historical archaeological assessment...

The Oharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society

WISEMAN'S or WARNER'S WELL

Lot 20 DP 856306

WISEMANS FERRY, NSW

Or Grace KarskensHistorian and Historical Archaeologist

19 Sandstone CrescentTASCOTT NSW 2250

For

-- ----- --------------------------'

in association with

. APRIL 1998.

Prepared by

Siobhan LavelleHistorical Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant

PO Box 42WOOOFORO NSW 2778

HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

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Notes to the Text

APPENDICES TO THE REPORT

INTRODUCTION ..•...••......•........•...•..•.•..•••..............•.•...•.......•.•..1

Background to the Report 1

Aims 1

Authorship 2

Methodology and Scope 2

Definitions 2

HISTORICAL OVERVIEW ...•..•..•..•...••..•...••.••.............•...•............3

European Discovery and Settlement of the Hawkesbury 3

Solomon Wiseman and Wisemans Ferry 3

The Great North Road 4

Land Title Information for Portion 70 5

Other Documentary Evidence (Maps) 7

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE - DESCRIPTION OF THE WELL. .........•......•••.8

ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION.•.••.•.•••.••.•...................••••....•..9

Other Comparative Structures 9

Conclusions from the Historical and Physical Evidence 10

ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE ..•..•.•.••..••..•••••...••................•...11

The Concept of Cultural Significance 11

NSW Heritage Assessment Criteria 11

Significance of the "Well" 12

CONSERVATION POLICY .•.......•...•.•....••..•..••••...••••..........•.........1 2

HERITAGE STATUS ..•.•...•..•........•.••...••..•.•••••..•••••...........•......•.1 3

The Heritage Act, 1977 13

Other Heritage Listings 13-~- _--- , - -- --_.- - -

Hornsby LEP 13

Australian Heritage Commission 13

MANAGEMENT ISSUES - DISCUSSION•..•..••..••••..•••••...................•1 4

RECOMMENDATIONS •.....•.••.•..•.•...•••..•...•..•••...•••••....................1 5

PAGESECTION

CONTENTS

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IIII 1.0

1.1

I 1.2

1.3

I 1.4

1.5

I 2.0

2.1

I2.2

2.3

I2.4

2.5

3.0

I 4.0

4.1

I 4.2- 5.0

I 5.1

5.2

I5.3

6.0

7.0

I 7.1

7.2

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7.2.1

7.2.2

I 8.0

9.0

IIIII

Figures to the text occur in Appendix A. Plates to the text occur in Appendix B.Other relevant material is also collated into Appendices to the report, including an historic map seriesand photographs of otnei compaiative early wells. References are provided in notes to the texi.

Further information concerning the history of the portion and the context of the surrounding area isprovided in Section 2.0 of this report. More detailed discussion about the probable attribution anddating of the "well" is included in Section 4.0.

Recent subdivision of Lot 9 OP 832344 (being 9.230 ha of the original portion 70) resulted inadditional building allotments becoming available. Following negotiations between the Oharug andLower Hawkesbury Historical Society (OLHHS), Hornsby Council and the developer, Lot 20 of OP856306 (an area of 2.807 ha) has been leased to the OLHHS. At the request of the OLHHS the "well"structure has been recorded and assessed by Siobhan Lavelle and Grace Karskens.

The well was inspected, drawn and photographed during 1997. This report provides recording,heritage assessment and recommendations for the future treatment of the structure.

The study area comprises a stone lined ''well'' structure which is situated to the south of SingletonRoad at Wisemans Ferry on Lot 20 OP 856306. The location of the well is shown on Figure 1(Appendix A). Lot 20 OP 856306, is within Portion 70, Parish of Cornelia. This 50 acre (20.23 ha)portion was formally granted to Solomon Wiseman on 16th October 1830. Probably as a result of itslocation on this portion the 'well' structure is reputed to have been associated with Solomon Wiseman.This attribution seems uncertain, as the "well" appears more likely to have been constructed inassociation with the roadworks of the late 1820s and it is thought to be the water supply structuredescribed by Lieutenant Jonathon Warner. On this basis it might be more appropriately referred to as'Warner's Well" rather than Wiseman's.

page 1WISEMAN'S I WARNER'S WELLHistorical Archaeological Assessment and Management Recommendations

1.1 Background To The Report

1.0 INTRODUCTION

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1.2 Aims

The preparation of this report was assisted by input or advice from:

Lorraine Banks, Oharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical SocietyAnne Bickford, Consultant ArchaeologistBill Evans, Heritage Surveyor, RTAKathy Kelman, Planner, Hornsby Shire Council

___Ibe aimsofthis_historicaLarchaeological-assessmentreport were:

• to complete sufficient research to define the historic sequence of development of the site, and thesurrounding area, thereby enabling the determination of the probable date, construction andattribution of the physical features (or archaeological "relics") associated with the well structure at thissite. The level of research undertaken is considered sufficient to enable a proper understanding ofthe site and its history, allowing an informed assessment of its cultural significance.

• to assess the significance of the well and of its remaining physical evidence as an historicalarchaeological heritage item.

• to provide recommendations as necessary for the future management of the well structure.

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Siobhan Lavelle, in association with Dr Grace Karskensfor the Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society 1998

1 .4 Methodology and Scope

Additional documents considered in the preparation of the report include:

Historical Archaeological Sites: Investigation and Conservation Guidelines,Department of Planning I Heritage Council of NSW, Sydney, 1993

Archaeological Assessment Guidelines,NSW Heritage Office I Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, September 1996

NSWHeritage Manual,Heritage Office I Department of Urban Affairs and Planning, 1996.

1.3 Authorship

This report has been prepared by Siobhan Lavelle.Dr Grace Karskens reviewed and provided relevant historic material (including maps) from her researchcollection relating to Wisemans Ferry and in particular, to the period of construction of the Great NorthRoad. Dr Karskens also provided written comments on this material which are included within Sections2.0 and 4.0, and also assisted with the inspection, description and assessment of the well structure.

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This study and report generally follows the methodology outlined in J S Kerr, The Conservation Plan,the National Trust of Australia (NSW), third edition 1990. The report is also consistent with theprinciples of the Australia (COMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance(The Surra Charter) and its Guidelines. In accordance with the principles of the Surra Charter and thespecific sequence of actions outlined by J S Kerr, this report includes documentary research, andphysical analysis of the site (incorporating recording of the extant fabric of the well by means ofphotographs and site plan) prior to the determination of significance and formulation of conservationpolicy and recommendations.

WISEMAN'S I WARNER'S WELLHistorical Archaeological Assessment and Management Recommendations

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1.5 Definitions

• RESTORATION means returning the EXISTING fabric of a place to a known earlier state byremoving accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of newmaterial.

• MAINTENANCE means the continuous protective care of the fabric, contents and setting of aplace, and is to be distinguished from repair. Repair involves restoration or reconstruction andshould be treated accordingly.

• PRESERVATION, means maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and retardingdeterioration.

• FASRIOmeans all-the-physical-material of-the place:

• CONSERVATION, means all the processes of looking after a place so as to retain culturalsignificance. It includes maintenance and may according to circumstance include preservation ,restoration , reconstruction , and adaptation and will commonly be a combination of more thanone of these.

1998Siobhan Lavelle, in association with Dr Grace Karskensfor the Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society

The terminology used throughout this report, follows the definitions provided in the AustraliaICOMOS Surra Charter (Article 1).

• CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE, means aesthetic, historic, scientific or social value for past,present or future generations.

• PLACE means site, area, building or other work ...together with associated contents andsurroundings.

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By 1819 he had built a house and by 1821 he had obtained a publican's license. In 1821, Wisemanreceived a promise of a further 20 acres. from Governor Macquarie. The land parcels acquired byWiseman, comprising Portions 39, 33 and 70 of the Parish of Cornelia, (refer to map series inAppendix C) gave him ownership of much of Lower Portland Head. The "well" being dealt w~h in thisreport is situated within the area of Portion 70.

2.2 Solomon Wiseman and Wisemans Ferry13

The present day locality of Wisemans Ferry is named after Solomon Wiseman, a prominent early settlerand colourful historic figure. Transported for stealing, he arrived in NSW in 1806. In 1810 he receiveda ticket-of-leave and in 1812 an absolute pardon. Wiseman became involved in various commercialventures including shipping and inn-keeping in Sydney.

