Beaufort Bridge graves

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Statement of Significance

The place is significant as it is a burial site - one of a number of lonely graves in the Shire.

Physical Description

To the west of the Albany Highway (about 40 metres) and about 50 metres from the Beaufort River at the Beaufort Bridge stands a large dead flooded gum. Apparently a number of people are buried here - visible evidence of three mounds. One of these was known to be David Grainger, the remainder or number are unknown. This tree is close to the original track across the river.

History

Dr Henry Harrison Brown came to the Beaufort area as had. a number of other York settlers and here he conducted a trading post with kangaroo and possum skins as well as practising medicine. Many people came to see him, but unfortunately some were beyond help due to the distance they had travelled, or the advanced state of their complaint. It is unlikely that there was another doctor between the coast and York at this time. A number of patients were said to be buried at the Beaufort. Another grave is that of David Grainger who arrived in the colony on the 'Runnymede' on June 25, 1840 as a private in the 51st Regiment. One of his first postings was at Stanton Springs in October of that year. His whereabouts for the next decade are not known, but in 1851 he had 10 acres in the Avon district before moving to the Williams. He was granted Locations 'T' and 'W' each of 10 acres from October 1854. While he resided here near the Williams River he engaged in kangaroo shooting and possibly gathering sandalwood. In December 1856, he sold both lots to Edward Hamersley for 60 pounds, and according to family tradition went to the Beaufort River. It was here he fell victim of a native spear. Children in the early days around the Beaufort had terror instilled in them at the mention of 'Watch out for Gringer's (Grainger's) Ghost.

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House Site

Uses

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families.

Physical Description

The house site is now covered by the Albany Highway, about 100 metres south of the Beaufort Bridge. The old road and bridge constructed by convicts in the 1850's crossed the Beaufort River about 100 metres downstream (west) of the current bridge. This would have put Brown's house just to the east of the old Sound Road. The area is flat and susceptible to flooding as William Cornwall experienced when his attempt to build a hotel at the Beaufort Bridge was abandoned after a flood came which brought the water level up to the top of the tables in Dr Brown's house. The foundations of the hotel remained visible for many years.

History

Doctor Henry Harrison Brown and his wife Susannah Elizabeth emigrated from Gloucestershire, England aboard the 'Montreal' in 1839. He was appointed hospital assistant in 1840. Later he settled at York, and his sons were indentured to Marwick, a prominent settler. Their family were Susannah Elizabeth, Henry Harrison (jr), Louisa Frances, William George and Charles Frederick. Doctor Brown's wife died at York in March 1867, and this may have prompted him, along with the need for the sons to find good grazing land, to leave that centre. He had been acquainted with William Cornwall, who told him of good land in the Beaufort area. With his eldest daughter Susannah and three sons he settled on the Beaufort River. Here he conducted a trading post with kangaroo and possum skins, as well as practising medicine. He rode on horseback to see his patients until he became too infirmed (he had been wounded during a war prior to emigrating); then his sons used to drive him in a buggy. Many people came to see him, but unfortunately some were beyond help due to the distance they had travelled, or the advanced state of their complaint. It is unlikely that there was another doctor between the coast and York at this time. A number of patients were buried at the Beaufort. The river frequently flooded the flats, and Susannah could vividly remember that on one occasion the family sat on the table as water gushed through the hut. In the mid 1870's, the family moved to about six miles west of the 125 mile. Later the eldest son, Henry Harrison, elected to go east to the Cartmeticup area. In 1877, Charles Frederick and William George, the younger sons, made their home at location 135 which became known as Mount Brown. Doctor Brown died at the "Mount"on 15 June 1880, and was buried on the property. The Inquirer and Commercial News 21 July 1880 carried the following obituary:- "The death of Doctor Henry Harrison Brown so well known on the Albany Road, occurred a few days ago. Mr Brown was a very old and much respected colonist and resided for a long time at the Beaufort Bridge, but lately living with his sons on their farm not far from the 125 mile, Albany Road". "The Doctor's name was a household word with the settlers and will be long remembered amongst all classes for the kindly manner he administered to their wants in sickness. His remains were interred not far from the 125 mile, his funeral being very numerously attended. Mr Brown indeed proved to be thoroughly competent in his profession. "

Integrity/Authenticity

site only

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Beaufort Bridge

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is significant for its association with the development of transport and communication.

