Wonnerup Precinct

Child Places

• 00425 Wonnerup School & Teacher's House
• 05333 Ballarat Tramline Plaque and Wheel (Locomotive)

Statement of Significance

• Wonnerup Precinct is significant in the evolution and pattern of the history of Western Australia. • The Homestead Precinct is significant for those parts of its garden setting which were laid out in the nineteenth century, and for its nineteenth century and early twentieth century buildings illustrating the evolution of European settlement in the South West of Western Australia. • The School Room and Teacher's House demonstrate Government involvement in education in the district between 1872 and 1912, and reflect the development of the local farming and timber industries. • Wonnerup Precinct is important in relation to the spearing of George Layman (the elder) in 1841, an event which illustrates the mixed nature of the relationship between the Aborigines and European settlers at the time. • Wonnerup Precinct is important in relation to the opening of the Ballarat timber line in 1871, the opening of the School in 1873, and the arrival of the railway link to Busselton in 1895, all events having great impact on the district. • Wonnerup Precinct is important for its close association with three generations of the Layman family, with Robert Heppinstone and with the Molloy family, members of which have been significant within the history of the State. • Wonnerup Precinct has a potential for archaeological research in regard to the earlier buildings which no longer exist. • Wonnerup Precinct, a National Trust property, has a potential to be further developed as a teaching and research site. • Wonnerup Precinct is highly valued by the Busselton community and through the National Trust by the people of Western Australia. • Wonnerup Precinct is significant to the Aboriginal (Nyungar) people owing to the repercussions resulting from the spearing of George Layman.

Physical Description

Wonnerup Precinct which comprises: House (Bl, pre 1859) a limestone and brick walled structure with a timber shingle roof. House (B2 1859+) a limestone walled structure with a timber shingle roof . Blacksmith's Shop (B3) a limestone structure with a corrugated iron roof, Stables (B4) a rubble stone walled structure with a corrugated iron roof, School Room (B7, 1873), Teacher's House (B8, 1884) both timber framed structures clad in Jarrah weatherboards and roofed in timber shingles, Memorial Gates (B10, 1934) of wrought iron, Warden's Cottage (B5, transferred to site in 1972) a timber framed structure clad in weatherboards and roofed with corrugated iron, Tea Rooms (B6, transferred to site in 1972) a timber framed structure clad in weatherboard and asbestos sheeting, Abergeldie Cottage (B9, 1922, transferred to site in 1984) a timber framed structure with corrugated iron roofing, and the landscape in which the buildings are sited including the various native and introduced trees.

History

1829 George Layman arrives in Swan River Colony, having first emigrated to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) in 1827, 1832 George Layman is assigned Sussex location 3, 500 acres on the Abba River (in South West Western Australia), 1837 Layman acquires title to the land and then purchases the adjacent Lot 4 (site of Wonnerup House) from J T Cooke. Layman subsequently builds a house, 1841 George Layman speared by Wadandi warriors after a dispute, 1859 His son, George Layman II, marries and builds the first stage of House (B2). House (B1) and House (B2) are expanded over the years. 1873 George Layman II hands over some land (Reserve 33859) to the colonial government in return for the construction of a school building. The School Room is built. 1884 The teacher's house is built, 1900s James Layman, youngest son of George Layman II, takes over management of the farm from his father. The Stables are built. 1911/12 James Layman dies, leaving his parents and four unmarried daughters to manage the property. 1971 National Trust (WA) acquires Wonnerup, 1973 Wonnerup opens as National Trust historic property.

Integrity/Authenticity

High/High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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