Although most of his formal land grants are dated in the 1830s, Solomon Wiseman was present in thearea now known as Wisemans Ferry from 1817, occupying land grants promised to him by GovernorMacquarie for 100 acres and 50 acres respectively.(also see Section 2.4, following).

On March 2 1788, only weeks after establishing camp at Port Jackson, Governor Phillip set out toexamine Broken Bay which Captain Cook had mentioned in 17701. Brisbane Water, Cowan Creek, and Pittwater were explored during this journey 2 • In June 1789Phillip once again organised a party to explore the Broken Bay area, entered and named theHawkesbury River in honour of Charles Jenkinson, Earl of Liverpool and Baron Hawkesbury, and thePresident of the Council of Trade and Plantations.3 Running short of provisions in late June Phillip wasprematurely forced to return to Sydney Cove having only briefly explored the Hawkesbury, reaching apoint somewhere in the vicinity of Lower Portland Head (ie. present day Wisemans Ferry). A fewweeks later exploration was resumed from this area w~h Phillip and his party noting the MacdonaldRiver (the "First Branch"), the Colo River (the "Second Branch") and the Grose River, before ultimatelyreaching Richmond Hill 4.

The Aboriginal name for the river was 'Deerubbin'. The name selected by Phillip, however, aptlycaptures his vision of the Hawkesbury as a beneficial and v~al link between settlement, produce andcolonial trade. Phillip had mounted the initial expedition to Broken Bay so as to locate suitable land forfood production as a matter of urgency.s The colony's meagre supplies were rapidly dwindling,several attempts at planting crops and growing vegetables had failed, there were no native crops, atleast none recognisable to European palates, and the soil in many parts was sand or clay.s In a letterto Lord Sydney dated 13 February 1790, Phillip outlined the potential for even the largest merchantships to navigate a safe route along the Hawkesbury River, and this, coupled with the discovery ofextensive tracts of fertile soil led Phillip to comment that ''the great advantages of so noble a river,when settlement can be made on its banks, will be obvious to your Lordship"7.

After Phillip's return to England Lieutenant Governor Grose made efforts to settle the upperHawkesbury region. By August 1794 cultivation of the land had commenced and there were aboutseventy settleis occupying farm alloimenis of approximateiy twenty five acres on the bank of theHawkesbury near Wilberforce Ridge. The population in the area grew steadily during the ensuingyears. By 1799 there were nearly 1100 settlers occupying the upper reaches and creeks. Six yearslater there were almost 2000 settlers in the district and land grants extended down to the Colo RiverS.

The lower reaches of the Hawkesbury "lacked the expansive fertile flood plains of the higher parts ofthe river, but there were, nonetheless, many places along the banks of the river that could besatisfactorily farmed".9 ,and as a result between 1810 and 1820 most of the Hawkesbury river flatsbetween the Colo and the Macdonald Rivers had been occupied, w~h farms also spreading up boththese rivers and along Webbs Creek 10. The first official land grant on the lower Hawkesbury was madeto G W Moore in 1810 for land near Webbs Creek11

• In 1818, James Meehan surveyed the area aroundLower Portland Head measuring land for several settlers and noting the presence of three houses,one hut and two wharves 12.

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2.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

2.1 European Discovery and Early Settlement of The Hawkesbury

Siobhan Lavelle, in association with Dr Grace Karskensfor the Dharug and Lower f-jawkesbury Historical Society

page 3

1998

No direct evidence has been found which links the "well" on Portion 70 to Solomon Wiseman, otherthan his early ownership and general occupation in the area of this grant and adjoining land parcels.

In 1825 Heneage Finch selected the line for the Great North Road through part of Wiseman'sproperty. This included a river crossing about 2 kilometres down river from Lower Portland Head, withthe line of road passing through Wiseman's Portion 33 (refer to historic map series in Appendix C).

The selection and building of the Great North Road, intended to link Sydney and the Hunter Valley,resulted in a large convict labour force being stationed in the vicinity of Wisemans Ferry between 1827and 1832. This labour force was necessary for the massive works required in constructing the descentto and ascent from the Hawkesbury River crossing. The concentration of convicts also necessitatedthe piovisioil of anoiiiary facilities such as the roadside siaiions ('siockades').

The 1822 Land and Stock Muster notes Solomon Wiseman as owning some 280 acres, held by grantand purchase, whilst his possession of 2 horses, 80 hogs, 800 bushels of wheat and 1500 bushels ofmaize, point to successful enterprise 14.The Muster also notes "Windsor" as the place of residence,however, this probably reflects the role of Windsor as the early administrative centre of theHawkesbury rather than an actual location. It is not unusual for settlers in remote areas to be listed inthis way.

page 4

2.3 The Great North Road

Wiseman subsequently acquired both the initial ferry licence and lucrative contracts to supply theconvict road gangs with rations. He became an extremely wealthy man, constructing a new mansionfor himself, "Cobham Hall", during the 1820s. The 1828 Census notes Solomon Wiseman as holding1100 acres and residing at Lower Portland Head with six assigned servants in his employ as well as 6horses and 80 cattle. Wiseman's second wife, Sophia, and several of his children are also resident atLower Portland Head15. Wiseman's dominant role in the area was reflected in the change of its name toWisemans Ferry. Solomon Wiseman died at Wisemans Ferry in 1838.

WISEMAN'S / WARNER'S WELLHistorical Archaeological Assessment and Management Recommendations

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In 1828, Assistant Surveyor, Lieutenant Jonathon Warner, who was stationed at Lower PortlandHead wrote to the Colonial Secretary. His letter makes direct reference to the existence of a freshwater supply, in use for the convict gangs, as follows:

At this point the Hawkesbury River is saline, meaning that the river itself does not provide a source offresh water 16. The provision of adequate water supplies for the convict road gangs engaged inconstruction of the road and also for stock would therefore have been of primary importance.

"...in consequence of a long continued nuisance of upwards of one hundred pigs belonging toMr Wiseman daily rolling themselves in the salt water mud, and then running into a fresh watercreek that -r have had- much trouble m·secUring sO as to retain ffie Iresh" water for the us·e·of thegangs at this station (which is the nearest water we can get, and it at a distance of one mile fromthe huts) ordered Joseph Anderson, life, Kennedy [Canada] (scourger to the gangs) to attend atthe said creek and assist Mr Wiseman's stockmen in preventing the pigs from furtherimpregnating the water..." 17

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Siobhan Lavelle, in association with Dr Grace Karskensfor the Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society 1998

2.4 Land Title Information for Portion 70

This single reference may be considered a tantalising hint - as subsequently there is no furthermention of this supply or the associated issue of its pollution by wandering stock. Thus, thedocumentary evidence reviewed for the study indicates that, despite its obvious importance, there islittle specific reference made concerning the need for, or the provision of, adequate water supplies.

The Road Gang Reports also do not contain any specific reference to men sent to build any watersupply structure such as the "well" situated on Portion 70. The reports are not continuous, they jumpin date from November 1827 to March 1828, that is, after Lieutenant Warner wrote his letter to theColonial Secretary.

-1-2 April 1841. Lease and Release (Old System Title, Book V, No.686).John Wiseman & Mary his wife; Thomas Wiseman & Jane his wife;Thomas Crawford & Mary his wife; John Martin Davis & Sarah his wife;to Richard Alexander Wiseman. £3600.100ac Parish-of-60rnelia-,-bounded-NEandWbyHawkesburyHiver, S byCaswells Farm50 ac Parishes of Frederick and Cornelia, bounded on N by Caswells farm and E by Hawkesbury River20 ac Parish od Cornelia, bounded N by line commencing at Wisemans SE corner (etc) and on E byHawkesbury River.

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- 27 December 1845 (actually lodged 2 October 1856). (Old System Title, Book 45, No. 435).Richard Alexander Wiseman (by John Brown and George Rattray Trustees for Insolvency)to George Morant Simpson.Assignment of all the right, title, interest of the said freehold estate of and property of the saidR A Wiseman wheresoever situate and remaining unsold and undisposed of by the said Trustees.(Estate of RA Wiseman sequestrated by Supreme Court Order dated 13 December 1843).

