Step into the intriguing world of Woodford Academy. This isn’t just any museum. It’s a living testament to colonial life in the Blue Mountains. Originally an inn built in the 1830s Woodford Academy has a captivating history. It served as a gentleman’s residence a guest house and a boarding house. From 1907 to 1936 it flourished as the exclusive Woodford Academy.
Imagine the students of Woodford Academy. Their laughter echoing through the halls. Their initials carved into the very desks they sat at. These weren’t just markings. They were legacies. A testament to the boys who went on to make their mark on history. Many distinguished themselves in both World Wars.
John McManamey the rector believed in fostering a unique atmosphere. He didn’t believe in harsh punishments. He preferred extra study or manual labor for misbehaving students. The school felt less like a strict institution and more like a large family.
The academy’s story goes far beyond its time as a school. Long before it educated generations of boys it was a bustling inn. ‘The Woodman’ it was originally called. It provided refuge for travelers weary from the treacherous journey through the Blue Mountains. The inn thrived. It later became known as ‘The King’s Arms’. It profited from the gold rushes. Hundreds passed through its doors. Each leaving their own mark on the building’s rich history.
In 2022 a remarkable discovery shook the foundations of the academy. A rare 17th-century Dutch Master painting was found in its artwork collection. Sadly the painting is not on display here at Woodford Academy. It is kept in a secure location elsewhere.
Woodford Academy is more than bricks and mortar. It’s a treasure trove of stories. It whispers tales of Victorian lovers revealed in a collection of letters. It holds echoes of the transit of Venus observed on the grounds in 1874. It carries the legacy of John McManamey and his students. Their spirit still lingers within these walls.
Gertrude McManamey John McManamey’s daughter bequeathed the academy to the National Trust in 1979. This ensured the preservation of this historical gem. Today Woodford Academy stands as a remarkable testament to the Blue Mountains’ unique past. It offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of those who walked these very grounds. Take a moment to reflect on the layers of history embedded within these stones. Their stories await your discovery.