Bridgedale, Bridgetown

Child Places

• 04351 Blue Atlas Cedar Tree

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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Child Places

• 04351 Blue Atlas Cedar Tree

Statement of Significance

Bridgedale is of high historic, aesthetic, social and research value. The place is held in high esteem by the general public as an historic place. Aesthetic Value Bridgedale is a landmark on the Blackwood River foreshore and, through its visual connection to the river and associated Blue Atlas Cedar tree, contributes to the aesthetic qualities of the landscape which, when viewed from across the river, defines the southern entrance to the town Historic Value Bridgedale is historically significant as the first farm and home in Bridgetown, which remained as the family home of original settlers John and Elizabeth Blechynden and their family until 1950. Research Value Bridgedale has a close association with the Blechynden family, farming pioneers who were influential in the settlement and development of the Bridgetown district. As such, the place demonstrates aspects of progressive phases of development which have occurred within the township of Bridgetown from the 1860’s to the present. Social Value Bridgedale was of very high social value. As John Blechynden’s father was a minister of the church, he himself ran services from his home until a Church was built. Bridgedale was also where school instruction was taught until the first public school opened in Steere Street in February 1870.

Physical Description

Bridgedale is a single storey house constructed of red brick with a corrugated galvanised iron roof and three red brick chimneys. The verandah surrounds the house all sides. The roofs of Bridgedale house and the Single Men’s Hut were originally shingles, replaced with corrugated iron ~1900. In 1975 these were again replaced with Canadian Redwood shingles. The deteriorating shingle roof of the house was replaced by corrugated iron again in 2008 and the Single Men’s Hut in 2014.

History

John and Elizabeth Blechynden were the first settlers in Bridgetown, around the same time that the Hester family settled not far away in Hester Brook. The Blechyndens’ first home on this site was built c.1860 and the second (current) home built c.1868. The Single Men’s Hut was built between 1868 and 1888. ‘Bridgedale’ is the earliest remaining residence in the Bridgetown district, where John and Elizabeth raised their thirteen children, two of whom died very young. “When the Bridgetown townsite was proclaimed in 1868, Bridgedale was incorporated into the town survey. As the town developed and expanded Bridgedale became a town residence rather than a homestead. Its farming origins, however, remain apparent.” (National Trust)

Integrity/Authenticity

High Although Bridgedale is no longer a private home, but rather a National Trust property, it has never been converted for any other use, including modern day living. Bridgedale has a high degree of integrity. Although currently closed to the public, numerous artefacts and furniture have remained in the home for interpretation. High There have been a number of internal and external changes to Bridgedale, since its construction. Much of the original fabric however remains and the building is largely in original form. Restoration in recent years has sought to conserve the cultural heritage significance of the place.

Condition

Good

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