- 3 March 1848 (Old System Title, Book 16, No.314)G M Simpson to George Rattray. Reconveyance.All interest etc in estate of R A Wiseman, etc.

The Road Gang reports do, however, provide some indication of the importance of water to thegangs, each gang comprising an average of 50 men. Gangs were stationed 'on the hill aboveWisemans' commencing with the No 4 Iron Gang in early 1827. In May 1827 the No 3 Iron Gang hasone man 'carrying water' (possibly for No 4 as well) as they built the descent to Wisemans. By 3-8March 1828 Nos 3 and 4 Iron Gangs have 3 water carriers each. By 12 January 1829 No 4 Iron Ganghas 4 water carriers; as does No 9 Iron Gang. By this time not only is the weather much hotter (beingmid-summer) more labour is also being concentrated on the extensive roadworks necessary atWisemans. By 19 April 1829 the No 9 Iron Gang has 3 water carriers, and Nos 3 and 4 Iron Gangs have4 water carriers each. This increase in the resources allocated to procuring water may be considered tofurther confirm its vital importance 18.

A Land Title search was completed for Portion 70 in an attempt to supplement the available historicand graphic information. The "well" structure is now on land described as Lot 20 DP 856306. A copyof the current edition of the Certificate of Title for this allotment is included in Appendix E of this report(computer folio 20/856306). The Land Title Search has established the following transactions:

- 16 October, 1830Cro\A.,'n Grant toSo!omon \AJiseman, 50 acres. Portion 70, Parish of Cornelia, County of Cumbeiland.(Serial 28, p17, Land promised by Governor Macquarie 10/9/1817 and granted by Governor Darling).

-29-30 March 1841. Lease and Release (Old System Title, Book V, No.427).Sophia Wiseman, widow of Solomon (first part); to Richard Alexander Wiseman, John Wiseman,Thomas Wiseman, Thomas Crawford and John Martin Davis (second part).All and singular the lands, messuages, tenements, herediaments and real estate of him the saidSolomon Wiseman. £1500 paid by the parties of the second part in equal shares.


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• 17 February 1871 (Old System Title, Book 123, No. 873)James Walmsley to William Henry Simpson. Mortgage. £200.128 ac 1 r 13 p.

• 4 August 1875 (Old System Title, Book152, No.693)Reconveyance. Simpson to Walmsley.

• 1 May 1859 (Old System Title, Book 72, No.262)J G Doyle to James Walrnsley.Conveyance. £725.128 ac 1 r 13 p, County of Cumberland, Parish of Cornelia at Wisemans Point.The map from this conveyance is included in Appendix C.

• 5 July 1858 (Old System Title, Book 74 , No.287)Mary Wiseman (widow), Jane Wiseman (widow), Thomas Crawford and Mary his wife,Mary Wiseman (spinster), John Martin Davis and Sarah his wife.to James George Doyle.Deed of confirmation on account of Indenture dated April 1841 not having been acknowledgedby Mary Wiseman, Mary Crawford and Sarah Davis.

• 18 November 1851 (Old System Title, Book 21, No. 873)George Rattray and John Brown to John Thacker and William Fane de Salis.Conveyance of Equity of Redemption of Mortgage. Mortagage made 18 August 1841 ,R A and M A Wiseman to Matthew Dysart Hunter (Book X, No.s 162 and 164). £8500 and £15000.M 0 Hunter conveyed his equity to J Thacker, M Mason and W F de Salis. Mortgage not repaid.

• 23 June 1856 (Old System Title, Book 55, No.994)J Thacker and W F de Salis to James George Doyle.Conveyance. £1,250.100ac, 50 ac and 20 ac, Parishes of Cornelia and Frederick, on Hawkesbury River.

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• 4 December 1906 (Torrens Title Register, Volume 1194, Folios 125,126,127).Certificates of Title issued for 3 joint shares in 63 ac, 2 r, 1 p , being Lot 6 DP 4564, comprisingpart of 50 acs (Portion 70 of Parish) part of 20 acs (Portion 33) part of 25 acs (Portion 25). Held by:Richard Oswald Walmsley (minor)William Harold WalmsleyJames William WalmsleyApplication by Transmission 0485496, transfer of 1/3 share from W H Walmsley toLillian Margaret Walmsley (widow) and James Robert Walmsley.Transfer 0485497, 24 April 1946, Lillian Margaret Walmsley and James Robert Walmsley toWilliam Harold Walmsley and Richard Oswald Walmsley.

• 6 November 1875 (Old System Title, Book155, No.812)Mortgage. £200. James Walmsley to John Walmsley.

• 30 August 1881 (Old System Title, Book227, No.601)Discharge of Mortgage.

• PA No 7074 lodged to bring various land parcels held by James Walmsley under Torrens Title.New Certificate of Title issued, Volume 874, Folio 31, 19 March 1888.207 acres and one rood, comprising:100 acs and 50 acs originally granted to Solomon Wiseman 16/10/1830;20 acs originally granted to Solomon Wiseman 19/10/1831;25 acs originally granted to James Walmsley 20/11/1867 (Volume 59, Folio 24).The map from this certificate is included in Appendix C.(Note that the following CT indicates that the land described as 207 acres was actually larger).

-.'19 June 18-96 (Torrens TiUeHegister~Volume1194, Folio 5). --,.Certificate of Title issued for residue of land after Transfer No. 251926 (to the Crown).209 acres, 2 roods and 22 perches.

• 18 September 1905Deposited Plan No. 4654 prepared for the subdivision of Portions 32, 33, part of 39 and 70(copy in Appendix C).

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• The "weii" structure is situated on Lot 20 of OP 856306 (an area of 2.807 ha). The aiiotment hasbeen leased to the Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society for 5 years, with options torenew the lease over a subsequent 40 year period. As noted, a copy of the current edition of theCertificate of Title for this allotment is included in Appendix E of this report (computer folio20/856306).

• Portion 70 is Lots 3 and 4 in DP 578626, dated 23 June 1975.(Volume 12859 Foli07 is the certificate of title for Lot 4).

• DP 832344 dated 23 August 1993, subdivides Lot 4 of DP 578626 (part Portion 70) and part ofPortion 32. The subsequent Lot 9, DP 832344 comprising 9.230 hectares was acquired by TransGlobal Property Developments in 1994 (Computer folio 9/832344).

• DP 856306 dated 5 March 1996, subdivides Lot 9 in DP 832344 and Lot 1 in DP 232210.

The other documentary evidence potentially relevant to the study comprises the various historicmaps. Most of interest for the present study is Mitchell's well-known 1829 sketch of the old and newcrossings of the Hawkesbury, which seems to show a cluster of buildings down on the river bank inJ!)e viRin.itY-9f th~ 'w~II'; ~ISQ possibly th~ §it~ of Wi$~mg!J'$_~r!y hotel ~nd, pr~symal:>ly, Qytpyi!<:lin.g§. _H F White's 'Survey of Part of the Dividing Range in the County of Cumberland' 1831 shows varioussettlers in clearings along the river bank, but these appear to be too far south. The maps thereforearen't very helpful in clarifying the presence of the 'well' or any other water supply structure. By way ofcomparison with other known early features however, it should be noted that a similar situation existswith the two road stations ('stockade' sites). They aren't marked on these maps anywhere either, it isonly material remains and chance remarks which identify them.

An historic map series for the area of Wisemans Ferry (and Portion 70) has been collated in AppendixC of this report.

• 27 August 1946 (Torrens Title Register, Volume 5601, Folios 90,91).

After transfers and surrender of other titles for consolidation, new certificates of title are issued for twohalf shares in 149 acres, being Lots 4,5 and 6 in DP 4654, and comprising:Part of 100 acs (39 of Parish) granted to Solomon Wiseman 16/10/1830Part of 50 acs (70 of Parish) granted to Solomon Wiseman 16/10/1830Part of 20 acs (33 of Parish) granted to Solomon Wiseman 19/10/1831Part of 25 acs (32 of Parish) granted to James Walmsley 20/11/1867.Vol 5601 Fol 90, William Harold WalmsleyVol 5601 Fol 91, Richard Oswald Walmsley

Transfer G995980, 1 July 1958 from R 0 Walmsley to W H Walmsley,Lots Band C in miscellaneous plan of subdivision, MPS (RP) 105585 (= DP 405585).Transfer G995981, 1 July 1958 from W H Walmsley to R 0 Walmsley (of the residue).

