The Manor Werribee

THE MANOR WERRIBEE

Unmute the sound you will be able listening to the sound of raging fire and music. Image Courtesy WDHS .

Motion Effects and Sound by XMauboy

COLLECTIVE MEMORY, HISTORY AND ORAL HISTORY

All the three (collective memory, history, oral history) are thoroughly intertwined, mutually influencing and conditioning each other. The collective memories of a people can change over generations. The way individuals collectively remember, forget, and recall events, people, places, etc., has been a prominent topic of research on collective memory . Each of us has some sort of collective memory for any important social group to which we belong. Collective memory and history form an entangled relationship.

With this research I want to compiled all the collective memory about The Manor Werribee that was built by John Percy Chirnside and share it with the community as part of Wyndham history. These collective memories can be about facts or about interpretations, as in the remembrance of the Manor Werribee that destroyed by fire in July 1966 .

I will also use the study of historical, logs of articles and archival sources about The Manor John Percy Chirnside that might be used to enhance our knowledge of The Manor through collective memory. Please share your story, pictures or documents about The Manor .

Personal data provided to us by you, for example in an email (your full name and your contact details), will only be used for the purposes of corresponding with you and for the purposes for which you made the data (stories/documents/pictures) about The Manor available to us. Furthermore, we guarantee that we will not share your data with third parties . Only your first name (the consent form below) that will be published in this site along with your stories/documents/pictures related to The Manor Werribee.

THE MANOR WERRIBEE TIMELINE

Latest to Oldest . Please scroll the arrow to the right (for desktop view) or scroll down (for mobile phone view). And tap the circle image for open up the pictures/ newspaper articles.

WERRIBEE MAP

[Parts of parishes of Tarrneit, Truganina, Duetgam, Cocoroc, Mambourin and Werribee] [cartographic material] / surveyed, engraved, and published by Alfred R. C. Selwyn, Govt. Geologist at the Geological Survey Office, Melbourne ; geologically surveyed by C.D.H Aplin, Field Geologist 1861 ; lithographed by E.Gilks. Melbourne : Geological Survey Office 1863

Courtesy : State Library Victoria . Link

JOHN PERCY CHIRNSIDE : SOLDIER AND POLITICIAN

The youngest son of Andrew and Mary Chirnside was John Percy, who was born in 1865 and spent the first five years of his life at Skibo Castle in Scotland. He was educated at Geelong Grammar and on leaving in 1880 went on a two year world tour. When he reached England, where George Chirnside was already at University, he found that Dalgetys (Dalgety and Co: the company was a joint-stock company incorporating firms which were actively managed by Frederick Gonnerman Dalgety in partnership with other trading individuals) had been instructed by his Uncle Thomas to give them both unlimited credit. This was a period of great prosperity in Australia, and bachelor Thomas Chirnside's income was almost beyond reckoning (it was said that on their total holdings one million sheep were shorn annually). Nevertheless Dalgetys became worried by the speed and enthuasiasm with which Percy and George set about spending money and sent a telegram to Thomas asking 'What do you mean by unlimited?'. It was some time before this message caught up with Thomas, who was finally located on Mount Elephant by his manager W.H. Stretch. After being asked what reply should be sent, Thomas said angrily, 'Tell them to look up the bloody dictionary!'.

After his trip abroad, Percy joined his brothers in their 'all blues' polo team and rode to hounds, but these were not his only interests. He also joined the Field Naturalist Club, being aware of the importance of protecting native birds, animals and plants: quite an unusual outlook when people were still busily acclimatising imports from the Old World. Percy Chirnside was a gentle man of strong character, extremely intelligent and good looking and something of a dandy as to dress. He excelled at all sports, particularly athletic and shooting, and was almost a fanatic about physical fitness. He decided to make service with the Army his career and was first commissioned as Lieutenant in the Victorian Field Artillery Brigade in 1887.

