Berkshire Valley Farm

Statement of Significance

The place demonstrates a diverstiy of agricultural and land based pursuits and occupations. The place represents significant associations with the earliest settlement in the region and the evolution of land use in the region. It has proven it's sustainabilty as it is still a demonstration of a way of life. The construction materials and techniques demonstrate a diversityof skills and innovation. The place is a comprehensive example of a farm settlement.

Physical Description

Extensive complex of stone and brick buildings. One room hut (1842), followed by farmhouse (1847), flour mill (1847) still contains hand made wooden machinery. Dairy, stables and cottage (1855), more stables and a harness and bridle room (1867), blacksmiths shop, coach house and stalls were built. Constructed of rammed earth to head height and mud bricks above that height. Shearing shed and store (1869) is the largest brick structure on the property. Flemish bond brickwork with decorative honeycomb detail for ventilation in the scouring room. Triple arched bridge was constructed (1869) and pig sty (1870). Gothic Gable of Galvanised iron cut in arabesque detail. Barn rebuilt (1951) and an earthquake (1968) damaged many of the buildings but for the most part have been restored.

History

James Clinch had a pastoral lease in 1846, a tillage lease in 1847, which allowed him to grow wheat and acquirded the freehold of Loc 3 (30 acres) in 1850. Clinch's employees James and Susannah Doust built a mud brick cottage on the property and Susannah was the first white woman in the area. The mill constructed in 1847, provided ground wheat for the surrounding settlers and workers on the property. As early as 1855 Clinch ran 4000 sheep, cattle, horse and had 50 acres of wheat in crop. Horses were bred, broken and shipped to India for the British Cavalry replacements. The stables constructed in 1867 attest to the size of the operation. Clinch established a vineyard on the property, and allowed the aboriginal people to carry on their traditions on the land. Prize Berkshire pigs were bred and suitable accommodation built for them in 1870.

The triple arched bridge is possibly the first of it's type in Western Australia. The firt race meeting north of Toodyay rook place at Berkshire Valley in 1878, followed by a banquet for all. J Clich was a foundation member of the Victoria Plains Road Board.

Between 1892 and 1894 Lannigan, the last private mail contractor would meet the train at the Mogumberrailhead and transport the mail and passengers to Berkshire Valley. Another contractor would collect the mail to carry on to Yandanooka. This process took place twice week with horse change places along the way.

In 1899, Clinch died and his son alfred took over, subsequently selling the property to the new Norcia Benedictine monks in 1905. In 1911, the 12oo acres freehold was sold to Richard Hamilton of Warwick Park, and the benedictine monks sold the remaining land in 1916.

During World War II the army operatios headquarters took over the farm buildings. In 1951, the original Berkshire Valley barn burnt down when it was full of hay. Frederick Hamilton, the grandson of the original owner, was about to bulldoze the remains when he decided to rebuild thhe barn faithfully copying old photographs. It is still in use toady.

In 1968, the Meckering earthquake damaged some of the buildings, the stables being the most affected, with the roof falling in and some damage to the walls. John Brassington, a Moora builder, with the assistance of Zeff hendicks repaired the buildings. The mill house which is now a museum was braced with 2cm steel rope.

On 20th October 1979, a Gala day celebrated the opening of the Museum, with Lady Hasluck officiating. The museum is housed in the Mill which the property owner has allowed the Moora Historical Society to use as a museum.

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Historic Themes

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Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.