• 16 April 1959 (Torrens Title Register, Volume7676, FoIi0155).William Harold Walmsley. Proprietor of Lots Band C in MPS (RP) 105585 and Lot 6 and Part of Lot 5 inDP 4654.85 acs, 1 rd, 143/4 per, being Portion 70 and part of 39, part of 33, part of 32.

• Subsequent subdivisions are created by Deposited Plans, OP 566903 (Portion 70 is Lot 2) andDP 578626.

page 7


2 . 5 Other Documentary Evidence (Maps)


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Plans and photographs which record the structure described and assessed by this report, areincluded in Appendices A and B.

As the well was excavated into the side of the hill the eastern side remains open. This leads to arelatively level area which would have provided an easy access point for people, carts and the wateringof stock. A line of stone pieces is also evident, which defines a circular edge on the eastern side of theexcavated feature.

The centre of the originally excavated structure has become partly filled with silt, leaf litter and othermaterial washed in from the adjoining gully.This has meant that the centre of the structure no longerholds a clean water supply. The central area remains extremely soggy and it is likely that if the centrewere re-excavated that it would again trap and store water.

The structure described and assessed by this report may be described as both a soak and a "well".Essentially it is an excavation designed to trap water from surrounding material. The structure wasconstructed as a partial excavation into the side of a steep natural gully. The structure has dimensionsof about 4.4 x 4.3 metres (north-south and east-west). It is sub-circular in shape, suggesting that it mayhave been originally constructed with an intended 'diameter' of about 14 feet. (Refer to Figure 2 inAppendix A).

page 8

The south,west and north sides of the structure are lined with low masonry walling. This walling isconstructed of roughly squared but otherwise unworked sandstone blocks. The walling is mostsubstantial on the west side where it is approximately 1.2 metres high. Between four and six masonry'courses' are evident with a mixture of random and stack bonding. Some of the interstices betweenthe larger joints are packed with small rubble pieces. The masonry walling retains the earth bankbehind it, thereby preventing its collapse and the entry of soil or other debris into the water supplyentrapped by the well excavation.

3.0 PHYSICAL EVIDENCE· DESCRIPTION OF THE WELL


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Additional features in the environs of the well are extensive stone rubble and earth embankmentswhich extend on the north and south sides of the structure. There is also an extensive line of stonerubble which commences about 7 metres west of the well and continues down the hill slope in anortheast direction for about 15 metres. This material has been deliberately placed and includes someroughly worked and squared pieces as well as rubble. Its purpose appears to be to direct the peak flowof the adjacent intermittment stream away from the excavated well thereby preventing itscontamination. About 2 metres from the northwest 'corner' of the well there is also a large boulderwhich features a picked face and two deep wedge pits. This item suggests that the well was built usingthe boulders c10seby which were split and quarried to produce the roughly squared stone piecesused in the construction of the structure.

1998Siobh€m Lavelle, in association with Or Grace Karskensfor the Oharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society

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_- --------- --- --=Fhe-formand style of the masonry workused--in-the--!!well"-structure- is very similar to the type ofconstruction used for the late 1820s roadworks, especially some of the (relatively) less sophisticatedwork which may be found for example on the 1828 ascent surviving on the north side of theHawkesbury River. In particular the more substantial walling of the western side of the "well" conforms

Iwith Karskens' Type 2a masonry typology. This is where:"The stones have been roughly squared with an axe or hammer and there are vague attempts atcoursing and jointing."19

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4.1 Other Comparative Structures

In an attempt to confirm the secure dating and correct interpretation of the "well" structure on Lot 20DP 856306, an effort was made during the present study to compare it with other similar water supplyitems. These include other surviving "wells" reputed to be associated with roadworks of the earlycolonial period and wells recorded within the area of the former Government Farm at Castle Hill.

Other wells reputed to relate to early roadworks exist near Portion 100, off the Old Northern Road atMaroota and also on Mt York in the Blue Mountains. These items are shown in photographs inAppendix D of this report. The well at Maroota is 3-4 metres in diameter, unlined, and is essentially acircular excavation through topsoil and the underlying bedrock. It may relate to the originalconstruction of the Great North Road. Two surviving wells on Mt York are reputed to be associatedwith the numerous road descents which led off the western side of the Blue Mountains, and possiblyeven with the earliest of these, Cox's Road, which was constructed in 1815. This exceedingly earlydate seems unlikely, although a c1820s date could be possible 20. The two Mt York wells are unlinedand are essentially circular excavations of 3-4 metres in diameter through the topsoil and bedrock.Thus, these other potentially road-related water supply structures are extremely primitive in their form.Digging of these items by hand obviously required the presence of a reasonable labour force and it istherefore quite possible that they relate to a period when other works such as road construction werein progress.

In the context of the present study, however, the absence of any lining or stone coursing means thatthe Maroota or Mt York wells are not particularly similar to the ''well'' structure on Lot 20 DP 856306near Wisemans Ferry. All structures are only generally similar in being fairly standard size and shapeexcavations intended to trap and hold water.

More interesting for the present study, however, are two early wells which were recorded on the siteof the Government Farm / Lunatic Asylum at Castle Hill. Reports documenting these items have beenprepared bv Birminaham in 1981 and Bickford in 1990 21

•

Photographs of these two wells are included in Appendix D.Well (Site 1) is 3.4 metres in diameter and 2.9 metres in depth.Well (Site 19) is 3.6 metres in diameter and 2.5 metres in depth.

Historical evidence from an early painting dated c181 0 (or even earlier, possibly pre1803) indicatesthat a depression or excavation in the area now occupied by the well noted as site 1 was used toobtain water. A report written by Superintendent Bennett in 1824 which requests that covers beplaced over existing wells, indicates that formal wells had been constructed by this stage 22. Both ofthe wells shown in the photographs in Appendix D may date from as early as phase 1 of theGovernment Farm (ie pre-181 0) but in any event they must date to the period prior to 1824.

The two Government Farm wells show some important similarities in their construction to the well___.structure on Lot 20 DP 856306 being dealt withinthis.report.-In.particular the wells feature theuse of

roughly squared split stone blocks arranged as 5 to 6 rough masonry courses, as the lining of thestructure. Below the masonry lining the wells are excavated into the bedrock. Thus, as with the wellnear Wiseman's Ferry, the masonry walling serves to retain the surrounding earth/topsoil and preventit from collapsing and contaminating the water supply.

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4.0 ANALYSIS and INTERPRETATION

Siobhan Lavelle, in association with Dr Grace Karskensfor the Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society

page 9

1998

The quote from Warner in February 1828 (given in Section 2.3) seems to describe the "well" structureon Lot 20 OP 856306 near Wisemans Ferry in both its location and style perfectly viz: 'a fresh watercreek that I have had much trouble in securing so as to retain the fresh water for the use of the gangsat this station (which is the nearest water we can get, and it at a distance of one mile from the huts)'.

If this is indeed the structure he was talking about, tt was probably built some time in 1827 when orbefore the gangs first arrived at Wiseman's; they started working there in April 1827, (82 menstationed there, Nos 3 and 4 Iron Gangs). Warner wrote to the Colonial Secretary on 25 January 1827that he was about to leave for Wiseman's Ferry to take up his appointment. He may have had thewell/soak built sometime between January and April 1827, or perhaps just after the gangs arrived.

Although the well is situated on land occupied and granted to Solomon Wiseman it seems from thisevidence that it might be more accurately referred to as "Warner's Well" rather than Wisemans. Thepresence of this structure would certainly have been convenient for Wiseman and for others requiringa reliable water supply. It is perhaps interesting to note that the "well" is different from most other socalled wells in having the open entry area on the eastern side. This feature would have permitted veryeasy access for carts and also for stock. In the nineteenth century Wiseman's Ferry remained a majorpoint where cattle from the Hunter Valley and other northern districts were brought across theHawkesbury, and as the river is saline, it also seems likely that the ''well'' on Portion 70 would haveprovided an important water supply source for cattle and other stock.

