FORMER CRUCIBLE STEELWORKS AND KENTISH VILLA

The site at the Former Crucible Steelworks and Kentish Villa site consists of a large property in which an early crucible steelworks operated from 1889, and a domestic residence adjacent to the steelworks was constructed in 1887-1888. It is currently occupied by an extant office and factory building. The site has the potential to contain archaeological remains related to the late 19th century and early 20th century crucible steel industry, working life, and domestic life in an industrial setting.

The Former Crucible Steelworks and Kentish Villa site is of scientific (archaeological) significance and of local historical significance to the Brunswick community, and the wider community, due to its association with the early development of the crucible steel industry in Victoria/Australia, and its association with government contracts for various city, state and interstate works. The Former Crucible Steelworks are technically significant as the possibly the first manufacturers of crucible steel in Australasia. 

Brunswick was established in the 19th century and has experienced several population booms that are mirrored across Victoria related to the gold rush, industrialisation, and immigration post WW1 and WW2. The Former Crucible Steelworks and Kentish Villa site is of historical significance for its association with Brunswick’s late 19th and early 20th century industrial occupation and development. The site has the specific potential to reveal new information about the development of the crucible steel industry in Australia as it was one of the first dedicated steel foundries and was heavily associated with the creation of significant steel components for locomotives, ships, roadways, and fire stations, among others. The steelworks produced several significant items including the first steel bells made in Australia, as well as a large cast-steel bevelled cog wheel to replace the ‘constantly breaking’ cast iron one on the dredge, John Nimmo in 1893. This wheel was the heaviest piece of steel machinery ever made in the country. The site additionally has historic significance for the potential to provide information about late 19th and early 20th century domestic life in an industrial setting. 

The site has historical significance in relation to the Victorian thematic framework: 03 Connecting Victorians by transport and communication, 05 Building Victoria’s industries and workforce, 06 Building towns, cities and the garden state. The site also has scientific significance in relation to the site’s archaeological potential.