Drummond's Mill - Site of

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for the associations with the Drummond, Clarkson and Dempster families and the milling industry of the mid to late 1800's. The site has research value as it has potential to contain subsurface archaeological remains.

Physical Description

Ruins of former red brick building. No discernible architectural features remain but ground plan of the structure remains intact. Additional stone ruins within close proximity.

History

James Drummond, botanist and plant collector, was the first settler in the Toodyay Valley, after selecting Location U4 in 1836 and taking up his grant in 1838 after coming to the colony as part of Stirling's official party. James, his second son, settled on the property and built a cottage. James was the agent for the adjoining property owners, the Andersons, and received a portion of 'Mt Anderson' land adjoining 'Hawthornden', known as 'Mill Farm' in return. the first church service at the Drummond's horse drawn mill was conducted in 1848 by Bishop Short to a gathering of 80 people and three children were baptised.
In 1856 the steam powered mill was built and milling commenced in January 1857. The same year James Drummond Jnr. married Martha Sewell and they lived in 'Vine Cottage'. A cottage at 'Mill Farm' was used as a school in the 1860's.
In 1872, floods destroyed the miller's house at the mill and the mill was threatened.

Integrity/Authenticity

None

Condition

Ruins

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.