In terms of its physical evidence, the construction used in the ''well'' is very similar in form and characterto the type of construction used by convict gangs in other structures such as road retaining walls,which are securely dated to the late 1820s. The "well" structure on Lot 20 OP 856306 near WisemansFerry is also extremely close in its style and construction to the two wells recorded on the site of theGovernment Farm at Castle Hill which were installed in the early nineteenth century.

From the historical and physical evidence tt is concluded that the "well" structure on Lot 20 OP856306 near Wisemans Ferry is indeed an early water supply structure.

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4.2 Conclusions from the Historical and Physical Evidence


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1998

Criteria used to assess the degree of significance are:

5.2 NSW Heritage Assessment Criteria

Criterion A - representativeness. Items having this value are significant because they represent animportant class of significant items or environments.

Criterion B - rarity. An item meeting this value is significant because it reflects a rare, endangered, orunusual aspect of our history or cultural environment.

The concept of cultural significance attempts to define the aspects of a place or item which make it ofvalue to the community. The term, "cultural significance" is defined in the Burra Charter as "aesthetic,historic, scientific or social value for past, present or future generations". This definition is alsointerchangeable with the term "environmental heritage", as defined by the NSW Heritage Act, 1977:where it "means those buildings, works, relics or places of historic, scientific, cultural, social,archaeological, architectural, natural or aesthetic significance":22 Of these listed adjectives, "cultural"significance has become the generic term, with the other adjectives attempting to provide morecomprehensive detail.

The methodology and guidelines used to assess cultural significance have been standardised byconservation practitioners in recent years and there is now a considerable quantity of material on thissubject published and disseminated by a number of heritage authorities and groups.

page 11

The NSW heritage management system is outlined in the NSW Heritage Manual, (1996). Theframework established by the NSW heritage system identifies three major stages in the managementprocess. They are: Investigate Significance; Assess Significance; Manage Significance.

Criteria for assessing heritage significance are presented in the Heritage Assessments section of theNSW Heritage Manual. There are two types of criteria, those which deal with the nature ofsignificance (a range of values) and those which deal with the degree of significance (comparativevalues). The criteria are as follows:

Criterion 1 - historical significance (evolution and association). An item having this value is significantbecause of the importance of its association with, or position in the evolving pattern of our culturalhistory.

Criterion 2 - aesthetic significance (scenic/architectural qualities, creative accomplishment). An itemhaving this value is significant because it demonstrates positive visual or sensory appeal, landmarkqualities and/or creative or technical excellence.

Criterion 3 - technicaVresearch significance (archaeological, industrial, educational, research potentialand scientific significance values). Items having this value are significant because of their contribution,or potential contribution to an understanding of our cultural history or environment.

Criterion 4 - social significance (contemporary community esteem). Items having this value aresignificant through their social, spiritual or cultural association with a recognisable community.._. - -- -- --. -- - -- - - . -

5.1 The Concept Of Cultural Significance

5.0 ASSESSMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE


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II

Siobhan Lavelle, in association with Or Grace Karskensfor the Oharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society 1998

6.0 CONSERVATION POLICY

• Physical setting - The well relates both historically and physically to the earlier alignment of the GreatNorth Road approaching the first ferry crossing of the Hawkesbury River.

• That any works completed should enhance the cultural significance of the well structure;

• That any future works or other maintenance of this structure and/or its environs should besympathetic to its identified heritage values.

In Burra Charter terms the most appropriate procedures for this item would be preservation andrestoration. A policy of 'minimum intervention' should be adopted to guide any future works.

Section 5.3 (preceding) indicates that the "well" structure on Lot 20 OP 856306 is clearly an item ofenvironmental heritage both for the local Wisemans Ferry community, and for the Hornsby Shire,which has historic, aesthetic, and interpretative value for current and future generations. The structureshould there~o~~ be conse.~e:dand mar:u~g.ed so that all its significant attributes are retained.

Basic conservation policy principles which should be adopted for the treatment of this structure are:

• That works completed by the site owner/site lessee do not detract from the cultural significance ofthe well;

page 12

1998Siobhcin Lavelle, in association with Dr Grace Karskensfor the Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society

5 . 3 Significance of the "Well" structure on Lot 20 DP 856306

In applying the criteria of 5.2, above, the "well" on Lot 20 OP 856306 may be considered significantfor the following reasons:

• Historic Associations - The well appears to be associated with the historically significant Great NorthRoad which was originally established on a line close to this location in the 1820s. The documentaryevidence reviewed for this report suggests that the well was probably constructed under thesupervision of Lieutenant Warner. The structure has strong associations with the early period ofoccupation of the Wisemans Ferry area.

• Aesthetic /Technical - The well is a largely intact example of an eariy nineteenth century structure.The well demonstrates construction techniques typical of the convict workmanship of the 1820s butapplied in this instance for a particular and specific purpose, namely water supply. The well structureon Lot 20 OP 856306 has close parallels in both form and style with other securely dated earlynineteenth century convict-built water supply structures.

• Ability to demonstrate - In addition to illustrating the techniques and styles of construction, the wellstructure also demonstrates the importance of securing an adequate water supply to serve the roadgangs in this remote location.

• Rarity - The well is a rare form of purpose-built water supply structure. No directly parallel structureshave so far been noted elsewhere on other colonial roads, making this an unusual and possiblyunique road-line feature. (Although it has parallels with other early nineteenth century wells it is notdirectly similar to those water supply structures which have been found in association with other earlyroad precincts, and being built into the slope, it is also different from the Castle Hill examples).

• Group value - The well is one of a number of highly significant historical archaeological sites and roadprecincts which record the earlier alignments and associated features of the Great North Road in themodern Wisemans Ferry area. The significance of each individual structure or set of road features isenhanced by the existence of the others, especially for comparison and interpretation.


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7 . 2 Other Heritage Listings

The term "relic" is defined in the Heritage Act, 1977, as amended in 1987, as:

The Heritage Act, 1977, (ammended 1987) was enacted to ensure that the environmental heritage ofNew South Wales would be adequately identified and conserved.

The relics provisions of the Heritage Act would therefore provide some incidental control overpossible developments or other projects which might require the moving, excavation or disturbanceof any elements or components of the "well" structure and/or its immediate environs.

page 13

" A person shall not disturb or excavate any land for the purpose of discovering, exposing, or moving arelic, not being a relic subject to a conservation instrument, except in accordance with an excavationpermit."

" any deposit, object or material evidence -(a) which relates to the settlement of the area that comprises New South Wales, not being

Aboriginal settlement; and(b) which is 50 or more years old." (Section 4(1)).

The ''well'' structure described and assessed by this report would fall within this definition.

Section 139 of the Heritage Act, 1977, states that:

WISEMAr.;j"'S / WARNER'S WELLHistorical Archaeological Assessment and ManagementRecommendations

7 . 1 The Heritage Act, 1977

7.0 HERITAGE STATUS

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I .... I

The Australian Heritage Commission database currently includes a listing for "Solomon Wiseman'sWell" as an Indicative Place. (Database Number: 017801; File Number: 1/13/016/0016). An Indicativeplace is one where data provided to or obtained by the Commission has been entered into thedatabase and the place is at some stage in the assessment process. The Commission has not made adecision on whether the place should be entered in the Register.

A copy of the AHC information is included in the Appendices to this report.

7 .2;2-----The Australian -Heritage -Commission- (Federal)

The Australian Heritage Commission is a federal statutory authority established under the AustralianHeritage Commission Act, 1975, as the Commonwealth Government's policy advisory andadministrative body responsible for the National Estate. The Act prevents any CommonwealthDepartment or instrumentality, or any organisation using Commonwealth funds, from taking any actionwhich might adversely affect a place included in the Register of the National Estate, except wherethere is no 11 feasible and prudent 11 alternative. The Act does not control the activities of nonCommonwealth agencies or owners.

When items are listed in the heritage schedule of a Local Environmental Plan (L.E.P.) usually followingidentification in an Heritage Study, they are offered protection by the heritage provisions containedwithin the plan which will require a Council's consent for certain actions or activities. The currentplanning instrument which includes provisions to protect and conserve heritage items is the HornsbyShire Local Environmental Plan, 1994. A list of identified items to which the heritage provisions applyis provided in Schedule D.

