MUNTHAM MAINS
Cnr Glenelg Hwy and Den Hills Road CARAPOOK, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
What is significant?
The archaeological remains of Muntham Mains is located on the north west corner of the Glenelg Highway and Den Hills Road, approximately five kilometers west of the township of Coleraine. The archaeological potential of the site is unknown, but there are no footings or buildings which survive above ground. Several trees are located around the original homestead site, including several Cupressus torulosa (Bhutan Cypress) and a Shinus molle (Peppercorn). A concrete domed well also survives on the site. Muntham Mains was an important local farm in the later nineteenth Century, owned by the first selector in the Coleraine area, Thomas Templeton. Templeton was a pioneer of modern farming practice, interested in applying scientific principles to animal husbandry and pastoral practice. Muntham Mains was widely held up as a 'Model Farm' for the adoption of modern practice and experimentation with scientific pasture and stock management. It was also a renowned Lincoln sheep and draught horse stud. Templeton was considered to be an important and influential member of the Coleraine and district community, a founding member and long term councillor of the Wannon Shire Council, and later served as President. For many years he was also President of the Pastoral and Agricultural Society.
How is it significant?
The archaeological remnants of Muntham Mains are of scientific, historical and archaeological significance.
Why is it significant?
The archaeological remains of the Muntham Mains homestead and farm are of scientific significance as what remains of one of the most modern farms run on scientific principles of the later part of the nineteenth century. The farm was considered to be a 'Model Farm', for others to learn from. Historically, it is important as the first farm selected in the district after the Nicholson Act, and for its associations with Thomas Templeton and his family. Templeton was an important member of the community, and seen as a leader by other small farmers in the area. It is of further historical significance as for its association with an important event, the Nicholson Act of 1860 which opened up much of the land 'locked' by large squatting runs, and allowed smaller selectors to purchase this land for small scale farming. It is also of historical significance as it demonstrates a farming practice which has now been lost, the small land holder. Muntham Mains at the height of its success as the 'Model Farm' was only 500 acres. The abandonment of the homestead and farm represents the change in farming practices, where larger amounts of land were required to obtain a sufficient income. It is of archaeological significance for the information it may reveal about the early selectors generally.
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MUNTHAM MAINS - Physical Conditions
The remnants of the homestead are minimal. The Bhutan Cypress and the Peppercorn are in good-fair condition. The well dome is also in good condition.
MUNTHAM MAINS - Physical Description 1
Muntham Mains is an archaeological site, with few above ground remnants of a previously extensive homestead complex. The site is marked by a pair of mature Cupressus torulosa (Bhutan cypress), a Shinus molle (Peppercorn tree), and an old well. No footings of buildings are intact, although some old bricks are visible in the pasture. The site is presently used as a sheep paddock.
MUNTHAM MAINS - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
3.5 Developing primary production
3.5.1 Grazing stock
3.5.2 Breeding animals
3.5.3 Developing agricultural industries
Theme 5: Working
5.8 working on the landMUNTHAM MAINS - Usage/Former Usage
Grazing land.
MUNTHAM MAINS - Integrity
Very low degree of integrity above ground, possible archaeological potential.
MUNTHAM MAINS - Physical Description 2
Thomas Templeton, grazier.
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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MUNTHAM MAINSSouthern Grampians Shire
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'CARINYA' LADSONS STOREVictorian Heritage Register H0568
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1 Alexander StreetYarra City
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1 Botherambo StreetYarra City
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