It was built in the late 1850s, as a residence and office for the first Dean of Perth, Reverend George Pownall.

He initially lived in rented accommodation but Bishop Hale agreed to the urgent need to build Pownall's Parsonage.

In a letter to the Colonial Secretary, Pownall wrote: "The whole expense of carrying out the excellent plan prepared by Mr. Jewell would be about £900.

"[This quote needs a citation] The cost of the building was met by the government paying £300, public subscriptions raising £300, and the Anglican Church contributing £300, in total equivalent to A$95,800 in 2022.

[4] An appeal was opened, and the new Dean, John Bell, said "He hoped that those who complained about the proposal to demolish The Deanery would now show him some financial backing for his plans to preserve the structure for years to come."