Although he passed the necessary examinations, his expected promotion to Captain did not eventuate and his father (not wanting to see such enthusiasm wasted) offered to raise and help maintain a half-battery of horse artillery at Werribee, for him to command.

Within a year Andrew Chirnside was dead, but his sons George and Percy continued to maintain the half-battery. To further his career, Percy then went to England for training with the British Army and was given a farewell dinner by residents of Wyndham at which he was presented with an Illuminated Address. He remained in England about six months, successfully completing a number of examinations at the officers course at Woolwich, after which he was attached to the Royal Horse Artillery at Aldershot before returning to duty with the Werribee Detachment in 1891. He was no amateur playboy, but a fully professional soldier.

A ball was given in the Orderly Room to welcome him home, and in the following year he returned the hospitality anniversary of the half-battery's formation. These were printed in gold as were the dance programmes, which featured the Chirnsides' falcon crest and motto 'Fac Aut Morere' (do or die).

The young Lieutenant was promoted to the rank of Captain in January 1893 and received a letter of congratulations from the Shire of Wyndham under seal of the Council; in that month his engagement was announced.

It was soon after this that the Victorian Government disbanded the Werribee Detachment rather than relplace the obsolete guns. This was a great shock to Percy and brought his promising military career to an untimely halt;he had been sure that new guns (as promised) would have been provided. He became very depressed and frustrated to know that all his years of training (and that of his men) evidently meant little to the Government. He was firmly convinced that adequate defence measures for the Colony were essential and that the Government's stand was wrong.

Percy's fiance, Ethel Mary Fenner (daughter of George Ogilvie Ross Fenner, an early member and keen follower of the Melbourne Hunt, who had been the honorary secretary and then treasurer from 1850's for nearly thirty years) thought than under the circumstances they should marry as soon as possible and go away for a long holiday. Percy was to be places (at the age of 28) on the Reserve of Officers, so applied for a year's leave and planned the marriage for February.

Despite a serious accident, which very nearly ended his life, the wedding took place as planned. While walking through the stable with a fencing-mask in his hand, meditating on the sad thought that soon the handsome chestnut chargers would all be gone, Percy received a kick in the face from a newly-shod horse. His nose was broken in several places, there was a large hole under his right eye, his upper lip had to be stitched back into place and his lower jaw was broken. He was rushed unconscious to Melbourne for an operation at Dr Fitzgerald's private hospital and an announcement was made in the press that the wedding had been postponed. A man less physically fit may have succumbed, but Percy insisted that he was perfectly all right, so despite a rather battered appearance, he was married on 22 February 1893 to the beautiful Ethel Fenner at All Saints, St Kilda.

The ceremony was attended by relatives and close friends only, but large crowds of spectators gathered to see the youngest son of the late Werribee Park squire married. Percy always had a strong social conscience and apart from his accident and the impending disbandment of his horse artillery, would not have wanted a big wedding when there was so much suffering in the State and daily reports of insolvencies and suicides.

No sooner was the wedding over than the Werribee half-battery was officially disbanded. This took place on 28 February 1893, the same day that a picked team from the Rupertswood half-battery moved into camp for ten days pre-embarkation training. They were being sent to Britain at Sir William Clarkes's expense to take part in military activities there. Only four years later, the Rupertswood Detachment was also disbanded by the Government. Sir William Clarke was unable to persuade them to replace obselete guns and on his death in 1897, his son Sir Rupert Clarke informed the Government that he was not prepared to continue his support without them. Thus the only two semi-private military units ever known in Victoria passed out of existence.

Percy and Ethel Chirnside went on a 9 month honeymoon tour, which included China and Japan, then on to Chicago in time for the Exhibition and finally to England to stay for a while and visit relatives.

A diamond tiara acquired in England was soon in evidence on their return, when Ethel Chirnside of 'fair English beauty' took her place in the family's social whirlpool. vying for fashion honours with George's wife, Annie. At the theatre, at race meetings and balls, at the polo, and functions at Government House these two young women were admired for their elegance.

