HILLSBOROUGH FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE

OFF HILLSBOROUGH ROAD BRUARONG, INDIGO SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    HILLSBOROUGH FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - History

    See Freeman 1999:39 Heritage study STAN026

    Along with the neighbouring Bruarong, one of two towns formed north of Stanley as a result of the goldrush to Beechworth and Yackandandah around 1853. Both townships are poorly documented and had a relatively short life span. Bannear's 1990s historical survey of mining in Yackandadah saw Hillsborough as one of the places where miners turned to quartz mining (1862-64):

    For want of capital to develop and equip the mines, quartz mining was faltering at the end of 1862. By 1864, the quartz mining industry was on a firmer footing. Three water-wheels and two steam engines drove batteries and new reefs were discovered near Wodonga, at Kinchington's Creek, Hillsborough, Sutton, and Back Creek, as well as at Clear and Twist's creeks. From that point, quartz mining activity continued on an upward trajectory throughout the 1860s. Twist's Creek was the centre of activity, with at least seventeen companies or parties at work on reefs there in 1868.

    (http://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/admin/file/content2/c7/Yackandandah.pdf)

    Hillsborough appeared to contain both housing and some civic buildings and the undated Township of Hillsborough plan (?/119. sourced Beechworth Museum) depicts housing and a reserve for a school (see attached). As mining diminished in the early 20th century most of the town blocks would have been abandoned.

    Today the Hillsborough subdivisions form a part of the Stanley State Forest and appear to have been at least partly protected from logging and plantation. It seems that Hillsborough most of the former building areas have been preserved.

    Interpretation of Site

    HILLSBOROUGH FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - Interpretation of Site

    Hillsborough was not inspected, and is not possible to confirm the presence of surface features. However the degree of preservation of native forest in both locations would suggest that both townships are preserved sufficiently to retain the potential for archaeological remains of domestic and industrial structures dating to the goldrush in this area and later. Subsequent oral information from Indigo Shire Council Planner (Kath Oswald) is that local knowledge confirms that the subdivision is visible.

    Archaeological Significance

    HILLSBOROUGH FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - Archaeological Significance

    The township of Hillsborough is of medium significance as more remote and marginal places settled as a result of the goldrush to Yackandanah that continue to retain the potential for cultural heritage dating to the 19th century. Further assessment, through survey and excavation has the potential to reveal 19th century artefact assemblages and remnants of domestic and industrial structures that may allow for a better understanding of the social and working life locally and more broadly within the region and in Victoria in general.

    Historical Significance

    HILLSBOROUGH FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - Historical Significance

    Hillsborough is an example of remote goldrush towns, most which disappeared after the demise of quartz mining at the beginning of the 20th century.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    HILLSBOROUGH FORMER TOWNSHIP SITE - Heritage Inventory Description

    Cleared and undeveloped farming paddocks located in between forestry land, north of Stanley. Former location of Hillsborough, settled as a result of the goldrush to Beechworth, Yackandandah, and also Stanley. Due to the lack of development, the potential for archaeological remains is high.

    The site was not inspected as it is within plantation forest and cleared area therefore the township was not identifiable from the road.

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