Physical Description

The access for the Albany Highway across the Beaufort River contains two bridges - the main channel and a secondary channel in an area known as the Beaufort Flats below the Martup Hills. The current main bridge was constructed east of the old bridge crossing established by convicts when the road was first developed.

History

The first marked line between the two major centres of the Swan River Colony (Perth and Albany) was delineated in 1837 by Alfred Hillman. This went some kilometres to the west of the present route as it linked the Williamsburg townsite (Boranning) to Kojonup - both tiny out posts in the interior. With the advent of steam ships in the early 1850's and the emergence of King George's Sound as the Western colony's main port it became imperative that an accessible overland route linked Albany with the Swan River Colony. After consideration of three options - Perth - York - Albany; Kelmscott/Albany, Fremantle/Bunbury/Kojonup/Albany it was decided to take the shortest option through Kelmscott plotted by A Gregory of the Survey's Department. Lt Grossman (of the Royal Sappers) was entrusted to report on each option (1853) and later was in charge of construction of the road. Feed at the Arthur and Beaufort Rivers was described by Grossman as indifferent, with very large pools of water at the Arthur River. Much larger bridges and causeways would be required at the Arthur and Beaufort Rivers. Water rises of 15ft (4.6m) and 12ft (3.7m) respectively, could be expected when compared with the 8ft (2.4m) of the Hotham and Williams Rivers. The Colony lost a fine engineer and man when Grossman left in 1856 leaving behind the King George's Sound Road as a memorial whose route, design and building was his responsibility. Despite the soundness of the bridge the approaches were often flooded. In August 1879 the Royal Mail was stuck up for 4 hours at the Beaufort. Some of the horses scheduled to take the coach to the Williams had to be taken to the Beaufort River to pull the van out of the bog. The mail van again became hopelessly bogged between Tarwonga and Williams and everything had to be unloaded to enable to van to be levered out.

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Beaufort River Garage Site

Uses

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place is notable as a site in the business and commercial development of the Shire of Woodanilling.

Physical Description

Located at the 141 mile on Albany Highway, some 5 kilometres south of Robinson Road. The original building was burned down and a new complex consisting of a tavern and road house constructed. This was closed down in 1999

History

Tom Flanagan, who was in partnership with Jackson on Kunmallup, sold his share to the Fowler Brothers from Williams in 1950 and built the Beaufort River garage. This became a stopping point for travellers and Westrail buses. It had a number of other owners over the years.

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Beaufort River Tavern

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The place is notable as a site in the business and commercial development of the Shire of Woodanilling.

Physical Description

The tavern adjoined the road house on the northern side.

History

When rebuilt, a license was obtained after providing excellent service for travellers and the local populace was eventually closed in 1999.

Integrity/Authenticity

Original Materials: Most Modifications: Few

Condition

Good

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Beaufort River Telephone Exchange

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is important for its association with telephone communications in the district.

Physical Description

The exchange and tower are located on the north of the junction of Leggoe Road with the Albany Highway. The tower consists of four main sections (each about 10-12 metres in height).

History

This facility replaced the manually operated telephone exchange which was located within the old Beaufort River tearooms some 1km to the south.

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Beaufort River Telephone Exchange site

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Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is important for its association with telephone communications in the district.

Physical Description

The Beaufort River telephone exchange was operated from within the Beaufort River tearooms until the service went automatic. A new exchange was built about 1km to the north at the corner of Leggoe Road. The original tearooms were gutted by fire around 1980 and consequently a new tavern/roadhouse was constructed on the site. This was closed in 1999.

History

A number of small exchanges were located through the country districts of WA (this was one of four such facilities in the Shire). The number of subscribers was often between 10 and 20 with a number being on party lines (ie several subscribers using the same line). These subscribers would have the same number but with a different prefix et 13U, 13K etc. Each would have a distinguishing telephone ring consisting of a combination of three digits (short and long) eg 2 shorts and 1 long or 2 longs, 1 short etc. Hours of operation were limited - sometimes 8am' - 9pm weekdays (break 12 noon - lpm) Saturdays 9am - 12 noon, Sundays (9am-10am) etc. The operator could charge and opening fee outside of these hours. The tearooms were built in 1950 by Tom Flanagan who previously had been in partnership with Jackson on Kunmallup. Flanagan sold his share which included Kenine Hill to the Fowler Brothers from Williams.

