Bandy's Cottage Site & Swamp Garden

Statement of Significance

The Bandy's Cottage and swamp garden were of much significance, supplying travellers on the Stock Route with fresh fruit and vegetables. It is probable it was the only market garden of significance for many miles. It was share-farmed (with the de Burgh family) by Tom and Martha Bandy, whose descendants are represented in the Gingin Shire today.

Physical Description

The swamp garden and the ruins of Bandy's Cottage are approximately two miles upstream from the Cowalla house on the north side of the Moore River. Fig trees still remain from the garden and a mound of earth exists where the mud batt cottage stood, high on the sand bank directly above the garden. The site is quite visible in a small clearing in the bush.

History

The swamp garden was a project started in 1855 by the de Burgh family on a permanently damp area, to supply travellers on the stock route with fruit and vegetables, and maize and sorghum. It was so successful that a cottage was built there and the Bandy family lived there and share-farmed the garden. It came to an end when the Midland Railway took the traffic away from the Stock Route. The cottage was demolished in 1907 and the materials used for renovations to the Cowalla house. Fig trees on the site still remain and are evidence of Bandy's Cottage.

Condition

Poor

Uses

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.