A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
List of Owners
First and foremost. We would like to acknowledge this land is the traditional lands for the Kaurna
people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We also acknowledge the
Kaurna people as the custodians of the Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are
still as important to the living Kaurna people today.
1837
George Cortis
1847
William Bartley
1848
Edward Stephens
1849
Sydney Malone Crawford & George Thomas Tremlett Crawford
1852
H Mitchell
1853
Sydney Malone Crawford & George Thomas Tremlett Crawford
1855
Abraham Scott & Edmund William Wright
1861
James Chambers
1876
Hugh Chambers
1876
Agnes Chambers
1896
Hugh Robert Dixson
1908
Marie Louise Federica Lady Bonython
1924
John Langdon Bonython
1939
Edith Ann Bonython & Ada Langdon Bonython
1956
11 descendants of the Bonython Family held a share in the property
1965
Corporation of the City of Adelaide
1978
Adelaide City Council (with aid from South Australian Government)
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
The site of Carclew with its imposing mansion occupies a dominant position with views over the City of
Adelaide to the Mt Lofty Ranges, and west across the plains to St Vincents Gulf.
1837
The acre of land known as TA749, upon which Carclew is built, is recorded as having been first sold to
George Cortis, of Worthing Sussex on 23rd December 1837 for 12 shillings
1847
Records indicate that the land changed hands on 27th July 1847 to a William Bartley of Adelaide South
Australia.
1848
The land changed hands again on 27th Feb 1848 to Edward Stephens of Adelaide South Australia.
1849
Sydney Malone Crawford & George Thomas Tremlett Crawford both of Hindmarsh and described as
Common Brewers are recorded as having purchased the property on 6 August 1849.
1852
It was then sold it to H Mitchell of Chester England who was a Tailor, on 12th May 1852. The Adelaide
City Council Archives Assessment Book records for the year 1851 show the property to be a two storey
brick house of 1 acre garden and grounds with an annual value of 108 pounds. In 1854 stabling had
been added.
1853
It is interesting to note that the same SM & GTT Crawford are recorded as having presumably
repurchased the property on 22 Aug 1853.
1855
Changed hands on 26th Feb1855 to Abraham Scott of Adelaide Merchant and Edmund William Wright
of Adelaide, Architect.
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
5 May 1861
Purchased by James Chambers of Adelaide, Stockholder, on 5th May 1861. This heralded a new
historical significance for the property.
James Chambers arrived in Adelaide in 1837 aged 26 and soon established a thriving transport business.
Chambers established his carrying service between Holdfast Bay & Adelaide subsequently between Port
Adelaide & Adelaide. He was also the first owner of a taxi cab in South Australia and in 1852 he
organised the inland transport of mail, subsequently the Gold Transport, from the Victorian Gold
Diggings. He is reported to have become very rich. After a trip to England he returned with an ambition
to assist in the exploration of the State and of the Northern Territory.
Chambers became very friendly with John McDouall Stuart, who had accompanied Charles Sturt on his
expedition in 1844 and the idea of a trip across Australia from Adelaide to the Indian Ocean was
discussed. Stuart's first attempt was not successful but in central Australia he saw a solitary rock of
sandstone which he subsequently named Chambers Pillar (1860). A Tribe of Aborigines attacked the
party, and as food and water were scarce, Stuart returned to Adelaide to prepare for a better equipped
expedition.
From the 1967 Publication: Stuart’s Third Attempt – A Re-enactment of the Departure
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
25 October 1861
On October 25th, Stuart set off again, heavily financed by Chambers. A lunch before the departure was
given in the house by Mrs Chambers and her daughters, Anna & Catherine.
A Plaque commemorating this historic event is attached to the Southern Wall enclosing Carclew, which
reads:
Carclew occupies the site of the residence of James Chambers Esq. whence the McDouall
Stuart exploring expedition started on the 25th October, 1861, on the successful crossing of
the continent of Australia. The Members had lunch in the house, and, mounted on their
horses, filed out of the North Western gate.
The wall now surrounding the property existed at the time.