Melbourne Cup Day, the first Tuesday in November, was even more of a gala occasion in the 1890s than it is today. The Chirnside carriages would each be drawn by a splendidly matched four-in-hand, all carrying the famous 'door-key' brand, the passengers lending colour by their bright dresses, parasols and feathers. Dame Mable Brookes in her book Riders of Time describes the scene:

'It was a set routine of year's standing, the maids and wherewithal send an hour before in a wagonette, with time to place champagne on ice, to lay out cold lobster mayonnaise, crescent rolls, turkey and ham, salad, ice cream (an innovation), charlotte russe and cheese straws. A nice interlude, to be away temporarily from the gusty excitement of the ring and the moving fashion parade on the lawns. It was a decade of uninhibited outgoing, of enough money to spend without thought.'

TROVE LINK

WERRIBEE ITEMS.

About one million bricks will be used in

building the mansion and stables and river

garden wall at Captain J. P. Chirnside's

newly acquired property, Werribee Manor,

recently belonging (so far as the. house

site and adjacent paddocks are concerned)

to G. C. Darbyshire, Esq. C.E. The new

house occupies a most picturesque site

overlooking the river Werribee.

1896

Owner : Percy Chirnside

Architect : Alexander Hamilton of Colac ( Architect of Oakbank Colac, Tarndwarncoort at Warncoort, Further reading : Alexander Hamilton: architect, Colac Thesis Univ Melbourne by Edgard Pirrotta )

Landscape Designer : William Sangster and William Taylor (Designer of Melbourne Botanic Garden with William Robert Guilfoyle , Carlton Garden, Rippon Lea, Victoria Garden Prahran , Daylesford Botanic Garden. Further reading : 'Victorian Picturesque The Colonial Gardens of William Sangster" by JH Foster

Picture Greetings From Werribee . Postcard showing the landmark of Werribee 1900. St Thomas Church of England Werribee, St Andrew Roman Catholic Church & Presbytery Werribee, The Manor Werribee and Haystack building Werribee - Collection of Werribee District Historical Society.

Percy Chirnside called on the Premiere, offering to again establish and maintain a half-battery of horse artillery, but the Government was not interested. George had already sold the chestnut artillery horses two months before, and taken over the buildings for his butter factory; but Percy was still prepared to start from scratch. He felt very strongly that a trained army was essential in view of the disturbed state of Europe; he loved his country and wanted to be well-trained men to defend it.

An enthusiastic young man of tremendous energy, he did not feel that supervising his property at Werribee was enough to occupy his time, and if his experience in military matters was not wanted by the Government, he would offer his services to the State in another way. In May 1894 Percy Chirnside announced that he would be a candidate for the electorate of Grant at the elections that year for the Legislative Assembly of the Victorian Parliament (a seat previously held by Harry Armytage). He did not like party politics and stood as an Independent, styling himself a 'liberal conservative' and saying he would support 'measures not men' : whatever would promote the general welfare of the Colony. He said that 'the acute financial stress of the Colony had induced him to enter the political arena'.

His wife, Ethel, was his greatest supporter and possibly his greatest asset. She was a beautiful and gracious hostess, always pleasant and agreeable, and gave her help to many district activities.

Percy's campaign was vigorous, he spoke in every centre and called on many electors personally. In the previous year, he had begun maintaining the Werribee football team, not just giving money, but by active participation. They were outfitted in the Chirnside racing colours of dark blue and black, and Percy drove them round in his 'four-in-hand' to district matches. This was an excellent way of meeting people in the electorate when he stood for Parliament. He also went into the mines, at Steiglitz, at Egerton and other places to talk to the men and assure them that he had a sincere desire to benefits his fellows and advance them in whatever they undertook. Steiglitz was such a big mining centre at that time, that it was expected that the vote there would decide the result.

Apart from his motto of 'measures not men', Percy said he would support a minimum rate of wage; he believed that labour should be properly and fairly paid (this was years ahead of the setting of a basic wage).

