Berrima Courthouse: A Window into Colonial Justice

The Berrima Courthouse, standing proudly on Argyle Street, is a testament to the enduring legacy of colonial Berrima. Constructed from hand-hewn sandstone in the Regency style, the courthouse was completed in 1838 and designed by Mortimer Lewis, Australia's second Colonial Architect. Its Greek Revival design, featuring Doric columns and a classical pediment, reflects the importance of law and justice in the emerging colony. Originally serving as a Court of Assizes, presided over by a Supreme Court judge, the courthouse played a vital role in administering justice in the region. It saw trials ranging from cattle stealing to those of notorious bushrangers and murderers. The first trial by jury in New South Wales was held here in April 1843. Although assize courts were discontinued in 1846, the courthouse continued to host minor court sittings until 1884. Beyond its legal function, the Berrima Courthouse served as a center for public administration and community life. Licenses were issued to publicans and hawkers, convicts were assigned as farmworkers, and the building hosted meetings, dances, concerts, and even church services. During World War I, it was used to house German officers who had been taken as prisoners of war. Today, the Berrima Courthouse operates as a museum, offering visitors a unique theatrical experience. Explore the courtroom, complete with figures of jurors, witnesses, and barristers, and witness the dramatic sound and light show, 'Treachery, Treason & Murder,' which recreates a notorious trial from the 1840s. The museum also features exhibits on the history of Berrima, including photographs of German internees from World War I.