The Coventry Society has joined the campaign to save Gibbet Hill Farmhouse, which might be at risk from its owner Warwick University.
Gibbet Hill Farmhouse, is currently functioning as the Estates Offices of the University of Warwick. Once known as Tocil House, it was the boyhood home of Sir Henry Parkes, who became Premier of New South Wales five times during the nineteenth century and is known as the “Father of the Australian Federation”.
Stoneleigh History Society and the Westwood History Group believe that the property should be granted Listed status. This would help preserve a building which played a significant part in the development of one of Australia’s greatest statesmen. It is understood that the University has re-applied for a Certificate of Immunity from Listing, which would prevent the building being listed and would open up the opportunity to demolish it.
Sir Henry’s birthplace, Moat House, is already protected but his family moved from there whwn he was two and this building perhaps played a more important part in his early life.
It is known from interviews he gave to Australian newspapers in the 1880/90s that he held the building in great affection, even saying that when he visited in 1882 and was given the tour of his old haunts. Lord and Lady Leigh promised to keep both properties in good repair!
The Coventry Society supports the campaign and has sent a letter of support for the proposed listing.
