Quick Search
Wonnerup House
- Categorized in: History
George Layman arrived in Fremantle on board the Orelia in 1829 with just six pence in his pocket.
But out of those humble circumstances came a new beginning and the establishment of a family and farm in the harsh environment of the south west.
Harsh? Yes. Imagine having to clear the land of huge Tuart trees by hand. That's what faced George Layman after he was granted land in the Vasse area and set about building a house to live in. More specifically the land he owned was called "Wannerup", an aboriginal term meaning place of the "Aborginal Woman's Digging Stick".
Anyway, George built a house on his land, found himself a wife (Mary Ann Bayliss), and then in 1838 his son was born - George II. But what was promising to be a wonderful life on the land was tragically cut short in 1841 when George was involved in a dispute with local Aboriginals, and was speared to death on his own property. He was only 31 years old at the time.
His wife Mary remarried, to Robert Heppingstone II, whose family emigrated to Australia with the Bussell's and Molloy's. They had two sons of their own, but then Robert also tragically died in 1858 when he drowned at Castle Rock.
George II took over the running of the property. He married Amelia Curtis, and together they had 12 children. George II built another larger house on the property, as well as extensions to the first house. He also developed the farm with pigs, dairy cattle, horses and vegetables.
Luckily for us today, the original houses on the Wonnerup property still exist, and they have been set up to look like they once did all those years ago. You are able to wander through the houses and take a look at life in the 1800's - the structure, the furniture, the simple way of life. About the only thing that isn't authentic is the beautifully manicured lawns - I doubt very much they had those back then - but they do provide a fantastic place for picnics or just for a bit of a wander through the gardens.
There's also an old one-room-school and teacher's residence across the road which also provides a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of our pioneers.
Wonnerup House is open for people to have a look at, and is located about half an hour south of Bunbury - turn right off either the Bussell Hwy or the Ludlow Tourist Drive. It's just past the Possum Night Spotlighting Trail.
There is a cost to get in - about $4.50 per adult, less for kids and concession card holders.
Had a wonderful visit today and our hosts could not have been more pleasant and informative. The history of the Layman family was fascinating as we try to imagine how they lived in such a remote area although it was not an issue back in the 1800's. I felt a cold presence in the rooms of the first house which made me want to move on out of there although the displays of wooden carved furniture made by one of the Layman daughters (self taught in wood carving at the age of 60) was quite amazing. The school house across the road from the homestead was a trip back in time with the image of the teacher in timely costume waiting in front of the class as you opened the door. Her residence, simple and secluded. What ever happened to her?
Would you like to hear the Aboriginal Perspective on the way George died? He took two Aboriginal women to work at his farm, they wanted to go home to their husband Gaywar. George would not allow Gaywar to take his wives home and pulled Gaywar's beard. Gaywar speared George in the thigh, ABORIGINAL PUNISHMENT. Gaywar ran away with his two wives. Lt. Bunbury and a punitive party of soldiers, police and citizens rode into the Tuart forest in Ludlow nearby, and well over 100 Noongar men women and children were kiled in retalliation. Gaywar was beheaded by the white men and his head was displayed, hanging from The Ship Hotel as a warning to all Aboriginal People in Busselton to behave or receive the same fate.The 2 wives were murdered also. George Layman the first died from the injury 2 weeks after he was speared.