Government Invalid Depot, Mount Eliza Bay, Banks of River Swan, Western Australia ca. 1870-1880
By Remembering the Past Australia / March 11, 2022 / Australia / 0 Comments
Place:
Swan River, Western Australia, Australia
Date:
ca. 1870-1880
Historical Information:
This image is part of the Colonial Office photographic collection held at The National Archives UK.
The Old Men’s home dates back to 1853 when 223 male convicts were assigned to build the depot. There were also carpenters and Ticket of Leave men who were paid a basic wage to assist. Between 1854 and 1868 most of the poor and elderly were ex-convicts and some pensioners. The inmates were governed by very strict rules and no pauper was to go further from the gate of the compound than 200 yards without written permission of the officer in charge.
By 1900 the home catered for 265 inmates. Eventually, the home was closed down on Mounts Bay and was relocated to Dalkeith where it was known as Sunset Home. There over the years, a totally different environment prevailed.
This area was also a main camping ground for the Nyoongar and the spring there made it an important site and the Nyoongar Dreaming of the Serpent and Waugal eggs made it a special gathering place.
Description:
Showing the the Government Invalid Depot, Mount Eliza Bay, Banks of River Swan, Western Australia. Original photo ca. 1870-1880.
From the collection of:
