Marwick's Shed

Statement of Significance

Marwick’s Shed is significant as a rare example of local 19th century vernacular construction techniques that utilise a timber structure to create a large volume without internal load-bearing walls. It exemplifies the strategic location of York (and Newcastle Street) as a route for transporting supplies to the goldfields prior to the completion of the Perth-Coolgardie railway line. The place functioned as an early form of depot for William Marwick's York-based road haulage business and as such is a memorial to the lives of William Marwick (snr) and his descendants who have played a leading role in the civic and business affairs of York for over 125 years. The building has a rustic appearance having acquired patina through many years of exposure to the elements, serving as a local landmark. It is of considerable significance to the historic townscape of York.

Physical Description

Marwick’s Shed is a large timber framed vernacular building with relatively low masonry external walls and a dominant pitched roof clad in galvanised corrugated iron. It is a rare example of local 19th century vernacular construction techniques, particularly the employment of a timber structure to create a large volume without internal load-bearing walls. It is a rare building type. Few vernacular structures of similar form and age are known to exist in Western Australia.

History

Samuel Evans Burges of Tipperary owned the site during which time William Marwick worked for and was closely associated with him, until Burges left in the state 1897. In 1899 the land was formerly transferred to William Marwick and sons. By which time, the 1876 building had been utilised for over 20 years as a storage and stabling facility for William Marwick’s transport and trading business. As farming became a more central focus of the family business in the early 1900s, the “Shed” became the central base for the management of their various properties. However by the 1960s, that was no longer practical and the place was mostly vacant and deteriorated. Gordon Marwick, the owner, is a great grandson of William Marwick, and resides directly opposite the “Shed” and has undertaken several stages of conservation works and storm repairs in recent decades.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Fair
Authenticity: Fair

Condition

Fair

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.