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Convict Well

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is important because of its association with the convict era, building of the Albany Highway and its links with pioneering families

Physical Description

The site is located 50 metres north of the Albany Highway, about 400 metres north of the junction with the Robinson Road. Originally a well, the site has been extended to encompass a small dam adjacent to it. A stone hut and hayshed were also constructed near to the well. The well is stone lined and about two metres in diameter. The current depth is about 2-3 metres (silted up) but is still a reliable supply. During the very dry year in the mid 1940's, water was carted from here to supply some of the water needs of Kojonup. The well at times has been equipped with a windmill, tank and stationary engine.

History

The well was dug by convicts who were working on the construction of the Sound Road (Albany Highway) during the mid 1850's. The stone hut and other buildings may have been built at that time or a little later. It is probable that this was the first home of William Cornwall and his wife Eliza before the building of the Beaufort Homestead in 1862. The Gibbs family who were later to become the pioneer settlers at Darkan lived here for a time until 1867. A diary extract from Bishop Hale, Anglican Bishop of Perth on his journey to Albany states: March 23 1866: "Dark on arrival at Gibbs J 38 mile. All male part of Gibbs family in the bush, but we did very well, slept in hut. Kenworthy [his curate] in hayhouse. Place remarkable for abundance and excellence of water, belongs to Cornwall." April 26: Return trip. "Left Kojonup 8.30 to reach Gibbs about 2pm. Drizzling rain, after arrival very heavy and constant. Mrs Gibbs askedfor a service but no one came. Baptised her child and had prayers. " April 27: "Left at 6.30 without breakfast, Mrs Gibbs made a charge of 17/- for the horses and I gave her 25/- in quittance of allfavours, had a good breakfast at Spratt's 124 mile. Most of the time the Gibbs men spent hunting or helping Cornwall with the shepherding or shearing.. The kangaroo skins were taken through to Perth and traded for provisions. Sometime in 1866 or 1867, the Gibbs family moved to Darkan. The next known occupants of the cottage at the Beaufort were the Hale family. Stephen Hale (with his wife) Emma arrived in the colony on 20-8-1842 aboard the 'Simon Taylor' classified as an assisted immigrant as an agricultural labourer for Trigg. Hale was bricklayer and potter by trade and later pursued his trade in the district of Guildford for some.years. They has a large family but apart from Stephen (jnr) and Owen, they were all daughters. Four of these girls married locally. Edith became John Delaney's wife in 1882. Delaney, who was one of Chipper's coach drivers, later became well known in the Kojonup district as a mailman. Emma and Annie became wives of Arthur River settlers - JB Fallon (131 mile) and - Thompson with Dora marrying Thomas Blackmore of Kojonup (formerly of Yellyellan) - Cartmeticup. Owen Hale was the only one of the family with a real interest in land in the Woodanilling area. He was the original selector of the Kunmallup Well site.

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House Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families.

Physical Description

The site is on a plateau which rises steeply about 100 metres to the north of the well dug by convicts working on the construction of the Old Sound Road in the mid 1850's. It was known as the 139 mile (being that distance from Perth) and is opposite the Woodanilling turn. A heap of rubble remains to mark the site.

