Ex-convict's historic homestead
22 November 2011
One of the Great Southern’s earliest surviving farm complexes has entered the State Register of Heritage Places.
Office of Heritage Executive Director Graeme Gammie said Martinup is an excellent example of a relatively intact pioneering farm.
Martinup is notable as being one of a few places in the Great Southern developed to a profitable and thriving venture by an expiree (ex-convict) owner, and constructed with ticket-of-leave labour.
“Set on the west bank of Pallinup River, the distinctive form of the buildings and the golden stone of the shearing shed makes Martinup a well know landmark in the Broomehill-Gnowangerup area,” Mr Gammie said.
“Martinup demonstrates the self sufficient and resourceful lifestyle of early pioneers in the mid-to-late nineteenth century.”
The complex includes a house constructed of handmade red brick, a meat room, blacksmith’s shop, men’s quarters, wool barn, shearing shed and two small unmarked graves set on the hill behind the property.
Ticket-of-leave man and expiree Samuel Swift built the original buildings at Martinup in 1860-63 and 1879, for Edward Treasure, also an expiree, who owned and developed the farm. Martinup remained in Mr Treasure’s family, on and off, for more than 100 years until 1984.
“Martinup was nominated for the State Register by a community member, illustrating that the place is highly valued within the region,” Mr Gammie said.
Martinup joins Northam’s Buckland Homestead and Farm Buildings, and Northampton’s Oakabella on the State Register, all of which played an integral role in the State’s development during this period, and which survive as relatively intact homestead complexes. Martinup is particularly notable due to its well-established links to an expiree owner who prospered in his new role as a free settler.
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