ROYCRAFT'S WATER RACE

GEORGES LAKE ROAD CRESWICK, HEPBURN SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    ROYCRAFT'S WATER RACE - History

    Little is known about th is section of race or how long the original race was. It may have had a connection with the Smokey town water race. While there is direct evidence to link Raycraft with this section of race it is not clear what Raycraft was doing with the water. It was likely that is was used during the 1860-1900 to supply miners north of Creswick. Much of the race has been destroyed. John Raycraft was a prominent resident at Creswick with interests in mining. He was a major water trader and he and subsqent family members held water rights in Creswick from the 1860's to the 1930's. His main supply of water came from his lease of Eaton's Dam. Raycraft and the Eaton brother were partners in the early gold mining period at Creswick.

    Archaeological Significance

    ROYCRAFT'S WATER RACE - Archaeological Significance

    This site has a low level of archaeological significance due to the relatively small length of extant portion remaining. The race is a representative example of an 1850s water race that was utilised over several decades for both mining and water supply purposes. Archaeological features include the race alignment, negative cut features, spoil and sediment deposits, dams, diversions, sluice points and potential gauges, flume remains, pipes, and sluice lining materials. Although water races are common on Victorian Goldfields very few races in Victoria have been documented and mapped in detail and the integrity of remaining goldfield water management complexes is largely under researched

    Historical Significance

    ROYCRAFT'S WATER RACE - Historical Significance

    The site has a high level of historical significance at a local level. The race is associated with John Roycraft, a prominent figure in Creswick. Due to the excellent preservation of a large part of the Creswick goldfield, the intertwined narratives of mining, water supply, environmental consequences and rapidly evolving legislation can be read in the landscape. At a state level the site contributes to broader narratives of water supply and mining (Victorian Historical Theme 4.5 & 4.6) and informs the development of both mining and water management laws for the State of Victoria. The race is one of many on the Creswick alluvial goldfield that together make up an important and well preserved cultural landscape of water management. Combined with Creswick's strong forestry education facilities and proximity to Melbourne and Ballarat, an increased awareness in this well preserved mining complex could provide Creswick with excellent educational and tourism opportunities illustrating mining techniques and how mining shaped Victoria's water laws.

    Interpretation of Site

    ROYCRAFT'S WATER RACE - Interpretation of Site

    Little is known about this section of race. It was likely operated by John Roycraft during the 1860-1900 to supply miners north of Creswick. Much of the race has been destroyed.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    ROYCRAFT'S WATER RACE - Heritage Inventory Description

    A 2.3 km section of race running on the north side of Creswick (Back Creek) to St Georges Lake.

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