History

The stone hut and other buildings may have been built during the 1950's or a little later. It is possible that this was the first home of William Cornwall and his wife Eliza before the building of the Beaufort Homestead in 1862. The Gibbs family who were later to become the pioneer settlers at Darkan lived here for a time until 1867. A diary extract from Bishop Hale, Anglican Bishop of Perth on his journey to Albany states: 23 March 1866: "Dark on arrival at Gibbs 138 mile. All male part of Gibbs family in the bush, but we did very well, slept in hut. Kenworthy (his curate) in hayhouse. Place remarkable for abundance and excellence of water, belongs to Cornwall". 26 April: Return trip: "Left Kojonup 8.30 to reach Gibbs about 2pm. Drizzling rain, after arrival very heavy and constant. Mrs Gibbs asked for a service but no one came. Baptised her child and had prayers. 27 April: "Left at 6.30 without breakfast, Mrs Gibbs made a charge of 17/- for the horses and I gave her 25/- in quittance of all favours, had a good breakfast at Spratt's 124 mile. Most of the time the Gibbs men spent hunting or helping Cornwall with the shepherding or shearing. The kangaroo skins were taken through to Perth and traded for provisions. Sometime in 1866 or 1867, the Gibbs family moved to Darkan. The next known occupants of the cottage at the Beaufort were the Hale family. Stephen Hale (with his wife) Emma arrived in the colony in 1842. Hale was bricklayer and potter by trade and later pursued his trade in the district of Guildford for some years. They had a large family but apart from Stephen (jnr) and Owen, they were all daughters. Owen Hale was the original selector of the Kunmallup Well site (Kojonup Location 93), which was granted on 5 December 1883.

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Dungalar Spring

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The spring is important for its association with the development of the pastoral industry in the region and with pioneering families.

Physical Description

The spring is located on the south east of the Martup Hills. It is also spelt Dungarlaring Spring. It is situated in a gully close (30 metres SW of) to the corner of the location which was the first surveyed in the Shire. It is due east of the trig point on Martup Hill. The spring is now not a reliable supply and when inspected in mid November 1999 only had a puddle in the bottom of the silted up soak.

History

The first pastoralist to the Beaufort River was Edward Hamersley. On 31 March 1852 he was granted a lease of 10,000 acres centred on the Martup Hills. Within this lease 15 acres surveyed to freehold Dungalar Spring (Locn V) and locations 1-4 of 10 acres apiece near the site of the Beaufort Bridge. These were the first land selections in the Williams district freeholded outside of the immediate vicinity of the Williams River. Hamersley decided to concentrate his southern leases near the Williams River bridge and new prospects in the Champion Bay area finally saw him transfer the Martup lease to William Cornwall in 1866. Cornwall had previously taken up J.H. Monger's relinquished lease at Queerearrup and the Martup leases. Cornwall who came to the colony as a 'young emigrant' in 1840 when a lad of 15 years worked initially for JH Monger at York. Having acquired both capital and experience in Monger's employ, Cornwall saw the opportunities is the Beaufort area. In 1860 he married Eliza Malone, a young Irish immigrant. The site of their first home at the Beaufort is not certain, but soon the grand Beaufort Station homestead was built. By 1862 Cornwall was freeholding land within the Martup Lease and by 1868 a total of 1040 acres amongst the Martup Hills had been purchased by Cornwall. The well also appears to have been known as Martup Well.

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Salt Spring

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The spring is important as it provides a benchmark in salinity studies as it was saline before European settlement.

Physical Description

The salt seepage area is located in a gully just south east of where the Beaufort Station sheds and shearing sheds were built. About 100 metres further up the gully (south) is the fresh water well which supplied the Beaufort Homestead.

History

The spring is situated on the original Martup Hills pastoral lease taken out by Edward Hamersley in 1852 and later by William Cornwall as part of the Beaufort Station.

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Dowlering School site (No. 1)

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is closely associated with the provision of schooling in the district.

Physical Description

The exact site was not located during this study.

History

The Dowlering School, was originally built on the site reserved on Kojonup Location 1507 in May 1912 but after a protest by the Perfect and Douglas families, it was shifted to the SE corner of Location 3472. Here it was officially opened by Eva Sheridan on April 13,1913. The original application in 1910 for a school on the Beaufort contained the names of nine families. Of these Cornwall, George Church and Carder had no children and another two families - Eattes (four children) and Sullivan (1), also lived west of the Albany Road and it is doubtful if they ever attended the Dowlering School. However, the Perfects' (two children), Cavanaghs (5), Douglas' (5) and Rendell's (4) provided enough numbers for a school to be built. When numbers became too low here, the building was shifted first to Westwood and then to Boyerine and currently is at the Wagin Historical Village.