The Hornsby Shire Local Environmental Plan, 1994, does not currently identify or schedule the "well"structure on Lot 20 DP 856306 which has been recorded and assessed in this report.

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Siobhan Lavelle, in association with Or Grace Karskensfor the Oharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society 1998

In accordance with the policy suggested in Section 6.0 of this report, the preservation and permanentconservation of the "well" is the most appropriate objective for any future management.

The "well" structure recorded by this report, and its immediate enivrons are generally in goodcondition and little intervention is required. The environs of the well include a steep gully filled withregrowth native vegetati9n, a cleared paddock covered with non-indigenous grass species, theSingleton Road and thence an open floodplain/terrace to tha Hawkesbury River.

Although no direct or immediate threats to the "well" ~re evident, potential threats include erosion andsedimentation - particularly by water, vegetation growth, and human factors such as overly heavyvisitation and/or deliberate vandalism or other damage. In its original design and configuration the"well" has already been provided with features to assist with control of sedimentation.

The present setting of the "well" structure should be maintained. Existing native trees andunderstorey vegetation should be maintained. ~ is not expected that the endemic native speciespose any threat to the conservation of the significant built fabric of the "well" structure.

Existing elements of the landscape should be conserved and maintained. No new major landscapeelements should be introduced as these would be visually intrusive and would a~er the existingbushland setting, which helps to evoke the isolation and remoteness of the pioneer period. No newfeatures which would obscure the significance of the place should be introduced. This provisionincludes items such as fence~ or seating, etc., which should not be introduced.

The "well" should be managed primarily as a conservation reserve and an historic site, with a lesserrole as an open space/passive recreation resource for the community. Whilst use of the site as aneducational and research resource would be acceptable, other uses such as overnight camping, orpicnicking which involves the removal of trees for the lighting of fires and/or rubbish discard, areinappropriate. The introduction of rubbish receptacles is not recommended. Regular maintenanceshould include provision for periodic collection and removal of rubbish (eg, by occasional 'workingbees' or similar activities).

The "well" has essentially been protected and remained in good condition precisely because it hasnot previously attracted high levels of visitation. This is particularly relevant when considering thepossibility of future vandalism if the "well" was to receive additional wide exposure and/or publicpromotion.

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8.0 MANAGEMENT ISSUES • DISCUSSION


page 14

1998

• This report and policy recommendations should be considered by the client and, if accepted, shouldbe adopted as a basis for the future care, conservation and management of the "well" structure on Lot20 DP 856306.

• Consideration should also be given by the client to the circulation of copies of the report to relevantparties in order that comments, and where appropriate endorsement and support for the actionsproposed, may be sought. Such parties include Hornsby Council and relevant heritage agencies.

o---------------------------- 0

• The "well" structure on Lot 20 DP 856306 is clearly an item of heritage significance for the HornsbyShire. It should therefore be afforded permanent statutory protection and formal recognition throughidentification as an Heritage Item in the appropriate Schedule of the current or subsequently updatedLocal Environmental Plan or other appropriate environmental planning instrument.

• If it were to become threatened by unsympathetic management or surrounding developmentproposals affecting its curtilage, the "well" should be nominated for other forms of protection andrecognition including formal entry in the Register of the National Estate and a PermanentConservation Order under the NSW Heritage Act.

• As an item of heritage significance, it is appropriate that the "well" continue to be managed by theDharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society. The options on the existing lease should berenewed at necessary intervals.

• The structure and its immediate environs are generally in good condition and little intervention isrequired.One block displaced from the west wall could be reinstated to its correct location. No newfeatures which would obscure the significance of the place should be introduced. This provisionincludes items such as seating, etc.

• The curtilage (paddock) may require some further treatment. The present vegetation regime is notnative and creates an access and management issue, although the grass appears to be periodically'slashed'. Reinstatement of the endemic vegetation! bush regeneration could be considered.More specific professional advice may be necessary to implement this type of additional work.Access to the well could be formalised by means of a more defined pathway (using a non-intrusive,construction, material and alignment). As an alternative to a "permanent" path, an accessway could beselected and kept clear by periodic mowing.

• The site is appropriate for interpretation. Methods would include signage (Iow-key), leafletsdistributed through appropriate agencies; tours. Copies of relevant material from this report might beincorporated into a small brochure which could be distributed locally.An informative and sympathetically designed sign or other marker may be introduced and any signageshould be in the vicinity of the "well" itself. Media used for the interpretation on-site should be of asuitably high standard of design as well as durable and vandal resistant. Directional information to thesite should be provided on leaflets or in the village of Wisemans Ferry. The "well" could easily belinked with other nearby sites and used as part of a local "open air museum" of convict work andconditions associated with colonial road building.

• Continuing research and publication should be encouraged, especially through the DLHHS,particularly as additional information might be found which would further assist the development of siteinterpretation, especially as linked to the history of the surrounding area of Wisemans Ferry.

• Involvement of volunteers from the surrounding community (including historical societies andcommJJnity servjce Qr-9anisations) in .the ongoing care_oUhe "well" should .be.encouraged.

• Vandalism and inappropriate use may be discouraged by:official signage/marking; regular supervision (using co-operation of new residents and local people).

• Further excavation or re-excavation of the ''well'' structure is not considered necessary or desirable atpresent. If the "well" was again to collect and hold a significant quantity of water this may create moreserious management issues.The structure can easily be interpreted in its present form and condition.

page 15


9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS


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1 An extract from Captain Cook's log book shows that at sunset on 6 May 1770 he was drifting up thecoast about eight miles north of Manly and that the land to the northwest was 'broken' and looked likea bay. This is fact was not the bay which is now called Broken Bay but closer to Long Reef some tenmiles south. See "Early History of the Hawkesbury River, New South Wales" in Our QuarterlyMagazine, May 1919, p 15-19.2 Historical Records of New South Wales, Volume 1, Part 2, Phillip 1783-1792, Government Printer,Sydney, 1892, p127.3 Historical Records of New South Wales, Volume 1, Part 2, Phillip 1783-1792, Government Printer,Sydney, 1892, p 305.4 A M Dash, "Phillip's Exploration of the Hawkesbury River", in Hawkesbury River History: GovernorPhillip's Exploration and Early Settlement, Jocelyn Powell and Lorraine Banks (eds), Dharug andLower Hawkesbury Historical Society, 1990, p11-30.The Ferry The Branch The Creek: Aspects of Hawkesbury History, Dharug and Lower HawkesburyHistorical Society, 1987, p 8.S See J Powell, "Early Hakwesbury River Settlement: Subsistence, Agriculture, and Industries," inHawkesbury River History: Governor Phi/lip's Exploration and Early Settlement, Jocelyn Powell andLorraine Banks (eds), Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society, 1990, p 43-98.6 Donald Horne, The Australian People: Biography ofa Nation, Sydney, 1972, p 5.7 Historical Records of New South Wales, Volume 1, Part 2, Phillip 1783-1792, Government Printer,Sydney, 1892, p 305.8 J Powell, "Early Hawkesbury River Settlemenf' in Hawkesbury River History, op. cit., P 45.9 L Banks and J Powell (Eds), The Ferry The Branch The Creek: Aspects of Hawkesbury History,Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society, corrected edition, 1988, p 1.10 J Powell in Hawkesbury River History, op. cit., P 45.11 L Banks, "Developments Along the Lower Hawkesbury River 1789-1889", in Hawkesbury RiverHistory: Governor Phillip's Exploration and Early Settlement, Jocelyn Powell and Lorraine Banks (eds),Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society, 1990, p 99-110.lan Jack gives 1817 as the date of the earliest formal land grant in the area, and states that this was toSolomon Wiseman. Refer to R I Jack "Wisemans Ferry at the Crossroads", in Cross Currents, HistoricalStudies of the Hawkesbury, JP Powell (Ed.), Deerubbin Press, 1997, p 77 - 86.12 Ibid., P 100; J Powell in Hawkesbury River History, op. cit., P 45.13 Material on Solomon VViseman is drawn from the following sources:V Parsons, "Solomon Wiseman", in D Pike (Ed)Australian Dictionary of Biography, Vol. 21788-1850,1-2 Melb Univ Press, 1967 p 617-618C Swancott, Wisemans Ferry, 1965L Banks and J Powell, Around andAbout Wisemans Ferry: A Guide to the District,Deerubbin Press, corrected and reprinted edition, 1996, esp Section 2.

