Joseph and Ann Hardey |
2024
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The Hardeys were working class people. After the English 'Enclosures Act' the family had been granted several fields of land while the records show that Robert Hardey was a Merchant, working his trade from a grain store in the middle of Barrow. (That building still stands in Barrow today.)
Ann Robinson was born on Saturday, the 18th of June in 1800, at Hatfield Chase, in Doncaster. Details of her parents are unknown. (Could have been Richard & Margaret Robinson.)
Joseph Hardey and Ann Robinson were married on Tuesday, the 11th of August 1829, in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, less than a month before departing England. Ann was then 29 years old. |
'Tranby' R.H. Shadhow
The young couple sailed from Kingston-upon-Hull upon the chartered brig Tranby. They departed on Wednesday, the 9th of September 1829, as a newly married couple, along with Joseph's two brother's; John Wall Hardey, his young wife Elizabeth; plus, the 16-year-old, William Hardey.
The trip to Western Australia was independently financed. It was backed by a Mr Bernard Clarkson Senior, a banker and member of the powerful Missionary Branch of the Committee of British Methodism. (Bernard Clarkson senior was a local Methodist preacher at the time John Wesley was still alive.)
It was to be a 5-month voyage, sailing south via Cape Town, in South Africa, and then easterly across the Indian Ocean.
There were 35 Passengers on board when they left. The Tranby had 14 Crew.
(Based on the birth date of their first child later, shortly after arrival the Colony, Ann must have been pregnant during the voyage.)
It was to be a 5-month voyage, sailing south via Cape Town, in South Africa, and then easterly across the Indian Ocean.
There were 35 Passengers on board when they left. The Tranby had 14 Crew.
(Based on the birth date of their first child later, shortly after arrival the Colony, Ann must have been pregnant during the voyage.)
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2. To trace the voyage to the Swan River on a day-by-day basis by the Tranby, please see both parts of the Voyage:
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After Arrival in Fremantle
The passengers on the Tranby sighted the distant ranges (later called the 'Darling Ranges') on Tuesday, the 2nd of February, then the ship rounded Rottnest Island from the north, entered 'Gage's Road' and cast their anchor, in Cockburn Sound on the 3rd of February 1830.
From History of Fremantle site
John Wall Hardey (Joseph Hardey's brother) wrote to England shortly after in July, (extracts appeared the 'Durham Chronicle' Newspaper on the 28th of May 1831) and gives a detailed explanation explained what happened as they entered Gages Road.
"On casting anchor, Mr Scott, the Harbour-master, came to the brig (Tranby) in the Governor’s gig, for documents, &c., and very politely gave Mr M. Clarkson and myself (John Hardy) a passage in the same to the 'Marquis of Anglesea',
On board of which was the Governor. His Excellency gave us a kind and hearty welcome; and after reading our letters of introduction (for which I hope you will thank those gentlemen who so kindly gave us them,) he said he wished more like us would come out, for those who had already arrived, nineteen in every twenty knew nothing about farming. He invited us to call upon him at Perth, which we afterwards did, and had the pleasure of taking wine with him. "
John Wall Hardey continues:
"He [Stirling] then ordered his nephew to get a boat, and take us to examine two parcels of land, either of which we might select. We chose the peninsula, on the account of its superior location, being situated between the two chief towns in the colony, Perth and Guildford. This grant was considered a great favour, as Mr Henty, [James Henty had arrived in November on the Caroline] and I suppose twenty others, had desired to have it, but had been refused. Immediately after getting our goods in shore, which was a work of great labour, we (Messrs. C. [Clarkson] and H. [Hardey]) bought the brig’s skiff, and the between deck. We then set to, and with the assistance of the ship’s carpenter, built a flat, 27 feet long, and 8 wide for the purpose of conveying our goods up into the country. "
"On casting anchor, Mr Scott, the Harbour-master, came to the brig (Tranby) in the Governor’s gig, for documents, &c., and very politely gave Mr M. Clarkson and myself (John Hardy) a passage in the same to the 'Marquis of Anglesea',
On board of which was the Governor. His Excellency gave us a kind and hearty welcome; and after reading our letters of introduction (for which I hope you will thank those gentlemen who so kindly gave us them,) he said he wished more like us would come out, for those who had already arrived, nineteen in every twenty knew nothing about farming. He invited us to call upon him at Perth, which we afterwards did, and had the pleasure of taking wine with him. "
John Wall Hardey continues:
