Kings Head Inn (fmr)

Parent Place or Precinct

02864 Blandstown Heritage Precinct

Statement of Significance

Kings Head Inn (fmr) represents many changes over time during the hospitality and residential functions from its expansive beginnings in c.1860. It that makes a contribution to the historic townscapes of the Blandstown precinct, and the town of York.

Physical Description

The single storey masonry building is an “L” form with a protruding element to the front boundary and the recessed wing is parallel with the road. The front wing has a low-pitched hip roof and a horizontal set of windows. The hipped roof extends to form a veranda along the north side that connects with the veranda of the recessed section. That veranda is along the front with a skillion roof extension off the main hipped roof. The windows are similar horizontal formats.

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. It is claimed that King Head Inn and cottage was located on 32 acres with extensive cultivation. The inn had 10 rooms, and there were also 14 stables. It is an example of the enterprise of the early settlers in Blandstown.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate Authenticity: Low

Condition

Fair/good

Uses

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update