His policies were stated firmly and he answered questions easily, his views strong and definite. He appeared to lean towards Labour in many ways. Taxation on wealth, even though he personally would be affected, he felt would be for the general good; he also said he would support legislation for 'one man, one vote'. An approachable man on any subject, young and eager to succeed, Percy was elected by a large majority in September 1894. On entering Parliament he realised that 'one man,one vote' was not quite what he had thought it was, and wished he had not pledged his support. However, true to his word he voted as he had promised his electors.

He was avery honest and popular local member, who at all times had the interest of his people at heart; he kept in close touch with the residents and looked personally into cases of hardship in the electorate. It did not make him popular within the House. He spoke in favour of the Government purchase of large estates for Closer Settlement (for dairy farming only), knowing full well that George (who had taken the richest portion of Werribee Park for himself) would be affected more than he would with his stony sheep country.

Ethel was very proud of Percy's success and was almost always in the Gallery to hear him when he was to speak in Parliament. His maiden speech was a strong protest againts the proposed municipal subsidy reduction. Speaking in a pleasant, persuasive style, he said it would have an injurious effect on the poorer Shires. He spoke rarely in the House, but when he did, had something of value to say and said it well. He did immense research into his facts and figures and put much thought research into his facts and figures and put much thought into the subjects. One of his best topics was of course Defence, as he understood military matters thoroughly. He was always keen on military training and thought all men sixteen and sixty should at least be trained in the use of rifle. In 1897, when the Government decided it could not afford to hold the annual Easter military encampment at Langwarrin, Percy Chirnside paid the required £ 2,000 out of his pocket, so it could continue; he was fully aware of the benefit of such a camp to the troops.

He ordered horses from Werribee to mount the Second (Bushmen's) Contingent which went to the Boer War, but the Defence Department said his horses were not suitable; he gave them £ 500 instead. On another occasions he gave £ 500 towards sending an Australian rifle team to the Bisley contest in England, as the Commonwealth Government would not meet the cost. His generosity earned him the nickname 'Pursey', which he found more hurtful than amusing.

Land owned by G.C Derbyshire dated 1837 can be seen here, Percy Chirnside bought the land in 1890s

Mambourin, County of Grant [cartographic material] / photo-lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, by W. J. Butson.Mambourin, County of Grant [cartographic material] / photo-lithographed at the Department of Lands and Survey, Melbourne, by W. J. Butson. Publisher: Melbourne : A. J. Millet, Govt. Printer

Courtesy : State Library Victoria. Link

Ill feeling between Percy and George was very strong at this period, the younger brother believing that in many ways he was being unfairly treated. The disbandment of his horse artillery, and George's haste in using the buildings for a butter factory; the division of the estate, which gave Percy the stony country above the railway line, and George not only the Point Cooke homestead but Werribee Park also; a dispute over the Presbyterian Church, which was on George's land (this led Percy laying the foundation stone of the new Church of England in 1900, having changed to his wife's religion in 1895); and among other things being forced to buy land along the river in order to have a suitable site for a house.

After returning from their honeymoon Percy and Ethel lived for a time in Manchester House, which had been built for George Chaffey when the ill-fated irrigation scheme was tottering in 1891. He had moved to Mildura toward the end of 1892 and Percy was able to lease the house. Knowing it would not be big enough for them and their staff for long, Percy purchased land on the river from George Darbyshire and engaged Alexander Hamilton, the Colac architect, to design a suitable house. This was built at a cost of £ 8,000 in 1895-6 and was named Werribee Manor.

One would imagine that for George to live at Werribee Park and Percy to live at Werribee Manor would be a perfectly normal matter, but George was enraged and took out a court order to prevent Percy from using the name "Werribee": just one more hurt to the younger brother's gentle nature. He did not want their private feud to be dragged into court, so agreed to call his property The Manor.

