In 1798 colonial chaplain, magistrate and pastoralist, The Rev. Samuel Marsden purchased 15 hectares (38 acres) from a lapsed grantee at South Creek where he commenced experimental wool production activities. The name comes from Genesis 13:18 "Mamre which is in Hebron" (meaning land which is promised).[2]
He established the Mamre farm in 1799 with the purchase of a further 81 hectares (200 acres), also at South Creek.[2]
By 1802 Marsden's total land holdings at South Creek amounted to 135 hectares (333 acres), primarily devoted to wool production. It was the working farmhouse of a busy rural property, a model farm which comprised orchards, exotic pasture and other crops.[3][2]
In 1804 Marsden received a 417-hectare (1,030-acre) grant, again at South Creek and he proceeded to plant experimental crops of hemp and flax. Flooding in 1805 destroyed the experimental crops but experimental wool production continued and in 1807 Marsden left for England taking with him the first "weavable" wool from the Colony, produced at Mamre.[2]
Between 1822 and 1832 the homestead at Mamre was built and the farm itself became firmly established. The house was not intended as a permanent residence, but rather as a country cottage to provide basic accommodation for the overseers of the farm.[2]
Originally a storage barn for wool, Mamre Homestead was built in the 1820s from brick and was noted for its cultivated rose and cottage gardens. The Rev. James Hassell said of it:[4][2]
"Mamre, where I spent so many happy days with my uncle, was a farm on the South Creek... The house was a two-storey brick building with a good gravel drive in front. Beyond, several hundred yards, was a splendid orchard of twenty acres. The fruits surpassed any that I have seen these forty years. The grapes, chiefly muscatel, were very fine. Peaches, apples, pears, oranges, apricots and nectarines, were in abundance. Supplies were constantly sent to Sydney, in the season, in waggon-loads and sold well. Large crops of wheat, and oaten hay were produced on the farm. The horses bred at Mamre were very good and sold at high prices. I remember a carriage horse brought a hundred guineas, and few sold under 70 or 80 pounds. The farm and orchard were worked by assigned servants, numbering I should say, from twenty to thirty hands".
—Rev. James Hassell.
In 1838 Samuel Marsden died and ownership of the property passed to his only surviving son, Charles, who used the house as a permanent residence. There are believed to have been between 20 and 30 servants employed to work the farm and orchards at this time.[2]
In 1840 the Mamre farm was sold to Richard Rouse, a prominent public servant and grazier and in 1841 Rouse gave the farm to one of his daughters, Elizabeth Henrietta Rouse, as a wedding present upon her marriage to the Hon. Robert Fitzgerald, MLC of Windsor.[2]
It is said that to be fair to his children, Rouse put three pieces of paper in a straw hat, two of them blank and one bearing the name Mamre. This was drawn by the youngest Daughter, Elizabeth Henrietta.[5][2]
The property remained in the ownership of the descendants of Robert and Elizabeth for over a century and apart from rendering the external walls in 1890, no significant changes were made to the building until 1950-1 when Professor E. MacLaurin (a descendant of Elizabeth's) added a garage wing, new chimney, a boiler room and laundry as well as replacing the staircase and many of the windows and shutters.[2]
In 1951 the remaining timber outbuildings (a kitchen and wash house) were demolished.[2]
In 1975, the farm was purchased by the (then) NSW Planning and Environment Commission who leased the property to Professor McLaurin until his death in 1978.[2]
In 1984 the NSW Department of Planning made Mamre Homestead and surrounding acreage of 86 hectares (210 acres) available in a 20-year lease to the Sisters of Mercy, Parramatta to be developed as a training centre for the unemployed of the area. The project commenced in 1986.[6] Over the years under the direction of Sister Mary-Louise Petro, Founder of the Mamre Project, several programs have been successfully implemented to meet the perceived needs of time. The NSW Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, together with the Australian Government Department of Family and Community Services and Education, Employment and Workplace Relations now provide funding for the continuing development and delivery of training programs. The present training includes skills in office administration, information technology, hospitality and customer service. Programs are taught in a supportive atmosphere where personal development is encouraged and nurtured. The homestead provides job opportunities in the hospitality industry. Mamre Plains Ltd is a non-profit company set up by the Sisters of Mercy in 1985.[6][2]
