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ENGLEFIELD WOOLSHED AND MEN'S QUARTERS (FORMER)

Location Natimuk-Hamilton Road BALMORAL, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 158 Level Stage 2 study complete

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Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Englefield Woolshed and Men's Quarters are located about 1.6kms south of Balmoral on a rise overlooking a creek which runs into the Glenelg River. Originally, the property straddled the Natimuk-Hamilton Road, the principal route north into the Wimmera from the coastal ports. The homestead complex began in the early 1840s during the occupation of the brothers William Montgomery and Henrie Bell, successful Melbourne merchants, the former being Melbourne's fifth Lord Mayor. but the woolshed from this time does not survive. Between 1853 and 1860, Englefield was occupied by Anne Greene, with her son William Frederick, but in her own right. She was the widow of William Pomeroy Greene, one of the earliest squatters in the Port Phillip District. Duncan Robertson, the next occupant, purchased the Englefield Pre-emptive right. He was a member of the large Western District family of Robertsons and Philips. It is possible that he built the woolshed and men's quarters in the 1860s. In the 1890s, Englefield was again owned by absentee proprietors, this time some of Melbourne's most notorious property speculators. Their proposal to subdivide the land for fruit and nut farms failed. John and Kathrin Philip purchased the Englefield freehold in 1901 and over the next few years added a major extension in front of the original dwelling. John Philip was a leader in the broader community. The land was then purchased and subdivided under the Closer Settlement Scheme and the Soldier Settlement Scheme. Englefield woolshed retains a fair degree of integrity and is in good condition. The men's quarters retain a good degree of integrity but are in a very poor condition.

How is it significant?
Englefield woolshed and men's quarters are of historical, social and architectural significance to the community of Balmoral and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
Englefield woolshed and men's quarters are of historical significance because of its connection with its later owners including Robertson and Philip families. Englefield is of social significance because the Robertson and Philip families combined represent one of the most extensive and influential dynasties across the Western District. Although altered, Englefield woolshed and men's quarters are of architectural significance as a typical example of such building types.