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Dowlering School site (No.2)

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Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The site is closely associated with the provision of schooling in the district.

Physical Description

Cleared ground with two large pines on the western side. A plaque attached to granite marks the southern boundary of the five acre reserve. On the north west is the salt flats merging east into bulloaks on the Beaufort River Flats. Access to the school from the west was via a surveyed road which crossed the river at the north end of Wandibirrup Pool.

History

The Dowlering School, was originally built on the site reserved on Kojonup Location 1507 in May 1912 but after a protest by the Perfect and Douglas families, it was shifted to this site. Here it was officially opened by Eva Sheridan on April 13, 1913. The original application in 1910 for a school on the Beaufort contained the names of nine families. Of these Cornwall, George Church and Carder had no children and another two families - Eattes (four children) and Sullivan (1), also lived west of the Albany Road and it is doubtful if they ever attended the Dowlering School. However, the Perfects' (two children), Cavanaghs (5), Douglas' (5) and RendelPs (4) provided enough numbers for a school to be built. School sites were very flexible and as the children grew too old or families like Rendell left, the building was quickly shifted to another area of need. By 1918 numbers here had diminished with two of the former pupils EA (Gus) Cavanagh and Norman Perfect, now grown men at the war front and the building was shifted first to Westwood and then to Boyerine and currently is at the Wagin Historical Village. One of the problems of selecting land in the outer areas was of schooling for children. The Douglas families were in this situation. Some of the children stayed with relations during the week so as to attend school, Jean Douglas and her twin brothers, Ken and Keith, and their cousin, Fred, attended Dowlering School from Harry Douglas' house. This must have been a successful arrangement as young Fred Douglas received a certificate for regular attendance in 1914. EC Leggoe's family had lived in Woodanilling to attend the local school. However, in 1917 he applied to have the Dowlering School shifted to the 14 mile hill on Robinson Road. This application was approved and when tenders were called to remove the school a protest by parents of children already going to the Dowlering School succeeded in halting action. They reasoned that the Leggoe children were already attending Woodanilling School and were not intending to live at Kunmallup until September 1917 when the alterations to the homestead would be completed.

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Beaufort Blacksmith Shop

Parent Place or Precinct

17246 Beaufort Homestead

Uses

Creation Date

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Beaufort Cottage

Parent Place or Precinct

17246 Beaufort Homestead

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families. The building is a fine example of the style, construction methods and use of building materials in this period.

Physical Description

The two roomed stone cottage is situated some 30 metres north of the Beaufort Station homestead. It is build of stone with a steep pitched roof. The northern end has the only external entry (facing east) and a external stone fireplace below the roof line - evidently this section was the cooking/kitchen area. An internal door leads to the second room which has one window (also facing east). The kitchen area still has evidence of shingles, but the southern end has not. The northern room has two small openings in the stonework - portholes rather than windows.

History

This cottage is likely to have been the first building of the 'Beaufort Station' precinct (about 1860) Edward (Ted) Cavanagh who worked as a teamster for Cornwall in 1898 had a son Edward (Gus) born in a stone hut alongside the Beaufort homestead, as had been Thomas Cornwall 35 years before. In 1891 Cavanagh was cutting sandalwood near Arthur River with a licence from the W.A. Land Company. Cavanagh then managed the 'Tabelup' (Arthur River) property for C.A. Piesse and the family lived here for some time. It was not until 1903 that Cavanagh was to select land at the Beaufort. Here they built a house on their 500 acres between the river and the Albany Road. John Leggoe recalled in 1983 his family's move to the Beaufort Homestead in 1920. "The Cornwall's stockman who camped at 'The Beaufort' in the men's quarters was Ted Cavanagh. He had a small farm and a large family on the west bank of the Beaufort River, north eas of the Martup Well". "Ted was an authority on everything and claimed to be the couintry's greatest sheep counter. Wlien a mob was being counted out Ted would take charge and rush the mob out the gate about 10 abreast as he went through elaborate motions of counting. As the last sheep shot through the gate Ted would announce with authority - Seven hundred and ninety eight". No one could dispute the count because no one knew, least of all Ted. In later years when Ted moved to Kojonup he spent most of his time around the saleyards where he appointed himself honorary adviser to the various auctioneers and stock firms and bank managers ". "The other regular member of the homestead staff was old Harry Austin, who I think had worked for Seabrooks in York. He was a big taciturn man with a heavy moustache who lived in the men's quarters and ate in the kitchen. He did the gardening (he had a beautiful vegetable garden down near the well), milked the cows, chopped the wood, fed and harnessed the horses, emptied the dunny, killed the sheep for meat and did any repairs and odd jobs around the place. He was one of a race, common in those days, of men content with a simple life in return for a home and good food and a few bob to buy his clothes and pipe tobacco ".