Major restoration works on homestead were completed by October 2016. This is part of the investment provided by the Department's Office of Strategic Lands in preserving heritage-listed properties.[7][2]
Description
The Mamre homestead, c.1830, is a two-storey sandstone brick (now rendered) building in the Colonial Georgian style. The house has a hippedcorrugated iron roof laid over the original timber shingles. The sandstone flagged timber verandah wrapping around three sides of the building (west, north and east sides) has a bellcast corrugated iron roof. The plan of the house is rectangular, with a central stair hall, eleven rooms and a single storey kitchen wing to the southern side. The windows of the house are timber double hung, with each sash having six panes. Two brick chimneys are located in each end hip.[2]
Some farm outbuildings remain. They are generally timber framed with corrugated iron cladding. There are also a number of modern rendered brick buildings serving the Mamre project and tourism uses. Some remnant early plantings remain around the house. There are white cedars to the north and northwest, Mediterranean cypress to the west, large Canary Island oaks to the southwest, large English oaks to the south, and large kurrajong to the southeast. More recent eucalyptus and pine plantings south of the house have been made, along with a small retail plant nursery area.[8][2]
Condition
As at 25 February 1999, the house was restored for the bicentenary in 1988, with the property in good condition overall.[2]
Mamre sites of outbuilding[9] excavations revealed extensive evidence of outbuildings and features around the house.[10][2]
The main house is relatively intact, with only a few original outbuildings remaining.[2]
Heritage listing
As at 30 March 2000, Mamre is significant for its potential to yield information on the pre-contact Aboriginal occupation of the South Creek catchment. Mamre is historically and socially significant as an important site in post-contact Aboriginal history, demonstrating Aboriginal survival and adaptation to non-traditional social, economic and political practices.[2]
Mamre is historically significant for its association with the early sheep breeding experiments of the Reverend Samuel Marsden, which contributed to the early development of the wool industry in NSW (and Australia). Mamre has historic and aesthetic significance as a rare, regional example of a fairly intact pre-1860 colonial landscape and homestead on the Cumberland Plain. The farmstead is archaeologically significant for its potential to yield information on early colonial farm landscapes, farmsteads and Georgian architecture. The Mamre farmhouse is an iconic feature in the St. Mary's region and immediate landscape.[2]
Mamre has a strong association with the early owners of the property, the Reverend Samuel Marsden and Richard Rouse, both influential early colonists. Samuel Marsden is an important figure in the early missionary history of New Zealand, with strong ties to settlement and missionary activities in Kerikeri and the Northland district in particular. The property has strong, continuing association with the Sisters of Mercy, Parramatta and the MAMRE PROJECT which has great regional social importance.[2]
The South Creek corridor is significant for its preservation of endangered ecological communities. It has potential to yield valuable information about the river-flat forests, wetlands and riparian habitats which are among the most threatened natural landscapes in Western Sydney.[11][12][2]
Mamre is recognised as a property of State significance, as a substantial Georgian homestead, and the former residence of the Rev. Samuel Marsden during the 1820s and 1830s. It was later the residence of Richard, then Henrietta Rouse and the Hon. Robert Fitzgerald, MLC, from the 1840s. The building is an important example of an early 19th century homestead in the Colonial Georgian style.[2]
The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.
Mamre is of high historical significance for its association with both the Rev. Samuel Marsden and the Rouse Family. It has further significance for the production and export of the first "weavable" wool in the colony and for its association with the settlement and development of pastoral/farming activities in the St Marys district.[2]
The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.
Mamre is of high aesthetic significance as a fine example of an early Colonial Georgian Residence retaining some elements of its original rural setting.[2]
The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.
