PLUMPTON HARE ENCLOSURE RUINS

847-1071 BLACKHILL ROAD TOOLERN VALE, MELTON CITY

All information on this page is maintained by Heritage Victoria. Click below for their website and contact details.

Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    PLUMPTON HARE ENCLOSURE RUINS - History

    Greyhound coursing was established in the Melton Shire by WJ Clarke, a prominant pastoralist, during the 1870s. Originally there were no tracks or enclosures and greyhounds chased hares across the open plains. This enclosure is one of two with surviving evidence known in the Shire. The property on which it is located is owned by John Beatty, a 3rd generation farmer on the land. The site has not changed in his lifetime(c.70 years). The Beattys have important historical ties to the area. Beatty Road in Rockbank is named after them.

    Interpretation of Site

    PLUMPTON HARE ENCLOSURE RUINS - Interpretation of Site

    Remains of one of Sir WJ Clarke's hare enclosures built in the Diggers Rest area. The walls were constructed by a professional stone wallers. The enclosure previously constained 3 sides, the east wall no longer remains extant although piles of stone are located on the surface.

    Archaeological Significance

    PLUMPTON HARE ENCLOSURE RUINS - Archaeological Significance

    The site maintains a high level of integrity and a medium level of intactness. The enclosure previously contained 3 sides, only 2 remain extant although boulders are located in piles along the east side indicating the location of a former wall. The site has remained as it is for at least the last 70 years, although the north wall has been punctured to allow access to the area for new water tanks.

    Historical Significance

    PLUMPTON HARE ENCLOSURE RUINS - Historical Significance

    The site is of historical significance for its relationship to prominant pastoralist, WJ Clarke and for its association with the English sport of greyhound coursing. It is a rare surviving element of the plumpton in the region. No other fabric associated with the recreational pursuit is known to exist except for one other enclosure located to the east of John Beatty's property. However, it may have been destroyed recently.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    PLUMPTON HARE ENCLOSURE RUINS - Heritage Inventory Description

    Updated description: Site comprises an 'L' shaped drystone wall measureing ~1m wide x 0.5 m high. Two river red gums form part of the site, one at each the south and north ends. The walled enclosure opens to the east and south. Part of the western wall is deteriorated. Site is located on the top of a slope on the eastern side of Kororoit Creek.

    [Reassessed for the Outer Western Metro Site Reassessment Project - Melton & Wyndham, March 2010]

    Previous description: Remnants of a hare coursing run on land formerly belonging to W.J.T. Clarke: consisting of remnants of stone perimeter walls/fences and three eucalypts according to Pike(ed)19.. in the Australian Dictionary of Biography Vol3 p.422/423, "The Victorian Coursing Club met on his [Clarke's] land. The current landowner knows of two other coursing runs nearby.

    Heritage Inventory Significance: Historical-moderate to high associations with W.J.T. Clarke and the sport of coursing. With the other two coursing runs known to J. Beaty, may be the only examples in Victoria. Scientific-low, due to very limited extent of remains.

    Informant: John Beaty. Recorded by: Nicholas Clark, Clarkeology P/L, PO Box 171, Albert Park 3206 Date Recorded: 01SEP1993

• Location map
• Explore related places
  • Show:
    -- select -- Nearby Places

  • 
    HO37 - Pinewood Homestead

    

    Melton City
  • 
    HO39 - House & Bullock Track

    

    Melton City
  • 
    HO40 - Plumpton Hare Enclosure

    

    Melton City
• Public contributions