Clydesdale, Marsden Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clydesdale |
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Heritage boundaries
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| Location | 1270 Richmond Road, Marsden Park, City of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1823–1885 |
| Owner | Francis George Pace |
| Official name: Clydesdale - House, Barn, Cottage and Farm Landscape; Lang's Farm; Echovale (northern half) | |
| Type | State heritage (complex / group) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 674 |
| Type | Homestead Complex |
| Category | Farming and Grazing |
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Clydesdale is a special old homestead and farm located in Marsden Park, Australia. It was built between 1823 and 1885. Over the years, it has been used for many different things. From 1859 to 1871, it was a school for missionaries. During World War II (1942–1944), it even served as a hospital.
Clydesdale is also known as Lang's Farm. The northern part of the property is called Echovale. Because of its long and interesting history, Clydesdale was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it's a protected site because it's important to the history of New South Wales.
Contents
What is the history of Clydesdale?
Early Days and First Owners
Before Europeans arrived, the Darug people lived in this area. They were the traditional owners of the land. The area was once thick with forests and had many creeks.
By the 1790s, roads started to appear. Between 1792 and 1860, much of the forest was cleared for farming. The soil wasn't great for grain, but it was perfect for fruit trees and vineyards. Soon, the area became famous for its orchards.
In 1813, a large piece of land, about 700 acres, was given to Walter Lang. He was a businessman. This land became known as Lang's Farm. After Lang died, the land was sold to Charles Tompson in 1819.
Charles Tompson had arrived in Australia in 1804. He bought more land, making his estate 865 acres. By 1822, he had built a "good dwelling house." In 1825, a large two-story brick house with a barn and other buildings was on the site. Tompson lived there with his wife and nine children.
A Thriving Community
In 1826, Charles Tompson's son, Charles Tompson Jnr, published "Wild Notes." This was the first book of Australian poetry ever published. He wrote it at Clydesdale.
By 1828, Clydesdale was a busy place. Many people worked for Tompson and lived on the property. These included an overseer, a teacher, a cook, and many farm workers. Even a famous naturalist, George Bennett, stayed at Clydesdale in 1832. He noted that the area had "fine red clay soil" that was good for vineyards.
In the 1840s, Tompson gave land for a church to be built. St Philip's Church of England was finished in 1846. However, the church was built in an area that flooded often.
New Owners and New Uses
Charles Tompson faced money problems and lost Clydesdale in 1850. The property was then bought by Edward and John Lamb in 1851.
In 1859, the Marist Fathers bought Clydesdale. They used it as a seminary, which is a school for training priests. They trained students from places like Wallis and Futuna, Samoa, and Tonga. The Hawkesbury River flooded many times during their ownership, causing damage. The Marists sold Clydesdale to the Hassall family around 1870.
In the 1880s, John Hardie, who was the Mayor of Sydney, bought Clydesdale as a country home. He used it mainly as a horse farm. The church, however, was closed in 1887 due to constant flooding and fell into disrepair.
20th Century Changes
By 1903, George Grierson Kiss owned Clydesdale. He was a well-known horse breeder. He sold the property to J. A. Buckland in 1919. A sale ad from that time mentioned a "large and choice orchard" and beautiful gardens.
Buckland lived at Clydesdale until he died in 1932. The property was then sold a few times. In 1933, Clydesdale was divided. The northern part became Echovale, and the remaining 548 acres stayed as Clydesdale.
By 1935, Joseph James owned Clydesdale and ran it as a dairy farm. But during World War II, the Royal Australian Air Force took over the estate in 1942. The house was used as a hospital for soldiers until 1944. After the war, the property went back to the James family.
In 1963, Associated Dairies Pty Ltd bought Clydesdale. They used it for dairy cows and growing feed. In 1973, a new dairy was built. In 1987, a modern "Rotalactor Dairy" was installed. This was a new way to milk cows.
In 2001, Clydesdale was sold again. It continued to be used for cattle and a free-range egg farm.
What does Clydesdale look like?
The Farm and Gardens
Entry Gates and Driveway
Today, you enter Clydesdale through large gates with decorative sandstone pillars. The driveway is long and straight. It used to have a beautiful avenue of trees along its sides. Some of these old trees still remain.
The Garden
The garden around the house was designed to be beautiful. Old drawings show many paths and shady trees. Some of the old trees still growing there include Bunya Bunya pines and fan palms. There are also old fruit trees, jacarandas, and roses.
The Homestead
The main house is a two-story brick building. It has a classic Georgian style. Over the years, parts of the house have been changed and updated. For example, a verandah (a covered porch) was added to the upper floor on three sides.
The house has solid brick walls. Inside, there are many rooms. The floors are made of timber boards. There are also fireplaces in some rooms. The roof is made of slate.
Other Buildings
- Wash Room: This building was likely used as a laundry or for storing dairy products.
- The Stables: This is a large brick building shaped like a "T." It used to house horses. Today, parts of it are used as a garage and even small living areas.
- Conservatory: This small building near the main house is made of brick and glass. It was probably used for growing plants.
- Rotary Dairy: This is a modern circular structure used for milking cows. It can rotate, making milking faster and easier.
Important Historical Sites
Burial Grounds and Cemeteries
There are two important burial sites at Clydesdale:
- Marist Burial Ground: This small area is where some of the Marist Fathers and students were buried. Some old sandstone headstones are still there.
- St. Philip's Cemetery: This cemetery was part of the old St. Philip's Church, which no longer exists. Four headstones remain here.
Hidden History
There are also places on the property where old structures might be buried underground. These are called "archaeological deposits." They include:
- The old St. Philip's Church.
- A toll house and gate that used to collect money from travelers on Richmond Road.
- Old water wells.
- A cellar and a tunnel that are mentioned in old stories.
- An old trotting track used for horse racing.
What is the condition of Clydesdale?
As of 2012, Clydesdale was in fair to good condition. There are also signs of Aboriginal history on the land, including an old campsite and stone tools.
Why is Clydesdale important?
Clydesdale is very important to the history of New South Wales for several reasons:
- Long History of Farming: It shows how farming has changed over time, from growing crops to raising horses and dairy cows.
- Charles Tompson's Story: It tells the story of Charles Tompson, who started as a convict but became a major landowner.
- Marist School: It was one of only two schools in Australia that trained South Sea Islanders to become priests in the 1860s.
- World War II Hospital: It played a role in World War II as a hospital for the Royal Australian Air Force.
- First Australian Poet: It's linked to Charles Tompson Jr., who was Australia's first poet born in the country.
- Beautiful Design: The house and its gardens show the style of early colonial homes and landscapes.
- Rare Example: It's one of the few old homesteads in the area that is still mostly intact. It's also unique because it's still on the original land grant from 1813.
- Community Connection: Local historical groups and the community care deeply about Clydesdale.
