Canterbury Homestead

Statement of Significance

The place is of considerable significance in demonstrating ways of life and the development of the house. It has significant associations with Jeremiah Clune. The place in association with the mill and sites in close proximity forms an historic precinct of considerable significance.

Physical Description

Two storey dwelling. The 1847 building was a three roomed stone construction. Clune also had 2 servants rooms built, and an earthen cellar which was the original kitchen. In c1890 the upstairs of the building was added. It was brick construction with bricks from the Canterbury kiln. The c1847 shingle roof, pressed metal ceilings are still in place under the new roof and dropped ceilings. In the early 1940s the interior walls were lined, but the originals remain intact behind the lining. A P.O.W. rendered the exterior walls of the building in c1943. In 1969, during building renovations, the original stonework was found to have keystones and 'proper' construction. The timber framework is said to be in 'old Irish' style of building. It claimed that the New Norcia police station, and the Buckland Homesteads were modelled on Canterbury's plan. The stables are located 100 metres north of the house.

History

Jeremiah Clune came to the Swan River Colony in 1847, a year after the Benedictine Monks. Butlers sold the Canterbury property to Clune, and by 1850 the dwelling was completed, having been constructed by the stonemasons who built the New Norcia Monastery at the same time. Clune's place was the first post office in the area, before it reloacted to the New Norcia townsite. He bred Indian remount horses for export.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or redeemable
Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.