"He [Stirling] then ordered his nephew to get a boat, and take us to examine two parcels of land, either of which we might select. We chose the peninsula, on the account of its superior location, being situated between the two chief towns in the colony, Perth and Guildford. This grant was considered a great favour, as Mr Henty, [James Henty had arrived in November on the Caroline] and I suppose twenty others, had desired to have it, but had been refused. Immediately after getting our goods in shore, which was a work of great labour, we (Messrs. C. [Clarkson] and H. [Hardey]) bought the brig’s skiff, and the between deck. We then set to, and with the assistance of the ship’s carpenter, built a flat, 27 feet long, and 8 wide for the purpose of conveying our goods up into the country. "
Joseph Hardey later wrote, in a letter to England, (dated July 14th 1832) of the conditions they discovered upon their arrival:
" February, 3rd 1830, arrived at Swan River in the brig Tranby, from Hull, and found many of the emigrants in tents at Fremantle, generally dissatisfied and full of complaints respecting the colony (and some of them ready for going away). The flats up the Swan, the badness of the soil, the heat of the weather, with many others things of the same kind, appeared to be the subjects of general conversation, when worshipping at the shrine of Bacchus; and after being assailed on every hand by such miserable comforters, I found it necessary to leave them and go to look for myself, and after reaching the Peninsula was convinced that the land was of a useful character, and might be made to suit the general purposes of agriculture, although inferior to much of the land higher up the Swan."
" February, 3rd 1830, arrived at Swan River in the brig Tranby, from Hull, and found many of the emigrants in tents at Fremantle, generally dissatisfied and full of complaints respecting the colony (and some of them ready for going away). The flats up the Swan, the badness of the soil, the heat of the weather, with many others things of the same kind, appeared to be the subjects of general conversation, when worshipping at the shrine of Bacchus; and after being assailed on every hand by such miserable comforters, I found it necessary to leave them and go to look for myself, and after reaching the Peninsula was convinced that the land was of a useful character, and might be made to suit the general purposes of agriculture, although inferior to much of the land higher up the Swan."
Mary Ann Friend's painting of the south bay c.1830, now the Esplanade Reserve (State Library of Western Australia).
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On the 7th of February, during his first Sunday in the Colony, Joseph Hardey conducted a service for the Tranby people to express gratitude to God for His care during their voyage. A couple of weeks later, on Monday morning, 22nd February, a service was held to lay the body of young William Hardey to rest at Fremantle. The location of his grave is unknown. Sixteen-year-old William had died on board the Tranby just 12 days before land was sighted. |
The wide range of Livestock, the Goods and Chattels, stores and provisions from England and the Cape were then brought ashore onto the beach via the ship's skiff which had been bought by the Clarkson and the Hardey brothers.
While waiting to occupy land, that would shortly be granted to them, the Hardeys erected, at Fremantle, a temporary building brought out from England. Within three weeks, by the end of February 1830, the first church service was held there.
While waiting to occupy land, that would shortly be granted to them, the Hardeys erected, at Fremantle, a temporary building brought out from England. Within three weeks, by the end of February 1830, the first church service was held there.
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From Joseph's Diary:
"February 28, 1830, Mr. Davies, Church Minister, preached in our house this morning, and I spoke in the evening to upwards of 50 people, the first time, I believe, the Fremantle people have been addressed by the Methodists." This Mr. Davies was Church of England clergyman, who was on his way to Tasmania. The ship on which be was travelling remained in port seven weeks, and, during his stay at Fremantle, Mr. Davies held occasional services. |
Of Note: Wesleyan Methodism broke away from the mainstream Anglican protestant church in the 18th century. In Western Australia, Wesleyan Methodism developed an independent denominational character towards the end of the 19th century. |
A lady passenger on the same boat has left on record some interesting impression of the service conducted in Mr. Hardey's house by this visiting clergyman. She says: "The Tranby people formed part of the congregation by joining us, and opened the service of the day by the morning hymn. Several of us were only passing visitors and could not know the deep and powerful feelings of many present whose whole prosperity and hopes of happiness were risked on the success or failure of their exertions in the new colony.
Before we separated, the apparent leader of the Tranby people (Mr. Joseph Hardey) rose and gave notice that divine service would be performed by them according to the rules of their establishment at six o'clock in the evening. They desired all us to attend."
