Bygraves House & Shop

Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Statement of Significance

Bygrave’s House & Shop has historical significance in demonstrating an early dwelling and a rare example of a c.1870s stand-alone shop at the street front, and a way of life associated with that enterprise. It is a landmark entry into Blandstown from the south approach providing an appropriate entry into the historic Blandstown Precinct. It makes a considerable contribution to the historic townscapes of the Blandstown precinct, and the town of York.

Physical Description

The residence has an expansive frontage that is balanced across the face brick front wall with door and window openings. The high-pitched hipped roof is separate to the hipped full-length skillion front veranda that is supported by square timber posts. Tall face brick chimneys. The shop is set apart from the residence on the same front boundary alignment, addressing the street front. It is a single room face brick with a rendered dado with a gabled front with a central entry door.

History

After York was opened for selection in 1830, the first settlers, arrived in 1831 from the Swan River settlement with the task of establishing a Government Farm. Balladong Farm was settled in 1831 by William Heal, later H. Bland after whom Blandstown is named. Stephen Stanley Parker had arrived in the Colony with his parents in 1830. After marrying Elizabeth Sewell in 1844 he purchased Balladong Farm in 1848. During the 1850s, Parker developed the property into a very successful farm. The “village” now known as Blandstown, the oldest privately settled part of the York town, developed around Balladong Farm due to the influential presence, water supply, and the river crossing. This shop is an example of the enterprise (cobbler) of the early settlers in Blandstown.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: Moderate/High

Condition

Fair/good

Uses

Creation Date

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