ST CLAIR TOWNSHIP

WARBURTON-WOODS POINT ROAD MATLOCK AND WARBURTON-WOODS POINT ROAD JERICHO, MANSFIELD SHIRE, BAW BAW SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    ST CLAIR TOWNSHIP - History

    Heritage Inventory History of Site: John Sinclair and his family squatted in a natural clearing containing numerous springs by at least 1862, if not earlier. With the discovery of gold in the nearby Jordon Valley, Sinclair made every effort to have the 'Yarra Track' run past his property. He constructed accomodation, stables and provisions stopping point in St Clair 1863. T Crawford also established at this point by 1864.
    

    Interpretation of Site

    ST CLAIR TOWNSHIP - Interpretation of Site

    Heritage Inventory Interpretation: Site represents the commercial initiative of one family, the Sinclairs, who were partly responsible for the speed and manner in which the town of Matlock developed and the construction of the 'Yarra Track' through this area. St Clair was a 'sattelite' settlement developed concurrently with the goldmining areas around Matlock and Jordon Valley. There are several other such towns along this road. Although individually they are of moderate significance, as a group they should be seen as highlly significant on a regional if not state level.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    ST CLAIR TOWNSHIP - Heritage Inventory Description

    Site comprises the remains of a small township built during 1862-63. There are at least 11 structures documented for this period including one hotel, accomodation quarters and stables.

    Heritage Inventory Significance: Regional historic significance. Moderate to high archaeological significance. Site should definately be preserved and further investigated at the first opportunity.

    Informants: John Rodda, only resident at St Clair/nRecorded by: Andrea Murphy Date Recorded: 1 September 1999

    Heritage Inventory Site Features: Boundary approximates with south of the small gully and to the Thompson-Jordon Road. Potential historic archaeological features extend east and west of the road and are indicated by two depressions (these match the structures on 1864 plan) and at least three mounds. One mound contains a large number of natural/local stone (undressed). The virtual complete lack of current ground surface visibility prevents any further assessment./nHeritage Inventory Key Components: Low ground surface visibility prevents accurate assessmnet of the area. Clearly defined are square depressions and three mounded areas. Typical of remains of cellars and collapsed chimneys. No artefactual or structural material found on surface.

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