods of the same period over windows have been added. These changes all reduce the integrity of what was an original 19th century worker's cottage, but enough original material and form remain to give the cottage local significance. Conclusion: Randell Cottage at 14 St Mary St, Thorndon, Wellington, is recommended for registration as a Category II as a place of historical and cultural heritage significance and value. It has a long and well-recorded association with the Randell family. The building is a representative example of the working class residences built in late 19th century colonial New Zealand. Architecturally it is an example of the colonial simple box cottage type, c.1840-1906, and demonstrates common stylistic and construction features of this time.