When their new house was built, Percy and Ethel entertained frequently; garden parties and children's picnics for all within ten miles of Werribee, held on the lawns and terraces which led to the banks of the river, and family gatherings. Ethel's social activities were showed down somewhat by the birth of her first child in December 1896, but she had four years before the next one arrived and by 1909 (with four-yearly intervals) their family of 3 sons and a daughter was complete.

Ethel joined the committee of the Queen Victoria Hospital, and in 1899 was vice-president. Both she and Percy were always willing to help worthwhile causes, and the Werribee district in particular benefited greatly from their support. When the Government in 1897 refused provide additional schooling for the Sewage Farm workers, Percy said he would build a school himself for them if a site was provided. The Metropolitan Board provided an acre of land, and Captain Percy Chirnside, true to his word had a school erected (Cocoroc South) in 1898, which he officially opened on 30 July that year.

Percy served in 4 parliaments, but campaigned vigorously for fewer members and less expenses all round. When, in 1904, the number of constituencies was reduced, he did not offer himself for re-election. Ethel was expecting their 3rd child, and he felt the time had come when he should give more time to his family.

THE FAMILY MAN

1899. Tenders for 2000 trees. Link

tender for blliard room hamilton colac.P

1900. Tenders for Billiard Room A.Hamilton of Colac for Percy Chirnside The Manor . Link

Percy and Ethel Chirnside with Poss and John wait for the waggonette (Melbourne Punch 1903)

While many less fortunate or less firmly established were suffering the effects of the "land boom" collapse, the Chirnsides sailed into the gay Edwardian era still on the crest of the wave. Before long the whole country had a return to properity with the end of the Boer War.

Percy was a Member of Parliament in Victoria when Queen Victoria proclaimed that the Commonwealth of Australia would some into being on 1 January 1901, one of her last public acts before her death 3 weeks later. After observing a suitable period of mourning, the Federation celebrations began in Melbourne, which was to be the centre for the new Commonwealth Government. Percy and Ethel, together with Adrew and George and their wives, attended many official functions in May of that year.

The Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York (later King George V and Queen Manry) were the focal point of all gatherings he having travelled to Australia to open the Parliament. Most functions were held in the Exhibition Building, but there was also a Royal Review at Flemington Racecourse, a most spectacular event.

Federation meant the appointment of a Governor-General and Percy Chirnside felt it should also mean abolishing the office of State Governors. Advocating this surprisingly radical move he told the Parliament that Chief Justice could well perform any necessary duties pertaining to the Crown. He felt it would save an enormous amount of money in each State, which could be used on defence - on compulsory training and the establishment of a naval college.

For the next 10 years, while King Edward and Queen Alexandra were the incumbents of Buckingham Palace, and Court presentations were very grand affairs, the social life of those who could afford it knew no bounds. The Coronation in 1902 drew many Australians to London, well to the fore among them being the 3 Chirnside brtohers and their wives; Robert's widow, Alice, was already living in England.

Before leaving, and to commemorate the Coronation, Percy gave a State Savings Bank passbook opened with 1s. deposit (a generous gift in those days) to every child in the Werribee Shire, in the hope that it would encourage them to save.

He and George stayed abroad longer than originally intended, partly because the Coronation was postponed until August due to the King's illness, and partly to help Alice with her rather headstrong offspring. When Andrew and Winiferd returned home it was with an adopted daughter. Percy took home a Panhard automobile, and George some more Jersey cattle, including the celebrated bull, Carnation Fox. These were of course in addition to the trunks of Paris fashions selected by their wives.

They returned to London from time to time, taking houses for the 'season' and touring the Continent. This was an accepted way of life, almost impossible for the present generation to visualise.

In 1905 John Percy Chirnside received a telegram advising that King Edward had conferred upon him the Companionship of St Michael & St George. It was a proud moment for his aging mother when the Governor-General invested her youngest son with the C.M.G.; as he returned from the dais, Percy handed her the huge envelope containing the citation. He was probably the most altruistic of all the Australian born Chirnsides and well deserved the honour of entering this most distinguished Order.

