Clarence, Western Australia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Designations |
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|---|---|
| Official name | Peel Town Archaeological Sites |
| Designated | 8 December 2022 |
| Reference no. | 17868 |
Clarence was an early European settlement, or a small town, built a long time ago on the coast of Western Australia. It was also known as Clarence Town or Peel Town. A man named Thomas Peel planned this settlement. He had help from other people who supported the idea of starting new towns in the colonies. The first group of settlers arrived by ship in December 1829. However, the settlement was abandoned, meaning everyone left, by the early 1830s.
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What Was Clarence?
Clarence was meant to be a new town in the early days of European settlement in Western Australia. It was part of a bigger plan to develop the Swan River Colony. Thomas Peel was a key person behind this project. He hoped to create a successful farming and trading community.
Who Was Thomas Peel?
Thomas Peel was an English businessman. He was one of the first people to invest a lot of money in the Swan River Colony. He made a deal with the British government to bring settlers to Western Australia. His plan was to create a large farming area and a new town. He hoped this would make him very rich.
Why Was Clarence Abandoned?
The settlement of Clarence faced many problems. The land was not as good for farming as expected. There were also issues with supplies and getting enough workers. Many settlers faced hardship and soon left the area. Because of these difficulties, the dream of Clarence Town did not last long. The settlement was given up just a few years after it began.
Where Was Clarence Located?
Today, we do not have exact proof of where Clarence was located. For a long time, people thought it was near Woodman Point. This area is south of present-day Fremantle.
New Discoveries
Recently, archaeologists have found new clues. These discoveries suggest the settlement might have been further south. Evidence of the old town has been found near Mount Brown. This area is inside the Beeliar Regional Park. These findings help us understand more about where the early settlers lived.
How Did Clarence Get Its Name?
The name Clarence was chosen to honor a very important person. This was the Duke of Clarence. He was the heir to the British throne at the time the settlement was named. He later became King William IV.