Mamre is of high social significance for its association with prominent colonial figures and for its association with early employment in the district through the pastoral activities which took place there.[2]
The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.
Mamre is of high technical/research significance for its demonstration of early 19th century building techniques and farming practices.[2]
The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.
Orchard Hills is a suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia 49 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Penrith. It is part of the Greater Western Sydney region.
Rouse Hill Estate is a heritage-listed homestead and estate off Windsor Road, Rouse Hill, City of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia. Rouse Hill House and farm was the family home of Richard Rouse, the Colonial Superintendent of Public Works and Convicts at Parramatta.
Clydesdale is a heritage-listed homestead and former seminary and missionary school (1859–71) and wartime hospital (1942–44) at 1270 Richmond Road, Marsden Park, City of Blacktown, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1823 to 1885. It is also known as Lang's Farm; the northern half is also known as Echovale. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
The Murray Downs Homestead is a heritage-listed homestead at Moulamein Road, Murray Downs, Murray River Council, New South Wales, Australia. It was built by Seutorius Henry Officer and Charles Officer ; and by Alfred Felton and Charles Campbell. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 17 November 2000.
The Cattai Estate is a heritage-listed former farm and cultural landscape and now national park at Wisemans Ferry Road, Cattai, The Hills Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1804 to 1821. It is also known as Caddai Estate, Cattai National Park and Caddie estate. The property is owned by Office of Environment and Heritage, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Box Hill House is a heritage-listed former hunting grounds and farm estate and now residential support home at 10 Terry Road, Box Hill, The Hills Shire, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1819 to 1897 by Samuel Terry and George Terry. It is also known as McCall Garden Colony, Box Hill House in grounds of McCall gardens, McCall Gardens and Box Hill estate. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Arnprior is a heritage-listed homestead and farm at Mayfield Road, Larbert, Queanbeyan-Palerang Region, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1827 by William Ryrie. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 November 1999.
Brush Farm is a heritage-listed former farm, residence and vineyard and now tourist attraction, community facility, exhibition venue and meeting venue at Marsden Road, Eastwood of the City of Ryde local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1794 to 1894. It is also known as Home for Boys, Eastwood Home for Mothers and Babies and Brush Farm Home for Mentally Deficient Children, and Brush Farm Girls' Home. The property is owned by City of Ryde. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Kelvin is a heritage-listed residence at 30 The Retreat, Bringelly, City of Liverpool, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1820 to 1826 by Thomas Laycock. It is also known as Retreat Farm, The Retreat, Thomas Laycock's Cottage Vale and Cottage-ville. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Macquarie Grove is a heritage-listed former airport administration offices and private residence and now private residence located at Aerodrome Road, Cobbitty, in the south-western Sydney suburb of Camden in the Camden Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1812 to 1850. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Gledswood is a heritage-listed former vineyard, colonial farm and homestead and now tourist complex, golf course and private residence at 900 Camden Valley Way in the south-western Sydney suburb of Gledswood Hills in the Camden Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1827 to 1855 by James Chisholm. It is also known as Buckingham. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2006.
Raby is a heritage-listed former sheep farm and cattle farm and now private residence located at 1025 Camden Valley Way in the south-western Sydney suburb of Catherine Field in the Camden Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed and built from 1820 to 1834; and was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 1 March 2010.
Denbigh is a heritage-listed former vineyard, Clydesdale horse stude, Ayrshire cattle stud and dairy farm and now Hereford stud located at 421 The Northern Road in the southern-western Sydney suburb of Cobbitty in the Camden Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built during 1818 by Charles Hook in c. 1818 and by Thomas and Samual Hassall, and Daniel Roberts in c. 1828. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2006.
Orielton is a heritage-listed former hunting, pleasure garden, farming estate, weekender, cereal cropping, flour mill and pastoral property and now horse agistment and residence located at 181 - 183 Northern Road in the south-western Sydney suburb of Harrington Park in the Camden Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed and built from 1815 to 1834. It is also known as Orielton Farm and Orielton Homestead. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 22 December 2006.