Annual garden parties given by Percy and Ethel for their tenants and constituents were a feature of Werribee life round the turn of the century. Drinks were served in the dining room and music provided in the drawing room; there would also be a band playing on the lawn and a marquee for refreshments. The Manor had many rare paintings and curiosities, including a splendid weapon collection, with duelling pistols from all over the world.

In 1907 the Empire Day (a day of splendid ceremonial now sadly lost to our youth) the 2nd Battalion School Cadets had a parade at Werribee as guests of Captain Chirnside. He paid for special trains to bring the 700 officers and boys from Geelong College and Geelong Grammar, and from the Melbourne public schools, Wesley, Scotch, Xavier and Melbourne Grammar. His eldest son, 'Poss', was in uniform for the first time and it was a proud day for Percy to see this military tradition carried on.

In 1908 the Parade was again held, this time both the 2nd and 6th Battalion took part, with over 1000 Cadets. 'Poss' Chirnside won the under fourteen sports championship.

In 1889 Percy had a Moffat & Virtue shearing machine plant installed in The Manor's 20 stand woolshed, powered by a 25 horsepower Hornsby oil engine. He offered £ 1 per 100 to the top man who gave no second cuts. In the early 1900s 26.000 sheep were shorn there at an average cost of 18s. 6d. per 100, the whole flock being completed within 3 weeks if weather conditions were good.

In addition to Merino sheep, Percy bred milking Shorthorn cattle, importing some top stock during those years. Some attempt at irrigation was also made at The Manor and about 10,000 acres leased to tenants. Substantial homesteads were put up for the tenants, who paid a rental of from 12s. to 15s. per acre with no charge for the improvements. A five-year lease was given, and when it was found that the Werribee land did best if no crop was taken off new ground, Percy gave the first year's tenancy free of charge so that the land could be fallowed. No clearing was needed on the plains, and where the land was not already fenced, he supplied the necessary posts.

In 1903, after his return from England, Percy Chirnside found some of his tenants becoming discontented and wanting to leave their farms. He took the same action as his brother George, holding a land sale in 1904 to give them the opportunity of buying their farms. Some 2,700 acres were put up in lots of from 8 acres to 380 acres, bringing a total amount of £ 45,215. The top price was £ 47 per acre for nineteen acres.

With the houses, sheds and fences being put up for tenants as well as the general overhead expenses of the stations, both George and Percy found that their annual expenditure on their properties about equalled their income. This was not a situation that could continue indefinely, and they reached the conclusion that it was impossible to carry on their father's way of life, with its support for all worthwhile causes, with only a quarter of his landholdings and income. They tried to give their help to the district and to the State, but it become beyond their means.

In 1909 Percy sub divided a further 25,000 acres for tenant farms and one former tenant said at the time that he now owned his own farm and this was 'largely due to Captain Chirnside's consideration in giving me sufficient time to make the money out of the land'

As his sons were keen on coursing, Percy had greyhound kennels built at The Manor. These were situated on the banks of the Werribee River, beautifully shaded by the many trees. There were 6 yards each 10' x 20' in area with a separate kennel containing sleeping benches adjoining these was a glass enclosure some 500 yards long.

His eldest son Percy Errol Fortescue known always as Poss was born in December 1896 amd educated at Geelong Grammar, where his prowess in sports was a much a delight to his father as was his decision to make the Army his career. He was an enthusiastic member and supporter of the Werribee Coursing Club, of which his father and Uncle George were patrons and was a very popular young man in the district.

Percy and Ethel went again to England for the Coronation of King George V in 1911 and while there attended a State Ball at Buckingham Palace and a Garden Party at Windsor Castle. On leaving school, Poss Chirnside went to England where he attended the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. When World War 1 broke out in August 1914, he was only 17 years old, but within 12 months joined up with VIIIth Kings Royal Irish Hussars. He served in Germany, France, Egypt and Palestine. Returning on leave to Werribee to recover from wounds he was welcomed by the Coursing Club and given a gold cigarette case and travelling kit. Almost the entire Chirnside Family was in England throughout the War as nurses, ambulance drivers or in the Army. On their return they willingly made land available for Soldier Settlement.

