In the heart of Bardon stands the heritage-listed Bardon House. Built in 1864, this structure tells the story of its creator, Joshua Jeays, a man whose influence shaped early Brisbane.
Read: Bardon House, The Villa That Inspired The Name Of A Suburb
Joshua Jeays, born in Leicestershire in 1812, arrived in Moreton Bay from England with his wife Sarah and children in 1853. A skilled carpenter and builder by trade, Jeays quickly established himself as a prominent architect in the burgeoning colony.
His portfolio included notable early Brisbane buildings such as the Old Government House and homes for prominent residents like John Petrie and the Cribb family.
In 1864, Jeays constructed Bardon House, using stone quarried from his own quarry at Woogaroo. The name “Bardon” was a nod to his roots, derived from Bardon Hill, the highest landmark in Leicestershire County, close to Joshua and Sarah’s respective hometowns of Loughborough and Beeby.
Tragically, Sarah Jeays passed away in July 1864, the same year Bardon House was completed. Despite being one of the first landowners in the district, Joshua never resided in the house he built. By 1865, he was leasing it as a ‘Stone-Built Suburban VILLA RESIDENCE’. The following year, his daughter and son-in-law Charles Lilley (later Sir Charles and Governor of Queensland) briefly occupied the house until 1867.
A Man of Many Hats
Beyond his architectural achievements, Jeays was deeply involved in local politics. In 1859, he became an alderman of the Brisbane Municipal Council. His political career peaked in 1864 when he served as Mayor of Brisbane for a year.
Joshua Jeays continued to live in North Quay until his death on 11 March 1881, at the age of 69. While he may never have called Bardon House home, the structure stands as a lasting tribute to his craftsmanship and vision for Brisbane.
Read: The Evolution of Bardon House
Today, Bardon House remains a cherished piece of Brisbane’s architectural heritage and is now a part of the St Joseph’s primary school complex.
Published 4-September-2024