During the lunch, one of the Chamber's daughters reportedly gave Stuart a Union Jack to plant when he
reached his destination. On July 25th 1862, the party bathed near the present site of Darwin and ran up
the flag exactly nine months to the hour since the expedition left Adelaide. He called the bay, Chambers
Bay. Chambers was not to know of Stuart's success for on the 7th August 1862 he died and therefore
could not be present at Stuart's triumphant parade down King William Street on 21st January 1863. In
Stuart's journal of the expedition he concludes by paying a tribute to James Chambers:
How much I regret the unexpected decease of the first named gentleman I need here hardly
state, for he was indeed heart and soul in the result and no one would have felt so proud of
my success as much lamented and best friend, James Chambers.
The property changed hands on 28th Jan 1876 to Hugh Chambers and subsequently on 18th Feb 1876 to
Agnes May Chambers of North Adelaide.
c.1870: Chambers’ residence from the balcony of Montefiore looking across Jeffcott Street showing the stone boundary wall.
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
1896
The property was sold on the 19th 1896 August 1896 to Hugh Robert Dixson of Adelaide described as a
Merchant, marked the beginning of another significant era.
Dixson was born in Forbes NSW in 1865 and became a successful business man including the ownership
of a Tobacco factory. He was also interested in all phases of public life and was a Member of Parliament.
Hugh Robert Dixson
1897 plans were approved for the building of a new mansion on the North Adelaide site
and the existing house was demolished. Dixson gave the new house the German name of
Stalheim which means "steel home".
Dixson was subsequently made a KBE. To avoid confusion with his uncle who was also a knight, Sir Hugh
Dixson changed his name by deed poll to Sir Hugh Denison and he subsequently moved interstate in
1908.
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
The
completed house from the southeast gate 1897
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image B5344
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
Stalheim had been designed by Architect John Quinton Bruce who was a Fellow of the South Australian
Institute of Architects.
c.1907 John Quinton Bruce
John Bruce was born at sea in the West Indies, on the ship his father captained, in 1865 and arrived in
Adelaide with his mother at the age of 4. Reverend William Moore who conducted a private school in
Adelaide was responsible for his education and when he left school in 1880, he served articles for 3
years with Messrs. BAYER AND WITHALL Architects. Subsequently he continued with the firm as
draughtsman until deciding to become a surveyor.
In 1884 he entered the office of EVANS & EVANS, licensed surveyors of Adelaide and for 2 years he
continued studying at the South Australian School of Mines receiving a Diploma in Electrical Engineering
in 1902.
He was accepted for the position of Head Draughtsman to Mr William Gumming then one of Adelaide's
leading Architects. He subsequently left to rejoin Mr. E.H. Bayer who was then in practice in Grenfell St
and continued with Mr Bayer until 1894 when he left to form his own practice. His practice is reported
to have flourished and he subsequently relocated to a suite of offices in the Colonial Mutual Chambers
Building in King William Street.
John Bruce became a member of the Institute of Architects in South Australia in November 1984 and
was made a Fellow in 1897.
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
1897: 'Carclew', on Strangways Terrace, North Adelaide.
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image B2630
c. 1897: Jeffcott Street looking north. Near side of house on extreme right (on east side of Jeffcott St) is 210 yards south of Ward Street.
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image B5336
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
1 May 1908
The Advertiser Print records a poster which shows 'Stalheim' was to have been auctioned at the…
Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 1st May 1908 at 2.30pm under instructions from Hugh R
Denison Esq. (who is now residing in Sydney)
Agent W.B. Wilkinson described the residence Stalheim as containing on the…
ground floor, a vestibule, lavatory, large hall, spacious suite of reception rooms, comprising
drawing room, library, dining room, morning room, billiard room, servants hall, also kitchens
and first class domestic offices
It also records that a very distinctive feature was the beautiful rockery planted with ferns which
connected the main hall with the billiard room. The first floor was shown to have five large airy and well
ventilated bedrooms and bathrooms and all conveniences en-suite. And above, a lofty tower from
which as well as from the balconies on 3 sides of the house,…
the most extensive views of the hills, plains and gulf may be obtained
The poster eulogised that the grounds one acre in extent were laid out in a most attractive manner and
that…
there is a large expanse of lawn and bowling green, a picturesque flower garden planted
with ornamental shrubs, trees etc, a conservatory, large shade-house and also a productive
fruit & vegetable garden together with stabling with 3 loose boxes carriage, house, harness
and mens rooms and all conveniences
It described the site as absolutely unequalled in South Australia.
