Central Business District in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia — Oceania

Former Manse

— Wesley Place Heritage Trail —

Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 3, 2026

1. Former Manse Marker

Inscription.
More than the minister's home

Built in 1859, the Manse was part of the church complex designed by Joseph Reed. Originally the minister's residence, it was later used for the Wesley Central Mission's programs. In the early to mid-twentieth century, it was known as Wesley House and was a rest home for older women.

Erected by Wesley Place. (Marker Number A4.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Colonial Era • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 37° 48.598′ S, 144° 58.101′ E. Marker is in Melbourne, Victoria. It is in the Central Business District. It can be reached from Lonsdale Street 0.1 kilometers Bennetts Lane. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 130 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in Oceania,

Australasia,

the Pacific Ocean,

South Pacific,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Archaeology and Artefacts (within shouting distance of this marker); Wesley Place Archaeological Excavations (within shouting distance of this marker); John Wesley Statue (within shouting distance of this marker); Princess Mary Club (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nicholas Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Wesley Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Nicholas Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Balit-dahn Balit-nganjin (Their Strength, Our Strength), 2021 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Melbourne.

Also see . . . Stop A4: Former Manse. Wesley Place

More than the minister’s home

Built in 1859, the Manse was part of the church complex designed by Joseph Reed. Originally the minister’s residence, it was later used for the Wesley Central Mission’s programs. In the early to mid-twentieth century it was known as Wesley House and was a rest home for older women. In the early 2000s, it housed the offices of The Big Issue magazine, that helps empower homeless people
Photographed by Dean Barton-Ancliffe, June 3, 2026

2. Former Manse Marker and Manse
to positively change their lives.

Joseph Reed’s vision

There was some discussion as to whether the Manse at the new church should be built next to the Church’s immigrant home in Carlton. However, the Trustees Committee recommended the city as more appropriate. Reed had intended for the Manse to be located closer to Lonsdale Street to keep the south elevation in line with the church, however the siting of the original 1850s Wesleyan School House most likely resulted in the Manse being situated in its present location.

The Manse had a rear yard, which in 1919 featured a row of bamboo and the Olive Tree that you’ll see in a different location on the trail today. It also housed stables, located at the north-east corner of the site.

(Submitted on June 21, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria.)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 21, 2026, by Dean Barton-Ancliffe of Rowville, Victoria. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.