When the war broke out, Percy at once tried to enlist, as he was still a Captain on the reserve list, but was told he was too old. At 51 he thought he was as fit as ever and that his training would be usefull but Australia thought otherwise. Not easily dettered when he saw plainly in which direction his duty lay, Percy sailed for England with his wife and younger children. leaving his second son to continue his schooling at Geelong. This was John Bruce born in 1900 and he too played his part in the war effort, being awarded the War Office Button for National Work in 1915. He later joined the family in England and completed his education at Malvern College. In 1914 Geelong Grammar School was moved into new buildings at Corio, the clock and bell in the clock tower were donated by Percy and Ethel Chirnside.

Captain John Percy Chirnside too old for the Australian Army found he was also regarded as too old for active duty in England. However by sheer persistence he was finally posted to the Remount Depot at Swaythling, where his early training was put to good account. His squadron was noted as by far the best in the Depot both in the way their horses as by far the best in the Depot, both in the way their horses were turned out and in their economic management. Anxious for duty nearer the 'front' he was gratified to be given command of some shipments of horses sent into active service. On one of these assignments their ship the Nirvana was torpedoed and never in danger of sinking, when Percy and his men volunteered to take the place of the Lascars and go below to the flooded engine room. Here they restored confidence and kept up a head of steam, enabling the vessel to be beached safely. There were then privates, a sergeant major in despatches for gallant conduct, the sergeant major receiving the D.C.M A recommendation from the Commandant of the Remount Depot that Percy should be promoted to Major with the honorary rank of Colonel, was evidently one of those things 'lost in the files' for it never eventuated. He was however awarded the O.B.E after the War was over.

Percy and Ethel only returned to The Manor for a short time, sadly agreeing with George Chirnside that after nearly 70 years the family's association with the district would have to be broken; their property was sold to Gerald Buckley in 1920.

The Manor was burnt down in 1966.

Both brothers, the money from the sale of their land invested in Government Bonds, moved to smaller properties where they could still enjoy the pleasures of rural life without so many worries. Percy bought Brandon Park near Oakleigh (now Mulgrave) in 1921 and put it extensive sugar gum plantations round the unpretentious timber homestead with its wide verandahs. This was near the corner of Springvale and Ferntree Gully Roads, now the site of a huge shoppng complex. It must have surely been more than luck which prompted both George and Percy to invest in such pottentialy valuable properties as Mooroolbark Park and Brandon Park, even ig neither they nor their heirs then long enough to benefit from the ultimate sub divisions.

At Brandon Park, Percy Chirnside founded the "Brucevale" Jersey stud with cattle purchased from George and put up 4 timber cottages for his men. He also bred thoroughbred horses and kept ponies for young Andrew and Molly who loved riding. Here they lived quitely occasionally driving to Melbourne or to Moorallah to visit their son John.

Percy Chirnside died in 1944 and as requested was cremated and given a private simple funeral. Ethel was still in England where she spent the War years, Andrew Begbie Chirnside (A.B) was in northern Australia with The R.A.A.F only John Chirnside was at home. The ashes were kept in a casket until Ethel returned and it was not until November 1946 that a memorial service was held for him at St Thomas Church of England at Werribee, and his ashes scattered from the banks of the River in Chirnside Park. Here one of the old artillery guns, which Percy had presented to the Shire Council was mounted for display. Brandon Park to which Ethel held title was sold for a reputed £ 12.000 and sge took a flat in Melbourne.

Ethel and her sons John and Andrew had a strong sentimental attachment to the Werribee district for the happiest days of their lives were those spent at The Manor.

In 1948 Ethel gave to St Thomas magnificent 2 panelled windows in memory of Percy and in 1949 to his old school Geelong Grammar the West Window in the Chapel of All Saints.

