Old Boraning Homestead

Statement of Significance

One of the most notable properties in the Williams District. As a starting point for the first surveying of the crown grants on the Williams River and its proximity to the proposed townsite of Williamsburg, it has special significance. The succession of owners / occupiers of Boraning Station were all notable people or characters in the early history of Western Australia. In turn, there was John Withnell, Edward Hooley, Mortimer New, Arthur Gull, Henry Baron Rodway and Colin Craig.

Physical Description

Located on the south west bank of the Williams River. The dwelling is surrounded by trees. It is situated approx 150 metres from the Boraning Bridge and the Williams - Quindanning Road marked the southern edge of the original Location A - across the road is the area surveyed for the Williamsburg townsite. Location A was originally owned by Henry Bull.

History

John Withnell and his father-in-law George Hancock first involvement in the pastoral industry in the Williams area was in 1857. Withnell had large lease holdings totalling 35,000 acres at the Hotham/Williams and Murray River junctions. In 1860 he was the first to be granted leaseholds around Dumbleyung Lake. Withnell in the 1860's became aware in the prospects of the North West and moved his interests to the Roebourae area. It was during 1872, that Edward Thomas Hooley became interested in pastoral leases in the Williams district; mostly in partnership with other individuals. Hooley was the man who pioneered the driving of sheep overland from Northampton to Nichol Bay during the winter of 1866. He was a most able and versatile character. He served in both houses of Parliament in this Colony and was entitled to style himself author, pastoralist and business manager. Ted Hooley was the owner of Boraning in 1875 as Dr Growse recommended to the Colonial Secretary that he be appointed a Commissioner of the Peace. 3) Hooley was a member of the Williams Roads Board for a time and tendered his resignation in May 1877. (4) A bronze plaque in Williams Street, Perth commemorates his memory. He was Dalgety's first manager for WA and was also manager of WD Moore and Co at one stage. Another enterprising person came to the district in 1878 - Mortimer New. He secured a large pastoral lease of 24,000 acres with the Arthur River bridge approximately in the centre of the holding. This area he managed personally and in association with Hooley held leases at the Bannister townsite and 4,000 acres around the 15 mile spring situated a few miles south west of Coolakin Spring. In addition he had a financial interest in Boraning. He did not reside many years in the district, but during his stay, he took a keen interest in local affairs. He was a Commissioner of the Peace and for two years chairman of the Williams Road Board. A street in the Williams township is named after him. (5) Arthur Gull was in Residence at Boraning prior to 1888 (see Boody Hole - site 73) and Rodway the owner from early in the Century (see Jennamartin sites 102-106) and Craig in the 1920's (Site 110). This building may have been the stone barracks for the soldiers at Williamsburg. The original barracks burnt down, and it is believed that this was the replacement building on the same site, dated around 1840 - 50. (6)

Integrity/Authenticity

Extent of Original Fabric: Most

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update