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Beaufort Homestead

Child Places

• 23488 Beaufort Shearing Shed
• 23489 Beaufort Well
• 23487 Beaufort Blacksmith Shop
• 23485 Beaufort Cottage
• 23530 Beaufort Store
• 23535 Beaufort Well
• 23527 Beaufort Blacksmith Shop
• 23529 Beaufort Shearing Shed
• 23542 Beaufort Cottage
• 23486 Beaufort Store
• 23540 Beaufort Blacksmith Shop

Uses

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Child Places

• 23488 Beaufort Shearing Shed
• 23489 Beaufort Well
• 23487 Beaufort Blacksmith Shop
• 23485 Beaufort Cottage
• 23530 Beaufort Store
• 23535 Beaufort Well
• 23527 Beaufort Blacksmith Shop
• 23529 Beaufort Shearing Shed
• 23542 Beaufort Cottage
• 23486 Beaufort Store
• 23540 Beaufort Blacksmith Shop

Statement of Significance

The building is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families. The building is a fine example of the style, construction methods and use of building materials in this period.

Physical Description

The Beaufort Station homestead has had several additions during the last 140 years since first built around 1860. Described by "Cyclopaedia of WA (Vol II) in 1913: "The Beaufort homestead was typical of the old established country home of superior class. The 10 rooms had the greatest possible comfort and possessed home-like graces and there are few to equal it in the countryside. The outbuildings — woolshed, machinery shelters and stables are in scale and are equal to those erected in the old countries with many centuries of civilisation ". Further alternations and additions have occurred since that time during the ownership of the Anderson family and recently the Carter family has restored the homestead.

History

The building is a part of a precinct on 'The Beaufort' comprising in total the homestead and nine outbuildings. The precinct was established by William Cornwall in the late 1850's/early 1860's. Cornwall named his property after the Beaufort River which ran through the pastoral lease first taken out by J Monger (sen) in 1852 and later transferred to Cornwall in 1858. Prior to formally gaining this lease, Cornwall selected a number of blocks (location 9, 10, 11) to afford him longer term security. William Cornwall left the 'Beaufort' homestead in 1875 to make his home at Williams where he was the licensee of the hotel. Part of the 'Beaufort' was leased to Hegarty's and possibly Bennett and the remainder was patrolled over by shepherds working for Cornwall. When Thomas, the oldest son left 'finishing school' at Fremantle, he returned to the Beaufort. In early 1882, before his nineteenth birthday, young Tom was given the management of the Beaufort Station. In 1882 the 700 acres of freehold and the 60,000 acres of leasehold was transferred to him.. In 1893 he married Annie Munday, daughter of a Greenough pioneer. The couple built a new homestead at Queerearrup Lake ('Lakeside') in 1913. While living at the 'Beaufort' Thomas astutely procured blocks on the old station area and by 1913 the Beaufort Station consisted of 16,000 acres of which 6000 acre's were cleared and all but 1000 had been ring barked. Their son, Beaufort, later lived at the station until his death at a relatively early age in the 1950's. The Station was then divided into two properties - the Anderson family from Katarining buying the homestead section and Joe Forsyth the western portion. Anderson later sold to Scanlon's and in 1993, after the property was auctioned, Neville and Leonie Carter became the owners.

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Beaufort Shearing Shed

Parent Place or Precinct

17246 Beaufort Homestead

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families. The building is a fine example of the style, construction methods and use of building materials in this period.

