Blue Mountains News

“This is a significant milestone for Eskbank House and its collections, and means they will be protected under the NSW Heritage Act,” said Mayor Stephen Lesslie.  “Council will now be able to seek state funding support for the ongoing care of Eskbank’s built and moveable heritage items.  In nominating Eskbank House for heritage listing, Council recognised the value of Lithgow’s heritage and heritage tourism as an important feature of local economic growth.” 

State heritage listing has been approved by the Minister owing to the significant heritage value and historical associations of the Eskbank site, buildings and collections.  The history of Eskbank House demonstrates the way in which nineteenth century NSW homestead complexes have been adapted to serve evolving social and economic requirements, including those associated with the development of new industries such as the arts and heritage sector.

Eskbank House Museum houses significant material related to Sir Joseph Cook, Lithgow Valley Colliery’s pottery operations and Lithgow Iron Works and Blast Furnace.

In April 2017, Lithgow City Council nominated Eskbank House Museum for inclusion on the State Heritage Register, a motion that received unanimous support from councillors.   

Lithgow City Council purchased Eskbank House in 1948 for use as a museum by the Lithgow District Historical Society.  The Historical Society acquired the collections which continue to be the foundation of displays and cared for the buildings with the assistance of Lithgow Council.  Since 2003, Council has maintained and operated Eskbank with the help of a dedicated team of local volunteers.