Beaufort Shearing Shed

Statement of Significance

The building is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families. The building is a fine example of the style, construction methods and use of building materials in this period.

Physical Description

Located about 1km North West of the homestead, west of the creek which supplies the homestead. The first building was of stone with brick corners and door. The northern end was the wool room which was enclosed except for access to the shearing board and an outer door through which to load the wool bales. The original eastern wall has been removed. The shearing board is the traditional long board (shearer's catching across the board) and a six stand overhead plant. Portion of the original stone wall on the west was removed with the installation of the shearing plant. Modifications have been extensive to give greater sheep holding capacity and for wool storage. In 1913 the precinct was described in the Cyclopaedia of Western Australia: "The Beaufort homestead was typical of the old established country home of superior class. The ten rooms had the greatest possible comfort and possessed home like graces and there are few to equal it in the countryside. The outbuildings - woolshed, machinery shelters and stables are in scale and are equal to those erected in the old countries with many centuries of civilisation. "

History

In addition to his extensive pastoral lease holding, in 1875 Cornwall had 10,000 acres at the Beaufort, another 10,000 adjoining encompassing Queerarrup and a further 50,000 acres in the Lakes area. Cornwall was extending his freehold areas - from the 600 acres surveyed in 1862, plus another 400 acres in 1868 and a further 220 acres in 1878. Cornwall had extensive flocks of sheep and these were sought after as a nucleus for the new farmer's flocks. It is said that he went to the Eastern States and selected sheep from MacArthur's flocks and brought them to the Beaufort. In the early days shepherds cared for their flocks roaming with them to avoid poison plants and water them at springs or the river pools. Cornwall brought the first fencing to the district. It was 8 gauge high tensile wire, the early contractors who had never used wire disliked it as it was difficult to handle and made their hands very sore.

Uses

Creation Date

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