Ercildoune, Footscray Historical Society

City of Maribyrnong | M03

Building Description

Built in 1876 for the National Bank of Australasia, Ercildoune was Footscray’s first custom-built bank. Over the years it has had many incarnations beyond its life as a bank, including a manager’s residence, a rooming house and a block of flats. Today, it is the home of owners and custodians, the Footscray Historical Society.

Historically significant, Ercildoune illustrates Footscray’s early commercial development, and is the oldest surviving bank building in the area. The society purchased the property in 1970, and have occupied the building and worked to restore it since.

Designed in simple classical style, the two-storey rendered bluestone building is an example of the work of prolific bank architects Terry and Oakden. Highlights include the bank vault, and the original encaustic ceramic tiles of the banking chamber, which remain intact.

What's On

Guided tours of the building and its history led by Historical Society members

Location