L Banks and J Powell, (Eds) The Ferry The Branch The Creek: Aspects of Hawkesbury History,Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society, 1988, p 21 ft.R I Jack 'Wisemans Ferry at the Crossroads", in Cross Currents, Historical Studies of the Hawkesbury,J P Powell (Ed.), Deerubbin Press, 1997, p 77 - 86.

-G Karskens; "Defiance, Deference-and Diligence: Three Views of-Convicts in NSW--('laadGan-gs"ASHA Journal, Vol 4, 1986 P 17 - 28; esp p 20-21.14 C J Baxter, (Ed) General Muster ofLandAnd Stock Muster ofNSW 1822,ABGRISAG, Sydney, 1988 p 523 ref A231 01; P 583 ref B02108.15 M R Sainty and K A Johnston (Eds), Census of NSW, November 1828,Library of Australian History, Sydney, 1980,ref nos. W2251-W2259; also B340, B774, B2397, E601, H1826, J762, R1503, W344, W2036.16 R I Jack "Wisemans Ferry at the Crossroads", in Cross Currents, Historical Studies of theHawkesbury, JP Powell (Ed.), Deerubbin Press, 1997, p 77.17 Warner to Macleay 11 February 1828 28/1265 CSIL 4/1966, quoted inG Karskens, "Defiance, Deference and Diligence: Three Views of Convicts in NSW Road Gangs"

ASHA Journal, Vo14, 1986 p 17.18 AONSW, Surveyor of Roads and Bridges, Weekly and Monthly Road Gang Reports, 1 volume,1827-1830, (Reel 590).19 G Karskens, '7he Grandest Improvement in the Country": An Historical andArchaeological Study ofthe Great North Road, NSW, 1825-1836, MA Thesis, University of Sydney, 1985, Volume 1 p 346.The stonework typology is also described in:


WISEMAN'S 1WARNER'S WELLHistorical Archaeological Assessment and Management Recommendations

NOTES TO THE TEXT


page 16

1998

G Karskens, "Defiance, Deference and Diligence: Three Views of Convicts in NSW Road Gangs"ASHA Journal, Vol 4, 1986 P 23·24.20 As the construction of wells is not reported in the Journal kept by William Cox during the making ofthe Western road, it is unlikely that they are as early as 1815. For Cox's Journal refer to:G Mackaness (Ed) Fourteen Journeys Over the Blue Mountains of NSW 1813-1841,1965.The Mount York wells might nevertheless conceivably be associated with the other, slightly later1820s roadlines which also saw a concentration of construction works in the Mount York area.21 J Birmingham (Ed) Report on Site of Government Farm and Lunatic Asylum, Castle Hill, for theHeritage Council of NSW, 1981A Bickford, Conservation Study of 'Heritage Park' Castle Hill, for the NSW Department of Housing,March, 1990. I

22 Birmingham, op.cit., p10, 14,34; Bickford, op.cit., p 13, 17.23 Heritage Act, 1977, no.136, s.4(1).

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page 17

1998

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APPENDIX A

FIGURES


FIGURE 1

LOCATION PLAN

Extract from 1:25,000Tapo. Map. 1st Ed

Lower Portland9031-~,:$

/

Extract from DP 856306"Well" is on Lot 20

...To SINGLETON ROAD(Approx. 55 metres)

ACCESS/ENTRY

·0_C=~l--===~kM

Scale 1:50

PLAN OFWISEMAN'S I WARNER'S WELL

S Lavall&, 1997

N

c

INTERMITTENTWATERCOURSE

WELLI~;H:d-;U~L~"-'"

ell 0~ .. I

DISPLACED ./

BLOCK ~

~/COURSED MASONRY SIDE WALLS

(TYPE 2A, Karskens typology)

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IIIi

I:


APPENDIXB

CURRENT PHOTOGRAPHS


Plate 1: General view of the Well, looking west. Scale in 25 cm divisions.

Plate 2: General view of the Well, looking east. Scales in 25 cm divisions.Scale in foreground is on the west wall of the well structure.


Plate 3: West side wall of the Well. Scale in 10 cm divisions.

Plate 4: Detail of the west side of the Well, showing construction. Note splitstone blocks and use of some stack bonding. Scale in 10 cm divisions.


Plate 5: North side of the Well. Scale in 25 cm divisions.Also shows the rubble embankment to the north of the well.

Plate 6: South side of the Well. Scale in 25 cm divisions.Note displaced stone block in foreground.


Plate 7: Boulder, 2 metres northwest of the well structure. Scale in 25cm divisions.Wedge pits, suggesting well was constructed from nearby local stone.

Plate 8: Boulder, 2 metres northwest of the well structure. Scale in 25cm divisions.Picked face, suggesting well was constructed from nearby local stone.


Plate 9: Embankment formed of rubble stone pieces which extends for about15 metres on the west and north sides of the well structure. The purpose ofthe embankment appears to be the diversion of the peak creek flow awayfrom the well. Scale is in 25 cm divisions.

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- ---- ~ -'

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APPENDIX C

HISTORIC MAP SERIES

1829 - T L Mitchell (from:Report on Roads, 1856)

1831 - H F White (AONSW Map 5073)

1859 - Old System Land Title, Conveyance Book 72 No 262

1888 - Torrens Title Register, Vol 874 Fol 31

1896 - Torrens Title Register, Vol 1194 Fol 5

1905 - DP 4654

1975 - DP 578626

1993 - DP 832344

1995 - DP 856306 (2 sheets)

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OFSUBDIVISIONOFPLAN

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Surveyor's Certifiea:e-':ounc,1 Clerk's Certificate

/JdNl1lon No. •••_._"__._"."_

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REFERENCE TO BOUNDARIES

NO. SEARING DISTANCE NO. BEARING DISTANCE

1 159°21' 5:3013 7 323' 47' 3·42

2 162"'" 92·37 8 319" 45' 94'21

3 145·13' 80'75 9 305"'11' 30" 44'7

4 125·,1' 30' ; 43"72 10 325·'3' 87'31

5 139·45' i 97049 11 342"14' 94'87I

6 143· 47',

18'635 12 339" 21' 50'61

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Slgn.tu..... seats and stat.."ents of Intention to dedicate public roads or to~ate public r~rv••: dr.lnall" reserves, Basements or restrIctions as to user.

MPD SURVEYOR'S REF.RENCE 228'75 .....:------------- Plan Drawing only to appear in this space -.~

To bo.- In OO<l/vnctfon wtth!'lon Form Z WAIINING: CIU!AIIING OR FOlDING WILL LEAD TO REJECTION- - -PLAN FORM 3 - - - - - - - -- - - - :- - - - - --o OFFICE USE ONLY

DP 8323H

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HORNSBY

WISE MANS FERRY

(ORNELlA

(UMBERLANO

'O_EONL_ ••._

DP S563e6

county:

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Thl. I1 sheel t 01 my plan In ':4 sheets.(eelete If In.ppllcable).

langlhl are In metrel. ReductIon R'M 1 2.1)00

R.'.M.p BAUl..KHAM HILLS SHT U.

LutP'.n. DP23'2210~ ; DPB;;234-4'

P",po" SUBDIVISION

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D'fumLm.ofAllmulh, 'X'-'YOIfnurtd".of,I"Y., IO.P. 6486881

PLAN SUBDIVISION OF

LOT 9 IN UP. an'l44 &

LOT 1 IN D.P.2'l22/0

TllIe Svstom, TORReNS

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p'" EJ<CEPT AS REGARDS LOT 26:8"C"D'I. '~CVfflf.ndh.. ba.tlm.d. In .cc:ord'tlc.../lh Ihl Sut~.y"'.ct/clll,gul,'1M 'PQO .nl1 .... compl"fdotl

Plans used in preparaUon ofsurvey/~

D.P. &1214.

D.P. 212210

D.P. ,68&88

R'9''''''· (11 c;r 5·3·/~'%CA: No·IDIG? OF 'HI· qS

PANEL FOR USE ONLY tor ,talements of Intentionlo dcdlcallt public roads, to create public rltSItNOS,drainage raservos, easementll, restrlctlons on theuse of land or poslUve covenants

PURSUANT 10 SECTION 81B OFTHECONVEYANONG ACT '919 AS AMENDED IT ISINTENDED 10 CREATE....

