O'HERNS ROAD FORD
OHERNS ROAD SOMERTON AND OHERNS ROAD EPPING, HUME CITY, WHITTLESEA CITY
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Statement of Significance
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O'HERNS ROAD FORD - History
European settlement in the district occurred within the first few years of the arrival of Batman and Fawkner's pioneering parties. D McLachlan was originally granted the 855 acres of Portion 15 Parish of Yuroke in the 1840s. He was still recorded as occupant in the 1892 County of Bourke Atlas. As the Merri Creek comes reasonably close to Sydney Road at this point, the site may have assisted travellers both by providing a crossing point and for watering stock, although this was on private land. Its primary function was most likely to provide access across the stream.
(Taken from Maloney 1993)
O'HERNS ROAD FORD - Interpretation of Site
The ford crossing Merri creek comprises a roadway approximately 25 metres long and 10 metres wide, constructed of weathered boulders up to one metre in diameter. The remains are very fragmentary and degraded. Originally broken rock would have filled the interstices, but most of this is now washed away. A small approach of hand-laid stone survives on the north-west bank of the creek.
A few metres downstream (south) is a culverted concrete causeway that currently provides access over the ford.O'HERNS ROAD FORD - Archaeological Significance
The site may contain artefactual deposits associated with its use. It requires further historical investigation and comparative analysis be undertaken to ascertain its date, purpose and local comparative significance.
O'HERNS ROAD FORD - Historical Significance
The O'Herns Road ford is of historical significance as a surviving example of the early form of road communication in the rural fringes of Melbourne. It demonstrates the way early settlers made use of local materials to provide better communications on difficult terrain.
Heritage Inventory Description
O'HERNS ROAD FORD - Heritage Inventory Description
A fragmentary bluestone ford to north of modern concrete causeway carrying O'Herns Road across Merri Creek.
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WHITTLESEA 3Victorian Heritage Inventory
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WHITTLESEA 3AVictorian Heritage Inventory
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O'HERNS ROAD FORDVictorian Heritage Inventory
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