As at 31 March 2011, Royal Naval House and site are of State heritage significance for their historical and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their contribution to The Rocks area which is of State Heritage significance in its own right. High Significance Fabric: The Grosvenor Street facade and a considerable part of the return along Milson Lane, at least as far as the south wall of the courtyard. The interior spaces of the 1890 building (stair hall, full height). Courtyard including surrounding walls and verandahs. The roofscape. Medium Significance Fabric: Other rooms off Stair Hall on ground, first and second floors. Low Significance Fabric: Managers Quarters. Royal Naval House was listed on the
New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002 having satisfied the following criteria.
The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales. Royal Naval House and site are of State heritage significance for their historical and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their contribution to The Rocks area which is of State Heritage significance in its own right. The Royal Naval House site has historical associations with William Davis, an Irish catholic transported for his part in the 1798 Rebellion, he was instrumental in helping the Catholic Church establish itself in Australia. Davis donated land for the first Catholic Church in Australia, St Patrick's in The Rocks, and also held services in his house, which was illegal. '''The place has a strong or special association with a person, or group of persons, of importance of cultural or natural history of New South Wales's history.''' Royal Naval House is associated with Commodore James Goodenough, (1830-1875). Goodenough was commander in charge of the Royal Navy's Australian Station, he was well liked and had strong charitable interests, especially among seamen. After his death Goodenough House was established to provide accommodation for Royal Navy sailors whilst ashore, this establishment lead directly to the construction of Royal Naval House. Royal Naval House is associated with John Samuel Shearston (1853-1916). Shearston was instrumental in the establishment of the Church of England Mission to Seamen in 1881, and his home a 3 Princes St, Dawes Point was its headquarters. In 1885 he moved to larger premises at 9 Princes Street, renamed Trafalgar House, where they were also able to offer some residential accommodation. At the end of 1886, at its Committee's request, he agreed to also act as Superintendent of Goodenough Royal Naval House at 39 Princes Street, which he ran in conjunction with Trafalgar House. In 1889, Royal Naval House was erected and Shearston resigned as Missioner to become Superintendent of Royal Naval House in September 1890. Mrs Shearston acted as housekeeper. The men, grateful for their warm welcome, soon referred to the premises as 'Johnny's', by which they were known until closed in 1970.
The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales. As a group, the buildings (Federation Hall, Royal Naval House, Johnson's Building, 231 George Street & Brooklyn Hotel) have considerable significance. All facades contribute to the overall richness of the group, with Royal Naval House the focal point and the Johnson's Building leading nicely around the corner to a "coda" of two small but heavily textured facades which seem to be a logical end to the whole. The trees, which are deciduous, give an added quality to the richness of the facades and have considerable significance. The facades as a group have important landmark qualities with their location on the north-west corner of a major intersection, providing an entry point to The Rocks.
The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. Royal Naval House has significant social value especially to the Royal Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. It provided accommodation and meals for thousands of seaman for 82 years, and was known as "Johnnies" after the first superintendent John Shearston. So well known was Royal Naval House that the term "hissing in the snakepit" entered Naval slang to refer to the wet canteen located in the quadrangle at the centre of the building. During World War II Royal Naval House was accommodating up to 1500 sailors a night from the Australian, British and other allied Navies. After World War II the building was also used for overnight accommodation for the families of low ranking seamen who could not afford city hotel rates. Its social importance is demonstrated by articles that are still written about "Johnnies" in magazines and newspapers for those interested in nautical subjects such as "Afloat". == See also ==