WEBB'S FOUNDRY SITE
32-34 GIPPS STREET AND 5-11 WISHART STREET PORT FAIRY, MOYNE SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
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WEBB'S FOUNDRY SITE - History
H & W Webb was one of the first iron casting businesses established in Port Fairy. The Webb brothers obtained use of a property comprising two allotments in Gipps Street in the 1850s. They established an iron foundry on the site that specialised in the manufacture of agricultural machinery and equipment, but was also advertised as a "Carriage and Wagon Manufactory and Shoeing Forge".
By 1858, a large stone structure running north-south and fronting Gipps Street had been built which served as the dwelling house and iron foundry for the Webb brothers. A large four-sail smock mill was situated to the rear of the residence and smithy, and was used to operate the foundry machinery. This was advertised for removal in 1861. In 1867, Henry Webb retired, and William Webb moved the business to Sackville Street.
It is likely that the Webb foundry buildings were demolished in the early 1880s following the acquisition of the southern lot by the government for the construction of a police house. The police house remained until it was demolished in the early 1980s.
WEBB'S FOUNDRY SITE - Archaeological Significance
The archaeological significance of the resource would derive from its ability to provide information on the scale of the works and the technologies employed by the foundry. The founry manufactured and repaired the equipment used by the intial European settlers of the district. An examination of the remains of the variety and quality of foundry equipment, tools and off cuts would inform us about supply, investment levels and attitudes of both the manufacturers and buyers.
The site does not appear to have been greatly disturbed in recent years. The construction of the brick buildings with the digging in of strip footings would have directly removed any archaeological remains within the foundation trenches. The impact of the timber houses and the shed at the rear of no 34 Gipps Street would have most likely had a less severe impact as it appears to have been built on brick piers. The current cultivation of part of the area would have a minor impact on the archaeological resource, possibly impacting remains to a depth of less than 25 cm. What can be expected to be present would be the strip footings of the main bluestone building, strip footings and/or post holes from other buildings and associated structures such as the windmill. Surface drains, external paved surfaces and a well may also be present as well as refuse and cess pits.
WEBB'S FOUNDRY SITE - Historical Significance
Webb's foundry was one of the first industrial sites established at Port Fairy and represents the development of Port Fairy from a port of trade toa service centre for the farming community of the region.
Heritage Inventory Description
WEBB'S FOUNDRY SITE - Heritage Inventory Description
The site encompasses two residential properties fronting Gipps Street and three smaller properties fronting Wishart Street.The Gipps Street properties contain brick dwellings set back approximately 15-20 metres from the road. The three WishartStreet residences are weatherboard cottages that occupy most of the allotments.
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EMOHVictorian Heritage Register H0252
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FORMER ST ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AND MANSEVictorian Heritage Register H0850
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GUNS AND EMPLACEMENTSVictorian Heritage Register H1504
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