Government House

The crenellated tower and sandstone walls of Government House rise above the Royal Botanic Gardens, built to resemble a medieval castle from the nineteenth century. Sir George Gipps pushed for its completion in eighteen forty-five to project British authority across the colony. During the construction, architect Edward Blore sent stone masons from England, who famously clashed with the local workers over their superior pay. The governor and his staff moved in once the exterior was finished, leaving the interior largely incomplete for years.