The family returned to Werribee for the 50th Anniversary of the church and Ethel decided to give 2 more windows in memory of Molly (Ethel Mary Charlton). Unhappily she died just a few weeks before the dedication service in October 1951.

The Werribee Presbyterian Church, built on part of Werribee Park, had the beautiful windows behind the altar presented by Mary in 1896. Her son George also added to it before handing over the freehold to a group of trustees in 1902. He had a family pew built for himself in 1897 of exquisitely carved English Oak, which during renovations in 1956 was raised and enlarged to hold the choir. Andrew Begbie Chirnside of Mooralah was invited to represent the family at 90th anniversary service that year and unveiled 2 brass plaque. One was inside the church to the memory of Thomas Chirnside and the other outside the manse to the memory of George. The building of the manse to the memory of George. The building of the manse in 1948 had been possible by the latter's generous bequest.

Werribee Presbyterian Church. Courtesy State Library of Victoria . Link

Percy Chirnside Obituary LINK

THE MANOR

Still image from video 'The Manor Werribee' by FL Video Production, The Dennis Family Corporation, Rose Grange Estate Community Fund . Courtesy Collection of Werribee District Historical Society. For futher video preview visit Werribee District Historical Society they have video about the Manor

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WERRIBEE MANOR FARMS in 1904

-£45,000 WORTH SOLD IN AN HOUR. LINK

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1904 . Manor Estate Auction at Mechanic Institute Werribee. Link

Subsequently The Manor it self had several owners, including Phillip Lock, who bought the property in the late 1930s and turned it into a racing stud. Then Michael Galvin, the Werribee Shire President owned it, passing it to a niece ‘and then into the Hayes family’. ( Source : Link )

Interview with Sonia Beamish and Brian Hayes ( Original unedited recordings made by Margaret Campbell for From there to here : excerpts from the first person accounts of family migration Werribee 1840s-2000s recorded for a Centenary of Federal Community Grant Project. Werribee Community Centre, 2005 ) Link : Audio File

During the Second World War, The Manor was used as a RAAF hospital. Negotiations to buy it and use it as a Church of England boarding school fell through on the death of Sidney Myer. There was also a scheme by Ernest C. Rolls, a Melbourne theatrical entrepreneur, to turn it into a film studio. This also fell through.

In 1966, while the Hayes family was in residence, the house caught fire. The family escaped without injury, but only remnants were left of the building. Its name is perpetuated in the Manor housing estate.

25th July 1966 - The Manor, John Percy Chirnside’s grand mansion, is destroyed by fire. Foul play (no valid proof for it) is suspected ( Article Source : Link)

Source : Link

Picture impose 1963 Aerial View and 2017 Google Earth see on the top middle nearby the River was The Manor site . Courtesy Dept. of Land Environment Land Water & Planning and Christine Mauboy

Picture impose 1963 Aerial View and 2018 Google Earth . The Black line shows the Manor sites path boundaries amongs the garden/trees so basicly The Manor Structure Building was at Talia Court, Nada Court while The Manor garden was at Half of Manorvale Parade including the Reserve, Watamolla Court, Anembo Court. There are 2 bright green marker shows the Manor building/structure. Courtesy Dept. of Land Environment Land Water & Planning and Christine Mauboy

You can viewing some pictures in each Blue Pin and Bright Green icon by clicking it using your mouse.

Bright Green = Manor Structures location (based on the map tracing and overlay between Aerial Map dated 1963 and Current Google Earth/Map) and Picturesm( Structure 1 = The Manor House , Structure 2 = Wagonnete Brick Building)

Blue Pin = Big Old Tres and Pictures, if you find old tree with stem diameter minimum 80 cm you can check how old your tree is by using this link : http://www.tree-guide.com/tree-age-calculator

Yellow = Current Houses at The Manor Estate Ground

Red Circle Star = Alex Smart's Native Australian Garden . This garden is an asset in the area because Alex Smart has received a Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to conservation and the environment and he also a former president Werribee River Association.