On 15 April 1861 a section of the allotment was purchased as lot 53 by Mr. James Kirby Swan, a local wheelwright and town land owner.

[1] William Hancock migrated from England in 1856 and worked for a short time in Brisbane prior to moving to Ipswich where he lived until his death on 23 August 1892.

Hancock was well known in Ipswich as a "builder in brick" and building contractor and was involved in the construction of a number of buildings including, additions to Rockton Villa, Colinton Station, Booval House, the foundations of the first railway workshop, the Lands Office and the Wesleyan Parsonage as well as laying pipes for the waterworks in 1877.

[1] The house was built in a time of growth and expansion for Ipswich which was benefiting from the profits of coal mining and wool and cotton production.

[1] Brickstone is a substantial brick dwelling with a steeply pitched roof which makes it an important contribution to the streetscape.

It has a monopitch hip roof with a central gable to the front verandah and four dormer windows to the attic space.

[1] The main level consists of a four-room core with a central hall surrounded by a verandah, which is open on two sides.

'Brickstone' (11 Murphy Street) is important in demonstrating the pattern of Queensland's history in that it reflects the beginnings of the substantial residential development in Ipswich around the area known as Denmark Hill.

In particular the large scale of the house on a prominent corner block and the steeply pitched roof make Brickstone a local landmark.

[1] The place has a special association with the life or work of a particular person, group or organisation of importance in Queensland's history.

'Brickstone' has a special association with the life and work of prominent local builder William Hancock who constructed the house and later resided there for a short period.

Hancock was a prolific "builder in brick" and his work is evident in other substantial residences in Ipswich such as Rockton Villa and Booval House.