Peel Memorial Well

Statement of Significance

• Located in a landmark position next to the Old Mandurah Bridge.
• It commemorates the settlement of the Peel region by Thomas Peel.

Physical Description

The well overlooks the Peel Estuary at the eastern end of the Mandurah Traffic Bridge. The well has been covered by an iron disk, which indicates distances to international capitals and Australian towns and cities. The well is surrounded by paving and is constructed from stones
including granite and dolomite.

History

Erected by Mandurah Progress Association and funded by public subscriptions, the well commemorates the arrival in 1829 of Thomas Peel and his pioneer settlers, who arrived on the Gilmore (1829), the Hooghly (1830) and the Rockingham (1830).
Peel was an influential figure pushing for the establishment of the Swan River Colony, and his name is indelibly linked with both the Murray and Mandurah districts. He was a key person in the foundation of Mandurah, having originally controlled much of the land in the Murray District.
Financed by a merchant and ex convict from New South Wales, Solomon Levey, he brought out a number of skilled workmen to the Colony. Peel and his son, Thomas Junior, leased and farmed land between Mandurah and Serpentine. A controversial character, Thomas Peel had many critics but his strong and independent personality dominated the Mandurah region in its first 35 years. He died on 21 December 1865.
The Peel Memorial well was unveiled by Minister for Tourism Lionel F Kelly, on 11 December 1955. Its contents were donated to charity each year until it was covered with a disk and became a monument, rather than a wishing well.

Integrity/Authenticity

Authenticity : High

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

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.