I RIGHT OF CARRIAGEWAY 1 WIDE.2. RESTRICTION ONTHE USE OF THE LAhU'l. RESTRICTION ONTHE USE OF THE LAND.4 RESTRIC TlON ON THE USE OF TME LAND'l. RESTRICTION ~THE USE OF THE LAND.6. RIGHT OF FOOTWAi I WIDE.

370 :J&:) m

-

270 280 290 300 310 320 330 340

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'A'~RESTRICTION ONTNE USE OFTHE LANDIDP.&121"1. 1Ie;"'l':FIT61) BY RIGH15 OF W~i /136(,562 MID DPc:.3'l'lBB

BE.>II'FITED BY ll.\GflT OF FooTWI-Y I Wl De. .. OP ~'23"'4

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T.bl, of mm 210 220 m 2<40 250 2tlO

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SCHEDULE Df SHORT BOUNDARIESNo' BEARING CHORD

I 109'\7'10' 28'2252 166'2\'10' IHI7 255''''70: 19-975\ 127'00'00' 1'8555 707'57'\0' 21·6756 n2'17'00' 25'·22

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2-SIGNA.TURE AND SEALS ONLY.

Crown Lands Otllco Approval

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Councll's Certificatel~yceMytNl-

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h.v. be.n compllK .'Ib by ,tI. 'ppflc.tnt In (.,.,Ion to the__-5<l61l1'~~_._..•. .•. _._.(1nHtt~t'CdCl":~·or"conJold.ll«1 Ulout__No. .J£l.4.:J...••_ •. ., ._._....__ ..•_.•0" 9d/,,'l§··_..·_..U·rfi· 'x'\~1J.t"1tl~(SJpn.o"""I • ..-,,·or,.;.,;;>;, . .. ..- ..Cc<rdno Ne ...1!:~~..~.L ....... __._ _ .......... -..

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Ha' BEARING CHORDI 111'06'50' IH22 125'05'20' 111 125'05'20' 6,705\ 14~'\O'1,()' 1'4155 166'2\'10' 11021

SCHEDULE 0 f SHORT BOUNDARIES

SHEET

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---To be uud In conjunction with PI.n Form 2-

ptan Drawing only to aplMar In thle .pac. 1 SU!WEYOR'SREFERENCE' 1611811214---------------------

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IIIIIII

APPENDIX D

COMPARATIVE EARLY WELLS

(PHOTOGRAPHS)


COMPARATIVE ITEMS: OTHER EARLY WELLS

Photo 1: Well (unlined) at Mt York. Reputedly associated with Cox's Road, (but morelikely to be of later date). Photograph by S Lavelle, 1997.

Photo 2: Well (unlined) near Portion 100 at Maroota. Possibly associated withthe Great North Road. Photograph by S Lavelle, 1997.


COMPARATIVE ITEMS: OTHER EARLY WELLS

Photo 3: Well (Site 1) associated with the Government Farm, Castle HillPhotograph by Anne Bickford, 1990.

Photo 4: Well (Site 19) associated with the Government Farm. Castle HillPhotograph by Anne Bickford, 1990.

IIIIIIIIIIIIII

- - _. . - ~ --

IIIIIII

APPENDIX E

CURRENT CERTIFICATE OF TITLE

96

Registrar General

LAND TITLES OFFICENEW SOUTH'WALES

COMPUTER FOLIO REfEReNCE -- --1E~T~(~ ~,.: ~K~I~)~ CURRENr cERTII'ICME 01' TITI~L 2: 14 Jun 19~

PRINTED ON 1 Jul 1997

CUMBERLAND

END OF SEARCH

8.00AMTime

TITLE SEARCHComputer Folio Certificate issued under

Section 960 of the Real Property Act [900

1 Jul 1997

96

DP639288DP832344DP832344

RESERVATIONS AND CONDITIONS IN THE CROWN GRANT(S)H386582 RIGHT OF WAY APPURTENANT TO THE LAND ABOVE

DESCRIBED AFFECTING THE PART SHOWN SO BURDENED INDP527648RIGHT OF WAY APPURTENANT TO THE LAND ABOVE DESCRIBEDRESTRICTION(S) ON THE USE OF LANDRIGHT OF FOOTWAY 1 WIDE APPURTENANT TO THE LANDABOVE DESCRIBED

DP856306 RESTRICTION(S) ON THE USE OF LANDDP856306 RIGHT OF FOOTWAY 1 WIDE AFFECTING THE PART SHOWN SO

BURDENED IN THE TITLE DIAGP~M

DP856306 RIGHT OF FOOTWAY 1 WIDE APPURTENANT TO THE LANDABOVE DESCRIBED

2229900 LEASE TO DHARUG & LOWER HAWKESBURY HISTORICALSOCIETY EXPIRES 30-9-2000 8 OPTION S TO RENEW OF 5YEARS EACH

Date

No.

Search certified to:

UNREGISTERED DEALINGS: NIL

9.

NOTATIONS

6.7 •

8 .

3.4.5 .

1.2.

SECOND SCHEDULE (9 NOTIFICATIONS)

TRANS - GLOBAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS PTY. LIMITED

FIRST SCHEDULE

LOT 20 IN DEPOSITED PLAN 856306AT WISEMANS FERRYLOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA: HORNSBYPARISH OF CORNELIA COUNTY OFTITLE DIAGRAM: DP856306

LAND

cfspin2

The Registrar General certifies that at the date and time specitied above the person(s) described in the First Schedule wasthe registered proprietor of an estate in fee simple (or other such estate or interest set out in the Schedule> in the landdescribed. subject t\l any exceptions. encumbrances. interests and entries which appear in the Second Schedule.

IIIIIIIIII

"ANY ENTRIES PRECEDED BY AN ASTERISK DO NOT APPEAR ON THE CURRENT EDITION OF THE CERTIFICATE OF TITLE.WARNING: THE INFORMATION APPEARING UNDER NOTATIONS HAS NOT BEEN FORMALLY RECORDED IN THE REGISTER.

------------------'

I ....IIIIIIIIII-

IIIIIIIIII

••IIIIIIIIII

APPENDIX F

AUSTRALIAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

Indicative Place Information

for Wiseman's Well

IIIIIIIIII

••IIIIIII·1II

[Image] Register of the National Estate Database

[ RNE search I AHC Home I Disclaimer I © ]

Location of Solomon Wisemans Well, Wisemans Ferry NSW

[Image]Map Legend [Image]

[Image]Rivers[lmage]Roads

Class: HistoricLegal Status: Indicative Place

Database Number: 017801File Number: 1/13/016/0016.Statement of Significance:

Description : An old Stone sided Well (protected from sedimentation by arubble water-diverning wall) at the base of a damp small gully that runs asa waterfall during rain. The Well has an open access ramp large enough toadmit stock on its face away from the waterfall/escarpment. There exists anopen floodplain, also on this side, to the hawkesbury. To the immediatesouth east of the Well itself - approximately 20 metres, is an overgrownlevelled area let into the terrace at the foot of the escarpment. This isapproximately 7 metres x 4 metres in area. The Well is situated at almostthe shortest distance from the site of the original hand operated puntcrossing of the hawkesbury and is also directly opposite the beginning ofthe first, and partially completed, attempt to build a road north fromwiseman's ferry into what is now dharug National Park. The present greatnorth Road nearby eventually completed this task.

Condition and Integrity: The Well site seems in almost original conditionwith attendant drainage and sedimentation prevention works. Otherwise the?re? has_ mUG.h ve.getatJve regrmyth in_cluding Toe n~arby.levelled _area/'building site.'

Location: Approximately 60 metres west of Singleton Road, approximately2/3km south east of Wiseman's Ferry Hotel. At the foot of a small, unusuallydamp but not flowing watercourse - gully immediately at the foot of theescarpment below Old Normhern Road and convict ruins on the top of thebluff.

The Register of the National Estate has been compiled since 1976. TheCommission is in the process of developing and/or upgrading officialstatements of significance for places listed prior to 1991.

- 1 -

historical archaeological assessment...

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