Physical Description

Located about 1km North West of the homestead, west of the creek which supplies the homestead. The first building was of stone with brick corners and door. The northern end was the wool room which was enclosed except for access to the shearing board and an outer door through which to load the wool bales. The original eastern wall has been removed. The shearing board is the traditional long board (shearer's catching across the board) and a six stand overhead plant. Portion of the original stone wall on the west was removed with the installation of the shearing plant. Modifications have been extensive to give greater sheep holding capacity and for wool storage. In 1913 the precinct was described in the Cyclopaedia of Western Australia: "The Beaufort homestead was typical of the old established country home of superior class. The ten rooms had the greatest possible comfort and possessed home like graces and there are few to equal it in the countryside. The outbuildings - woolshed, machinery shelters and stables are in scale and are equal to those erected in the old countries with many centuries of civilisation. "

History

In addition to his extensive pastoral lease holding, in 1875 Cornwall had 10,000 acres at the Beaufort, another 10,000 adjoining encompassing Queerarrup and a further 50,000 acres in the Lakes area. Cornwall was extending his freehold areas - from the 600 acres surveyed in 1862, plus another 400 acres in 1868 and a further 220 acres in 1878. Cornwall had extensive flocks of sheep and these were sought after as a nucleus for the new farmer's flocks. It is said that he went to the Eastern States and selected sheep from MacArthur's flocks and brought them to the Beaufort. In the early days shepherds cared for their flocks roaming with them to avoid poison plants and water them at springs or the river pools. Cornwall brought the first fencing to the district. It was 8 gauge high tensile wire, the early contractors who had never used wire disliked it as it was difficult to handle and made their hands very sore.

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Beaufort Shearing Shed

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Beaufort Store

Parent Place or Precinct

17246 Beaufort Homestead

Uses

Creation Date

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Statement of Significance

The building is important for its connection with the first European settlement of the area and for its association with pioneering families. The building is a fine example of the style, construction methods and use of building materials in this period.

Physical Description

The building is situated about 100 metres east of the Beaufort homestead. The northern portion (store) is built of brick and the longer and larger southern section built of stone indicating slightly different dates of construction or preference of the builders/craftsmen employed. The store has a stockade appearance - iron bars forming a window at the northern end with musket holes about a metre above the floor facing west. On the east side these are about 1/4 metres above the floor - depicting the ground slope and relative chest height of any potential invaders. The holes are angled to prevent a spear or other weapon penetrating straight through the wall. Two portholes are placed high on the east wall - too small for anyone to enter through. The east and west walls each have a door (both closer to southern end). This south wall is stone and contains a fireplace. The brickwork contains some elements of Flemish bond in its pattern. The sawn bush timber door and window frames are still in relatively good condition as are the timber roof purloins. The brickwork has been rendered - mostly fallen off except for the north and west outer walls of the stone. Internally, halfway up the west wall set in the brickwork is a piece of timber in which holes have been inserted and saddles hung thereon. A leanto was later fixed to the outer east wall of the store. During Cyclone Alby in 1978 much damage was done to the building losing it's roof. The stone portion is likely to have had a variety of uses - grain and hay storage, machinery shelter etc. There is a door along the eastern wall. In original condition it has hand made nails which are clinched over to fix the door timbers. The southern end and south western corner wall have crumbled since losing its roof.

History

The building is a part of a precinct on 'The Beaufort' comprising in total the homestead and nine outbuildings. The precinct was established by William Cornwall in the late 1850's/early 1960's. William Cornwall was one of the most successful agricultural pioneers along the King George's Sound Road and the police stations were supplied with grain (mainly barley) and hay, on a contract basis. In 1862, William Cornwall successfully tendered for the supply of three tons of hay each to the 125 mile, Bannister and 36 mile stations. The farming venture however was to be ill-fated. Mrs Hegarty had some success with her farming operation as it was reported in 1878 that she was supplying corn to the 131 mile station but left shortly after. In April 1875 Daniel and Honoria Hegarty leased the 'Beaufort' off William Cornwall who now was at Williams. Hegarty had served as a constable at Williams from 1869-1875. Honoria was the postmistress here in 1869 and became the telegraph operator following the completion of the overland telegraph line. In 1875 they both resigned to move to the Beaufort.

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Beaufort Store

Uses

Creation Date

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