CRAIGIEBURN HOMESTEAD FARM COMPLEX

The historical archaeological potential under the floorboards in the original bluestone homestead footprint, within the concrete-capped stone well, and in and around surrounding outbuildings across the property.

The Craigieburn Homestead site is of historical archaeological potential (Criterion C) at a local level of significance. The historical archaeology has the potential to contribute to the historical significance noted in the Heritage Overlay citation (Criterion A), quoted below: 

'The gradual development of the farm reflects the changing needs of its occupants over more than 150 years (Criterion A). The use of a mixture of blue stone, field stone and brickwork in the construction of the house illustrates the use of locally available materials by early settlers in the district. (Criterion A). 

The milking shed with timber pole construction and byres is of significance together with the stone loading ramp and extensive drystone walls surrounding the farm complex. Other small outbuildings are of local interest and contribute to the understanding of the development of the complex and of the long period of occupation by the Jolley family.(Criteria A & E) 

The drystone walls and the planting of hedges are were once comparatively common in the Whittlesea area however their survival to this extent is relatively rare. (Criteria A & E). The remaining hedges and walls serve as a reminder of past farming practices and the agricultural history of the Whittlesea region (Criteria A & E)' (Honman, Nichols and Ward 2013a: p 334).

The Craigieburn Homestead site complex has the potential for historical artefacts or deposits to be present under the floorboards in the kitchen of the main house, and possibly in the remainder of the original bluestone footprint of the homestead building. 

Given the limited amount of disturbance to the overall homestead property, there is the potential for historical archaeological deposits in and around the extant homestead and outbuildings, within the capped well, and within any cess pits that may exist. The historical archaeology in the house and across the property has the potential to date to the initial construction of the homestead in 1855. Reflected in the changes to the built structure over time, the historical archaeological potential at the Craigieburn Homestead site is likely to contribute to this understanding of changes over time in a rural farm in Victoria. There is likely to be evidence of domestic occupation associated with mid-19th century farming, and the changes to ways of life and activities in a regional farm over time.