Barrel Well

Statement of Significance

Barrel Well has important historic and social significance to the district as a link with the early days of mining, settlement and the stock route. The wells at Barrel Well require a high level of protection under the Municipal Inventory and work should be carried out to arrest deterioration and restore them. Suitable protective barriers need to be installed around the wells so as not to detract from their visual and historic attraction. Further research and archaeological work needs to be carried out to firmly establish the age of both the wells and to put their history into the correct context.

Physical Description

There are two wells at Barrel Well located on a Crown Reserve set aside for an aboriginal community. It could not be ascertained which well was the older, and convict built, or whether they are both of similar age. One is located inside the community's main fenced housing area and has been covered accordingly with wire mesh for safety reasons. The other is just outside the fenced housing area and just off the approach road to the community. Both are stone lined, skilfully constructed and in reasonable condition, although the uncovered well, being less protected is in greater danger of deterioration and needs some protection and restoration.

History

Local sources claim that Barrel Well was convict built. In his memoirs Captain Samuel Mitchell states that the well was sunk by David Wallace, possibly a ticket-of-leave man, who later died at the Geraldine Mine when the Murchison River flooded. The well, which is believed to be approximately 36ft deep, was a watering point on the stock route between the Geraldine Mine (Site No. 7) and Port Gregory (Site No.24).

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.