Enderslea

Statement of Significance

The place has significant associations with Henry Morley and the Morley family, as first settlers in the area, and associations with the social, religious and civic activities in the area. The barn has significant associations with the Anglican parish, social events and convict labour.

Physical Description

The homestead is mud brick construction with an iron roof. The (10 x 20 metre) barn is a random stone construction with internal timber struts. It originally had a jarrah floor.

History

Sarah and Henry Morley arrived in Fremantle in 1830, and settled in Upper Swan. In 1851 Henry Morley assisted in surveying Blue Plains Rd, and subsequently purchased a number of blocks including this block of 20 acres for £20 in 1853. Henry Morley, his wife and family of three sons and five daughters (two married), settled there on the edge of Chittering Lake, and were the first settlers in Blue Plains Rd. Much of the construction on the property took place from 1859 when Morley hired ticket of leave men for construction purposes, hiring 14 men up until 1870. Three of the daughters subsequently married three Ferguson brothers. In 1876,,, Henry Morley died, his wife Sarah 'inherited' the farm, and after her death in 1886, her sons Henry and Charles carried on farming. In April 1886, a cricket match between Culham and Chittering was held at Henry Morley's property 'Enderslie' where the stone barn was the venue for the bazaar and afternoon tea, dancing and other events. Thirty pounds was raised for the Holy Trinity Church in Chittering, and the events at Morley's barn became regular, and it was the centre of the Chittering social In 1878, Charles planted the first vines in the Chittering area, and by 1900, the Morleys owned 4 farms between 'Clarina' and the Chittering Lakes. After a separate Chittering Road Board was formed in 1896, the inaugural board meeting took place at Henry Morley's homestead, 3 days after the election. (Boyd Martin) Henry Morley (son of Morley Snr) was the inaugural Chairman of the Chittering Road Board in 1896, remaining in office until 1918. In 1927, the property passed out of the Morley family ownership. After several owners, Elizabeth Ogden purchased the property in 1931, and made some alterations to the dwelling. After her death in 1949, Wilfred Ogden, an orchardist, inherited the property. He made some renovations to the barn. In 1975, the farm was subdivided and the current owners purchased this property.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Intact or Redeemable Authenticity: High Degree

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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