Oran Park is a heritage-listed former golf course, private residence and golf clubhouse and now private residence located at 112-130 Oran Park Drive in the south-western Sydney suburb of Oran Park in the Camden Council local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1837 to 1946. It is sometimes referred to as Catherine Park House due to a land subdivision of Catherine Fields, however "Catherine Park" is only a developer's name for the area and not a true suburb. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 5 March 2015.
Denfield is a heritage-listed former farm homestead complex, residence, inn and farm and now residence located at Appin Road, St Helens Park in the City of Campbelltown local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built in 1837 by John Farley. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Glenlee is a heritage-listed former dairy farm, pastoral property and hay production and now olive farm, private home and pastoral property at Glenlee Road, Menangle Park, City of Campbelltown, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Henry Kitchen and built from 1824 to 1859 by Robert Gooch and Nathaniel Payton. It is also known as Glenlee, outbuildings, garden & gatelodge. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Glenmore is a heritage-listed former farm, vineyard, rural residence and private school and now golf club and function centre located at 754-760 Mulgoa Road in the western Sydney suburb of Mulgoa in the City of Penrith local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1809 to 1868. It is also known as Glenmore Heritage Valley Golf and Country Club. The property is privately owned. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Cox's Cottage is a heritage-listed pasturing land and residence located at 2 St Thomas Road in the western Sydney suburb of Mulgoa in the City of Penrith local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1810 to 1811 by James King. It is also known as Mulgoa Cottage; The Cottage, Coxs Cottage, and was formally known as Fern Hill and Estate of Mulgoa before the new house was built. The property remains privately owned and is the oldest house in Australia still in residence. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Hadley Park is a heritage-listed former Aboriginal land, farm, dairy and gravel quarry and now unused building at 14-278 Old Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh, City of Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1803 to 1812. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 20 April 2018.
1 2 "About Mamre". www.mamre.com. n.d. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
↑ Chief Planner of New South Wales (5 October 2016). Report to Heritage Council of New South Wales.
↑ Read, Stuart (1 August 2001). personal communications.
↑ Unpublished report on excavations at Mamre. Sydney University Historical Archaeology.
↑ Thorp, Wendy (August 1986). "s.6.5.6 St. Mary's, of appendix D, Historical Archaeological Component". In Fox & Associates (ed.). Heritage Study of the City of Penrith. Vol.2. p.appendices.
↑ Graham Brooks & Associates; Taylor Barmmer Landscape; Mary Dallas Archaeologist (2003). Conservation Management Plan Mamre St Marys.
Byrnes, J. (1986). An Historical Archaeological Report on Mamre.
Cox Tanner Pty Ltd, Architects, Architectural Research & Restoration (1981). A Restoration Report on Mamre.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
Cree, Laura (1995). Mamre: Place of Promise - the story - pioneers of land and spirit on Marsden's South Creek Farm.
Graham Brooks & Associates (2003). Mamre St Marys Conservation Management Plan Final draft.
Graham Brooks & Associates; Taylor Barmmer Landscape; Mary Dallas Archaeologist (2003). Conservation Management Plan Mamre St Marys.
Howard Tanner & Associates Pty Ltd (1989). Mamre (Lot 1 Mamre Rd St Marys): A Photographic Record.
Morris, C.; Britton, G.; NSW National Trust (for the Heritage Council of NSW) (2000). Colonial Landscapes of the Cumberland Plain and Camden, NSW.
Paul Davies Pty Ltd (1999). s.170 Register DUAP.
Robinsons, in association with Tucker & Co. P/L - NSW agents for Chateau Tanunda - the brandy of distinction (1962 brochure) (1962). Map no. 121 - Sydney & Environs - Historic Buildings and Landmarks.
This Wikipedia article was originally based on Mamre, entry number 264 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0licence, accessed on 13 October 2018.
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