The Adelaide Advertiser April 28 1908 (Page 2) had the following notice:
Stalheim North Adelaide. The Property of Hugh R Denison is withdrawn from sale having
been disposed of privately.
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
5th June 1908
The new owner was Sir Langdon Bonython, records indicating that the property was sold on 5th June
1908 to Marie Louise Federica Lady Bonython.
Sir John Langdon Bonython [B 11186]
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image 11186
Sir Langdon Bonython was born in London in October 1848 and came to South Australia at an early age.
He was immensely proud of his Cornish ancestry for his family could be traced back to the Cornish
landowners of Bonython and Carclew over seven centuries previous. He changed the name of his new
home to "Carclew" apparently as a gesture to his ancestors of Cornwall.
The history of Sir Langdon Bonython is known to many South Australians; he was the son of George
Langdon Bonython, descendant from the Bonythons of Bonython. Born in London on 15th October
1854, he was educated at Brougham School and joined the literary staff of "The Advertiser" at the age
of sixteen. His promotion with the newspaper was rapid from reporter, Chief of Staff, Managing Editor,
Editor, and finally, Sole Proprietor in 1893.
He played an active part in public life, particularly his interest in education with substantial gifts to the
School of Mines & the University of Adelaide, together with his work as a Member of Parliament and his
gift of £100,000 for the completion of Parliament House.
His place in history and that of his family is very significant.
The south eastern facade of the residence of Sir Langdon
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image B7437
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
1922: [On back of photograph] 'Published in the 'Chronicle", Dec. 16, 1922 / North Adelaide from Montefiore Hill [General description]
Panoramic view acoss North Adelaide with the Adelaide Hills in the background. On the left is part of the parklands and Saint Peter's Cathedral
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image B1175
"Carclew", Montefiore Hill, North Adelaide showing the south eastern facade
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image B7437
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
1924
Carclew was transferred on 26th February 1924 to John Langdon Bonython
1939
Transferred on 29th November 1939 to Edith Ann Bonython and Ada Langdon Bonython both of North
Adelaide as tenants in common.
After, Sir Langdon Bonython died at Carclew on 22nd October 1939 at the age of 91.
1956
On 28th February 1956 Carclew was transferred to 11 descendants each having one undivided Moiety.
c.1950: View looking east from 'Carclew'. St. Peter's Cathedral in the background
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image B61020/125
Overlooking Adelaide from 'Carclew'
With thanks to the State Library of South Australia’s Collection, Image B61020/124
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
1965
On 24th December 1965, Carclew was in the hands of the Corporation of the City of Adelaide.
Subsequently Carclew was under threat of demolition when the Adelaide City Council was looking for a
new site to locate the proposed Aquatic Centre.
1976-77
The building was extensively upgraded and renovated but without loss of integrity and, if anything,
enhancing its impact at the summit of Montefiore Hill. The spacious grounds, stables, boundary walls
and lofty palms add to Carclew’s dramatic effect.
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
1978
On 30th Aug 1978 Carclew was purchased by the Adelaide City Council with assistance from the South
Australian Government.
2001-02
Major renovations to make the building safe.
2008-10
Renovations of a more superficial kind, including all external woodwork being repainted and returned to
its original colours.
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
A HISTORY OF CARCLEW HOUSE
Conclusions
Source:
CONSERVATION STUDY OF CARCLEW
11 JEFFCOTT STREET NORTH ADELAIDE
FOR SACON, SA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION – 1990
The historical significance of Carclew lies in its association with important people who had a
considerable influence on the formation and development of the colony of South Australia.
Such people including Chambers, Stuart, Dixson and Bonython have all played significant roles in both
public and private life, at State and National Levels.
The building itself remains intact and virtually unaltered from the time it was designed by Bruce in 1897
remaining a residence until its purchase by the Adelaide City Council. The surrounding walls have
remained intact from the preceding house which was demolished to allow Stalheim to be constructed.
Carclew's prominent location was a natural attraction and people of importance in the development
of South Australia, appear to have be drawn to this elevated site.