Molloy's Hut (Site and Cairn)

Statement of Significance

Molloy’s Hut (Site and Cairn) is of significance: • For its historical associations with the Molloy family, who were among the first pioneers of Augusta and were instrumental in the original settlement’s development. • As the burial site of one (and possibly more) of the early colonial settlers in Augusta. • As a community memorial to the original colonial settlement of Augusta.

Physical Description

The site has been marked by a granite rock cairn with an attached plaque that reads: This site marks Molloy’s Hut built 1832 and nearby the grave of Mildred (Kitty) Ludlow Died 26.12 1833 aged 30 years AMR History Group Augusta Historical Society A list of nineteenth century deaths and burials for Augusta has been posted at www.ozburial.com. Many of these state “burial place unknown”, but a few of the entries from the 1830s refer to possible burial at Molloy Island (which was well separated from the main residential area).Note: There may be some potential for historical archaeological evidence in the general vicinity of this site, relating to its occupation in the 1830s, inclusive of Mildred Ludlow’s grave, and possibly others.

History

Colonial Settlement (c.1830-1849) • The Establishment of Augusta John and Georgiana Molloy were very important first settlers to the Augusta district, as John Molloy was the first Resident magistrate. One of the local land grants obtained by Molloy was for Molloy Island, which was a short distance from the settlement at Augusta (and which the Molloys referred to as Dalton Island). By 1832 Molloy had built a hut there.Frederick and Kitty Ludlow were also among the first settlers in Augusta. They were not part of the Turner, Bussell or Molloy contingents, but came independently aboard the Emily Taylor. However, it seems the Ludlows were not well off settlers and Kitty became a servant to Georgiana Molloy. There she stayed for some time, helping Georgiana with household and child care duties. Kitty was ‘crippled, and physically debilitated’ and she became more and more unwell. She eventually returned to her husband (who she had temporarily left due to his drinking habits) and they lived on Molloy Island.In 1833 Frederick Ludlow was in the Swan River Colony for four months, during which time Kitty died alone, and was not found for some time. Georgiana’s account reads:poor Kitty died on the Island in a most lamentable state, totally deranged and unapproachable, saving by her husband, from disease which the climate made more offensive. Her funeral duties I was necessitated to conduct. She had to be buried by torchlight. Her poor frame was so highly decomposed, it made two of the bearers ill for some days… [Cresswell, pp 51-52] A memorial cairn has been erected at the site by the Augusta Margaret River History Group and the Augusta Historical Society.

Integrity/Authenticity

Historic site – N/A Memorial cairn - High: The original use has been maintained. Historic site – N/A Memorial cairn - High: The original/significant fabric is largely intact.

Condition

N/A – historic site

Uses

Creation Date

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