Before we separated, the apparent leader of the Tranby people (Mr. Joseph Hardey) rose and gave notice that divine service would be performed by them according to the rules of their establishment at six o'clock in the evening. They desired all us to attend."
This good lady accepted the invitation, and her impressions of the service are well worth reading. "The room was crowded even to standing, but as the entrance had no door, and the windows were without sashes, we had as free a circulation of air as possible. The service consisted of singing and two long prayers, besides the sermon. One woman of the party had a very fine voice, and had not the singing been too loud, it would, on the whole, have been tolerably good. I was much pleased with the sermon, in spite of the Yorkshire dialect in which it was delivered. It was extemporaneous and quite without hesitation. After it was over, we returned home and enjoyed a cool walk."
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In their early years, Wesleyan Methodism had a separatist flavour. Those joining the community did so out of the conviction that Methodism was a more sincere expression of the Christian lifestyle than Anglicanism. Methodists maintained strong internal bonding through their fellowship meetings and shared experience of petty persecution from the wider community. Their motives were honourable, but the predominantly Anglican colonial society did not take their alternative methods of worship seriously, displaying marked irreverence for the community's convictions in some instances.
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Most early references to Methodism describe the movement as a 'sect'. It is interesting to note, however, that insularity was not a consistent characteristic of the group, as it was common practice for Wesleyans to attend the morning Anglican worship service in addition to their own class meeting and evening service.
The Swan River Colony
The Government by their regulations published in August 1829, had wisely circumscribed the river frontage of every holding, and surveyed the sections to run back some distance from the Swan. These long, narrow blocks came to be called "ribbon grants". In this way, every settler was able to enjoy the advantage of river transport, and the residences were within easy walking distance of each other. The principal early grants were situated above Perth, along the beautiful reaches of the river winding up to Guildford. The river frontage of grants, on either side, fairly evenly faced each other, and the settlers built their houses near the river, on some prominent bank, or on a gentle slope terraced by small hills.
There was a justified criticism that during the first six months of settlement, Stirling had granted much good land to many people who were not bona fide settlers (Civil, Navel and Military officers).
In 1829, Lieutenant Governor James Stirling had reserved two “peninsulas” on the river, one on either side. That on the right was for a racecourse, but his plans for the other are not at present known. Henry Camfield, who came in the Caroline only two months after Perth was founded, with two indentured servants and their families, had been granted the reserve on the left bank (when viewed from the running of the river to the sea). He planned to grow hops for beer, an aim that was favoured by Stirling, who hoped that a supply of beer would lessen the excessive drinking of rum and other spirits that was then prevalent among the “lower classes”. When Camfield took up his grant he named it 'Burrswood' after his father's farm in Kent, England.
There was a justified criticism that during the first six months of settlement, Stirling had granted much good land to many people who were not bona fide settlers (Civil, Navel and Military officers).
In 1829, Lieutenant Governor James Stirling had reserved two “peninsulas” on the river, one on either side. That on the right was for a racecourse, but his plans for the other are not at present known. Henry Camfield, who came in the Caroline only two months after Perth was founded, with two indentured servants and their families, had been granted the reserve on the left bank (when viewed from the running of the river to the sea). He planned to grow hops for beer, an aim that was favoured by Stirling, who hoped that a supply of beer would lessen the excessive drinking of rum and other spirits that was then prevalent among the “lower classes”. When Camfield took up his grant he named it 'Burrswood' after his father's farm in Kent, England.
Courtesy SLWA, portion of plan ‘The colony of Western Australia from the surveys of John Septimus Roe Esq. Surveyor General and from other official documents in the Colonial Office and Admiralty’ compiled by John Arrowsmith. 1839. [with annotations]
When the Hardeys and the Clarksons arrived with their chartered ship, bringing with them tradesmen, farmers, servants, livestock, seeds, implements, and their expert knowledge of farming, Governor Stirling decided to sacrifice the projected racecourse so that they could have land close to Perth, and the area was given the name of “The Peninsula” or "Peninsula Farm". (Now part of the suburb of Maylands, in the City of Bayswater.)
In the letter written in July 1832, Joseph Hardey said that although the soil of the Peninsula was inferior to much of the land higher up the Swan, he and his brother (John Wall Hardey) decided that it “might be made to suit the general purposes of agriculture”. To the inexperienced eye, this land, even today in 2019, looks far from promising; Just a short time ago in the 1980's, one part of the property was being used as a sand and clay pit and much of the remainder having yellow clay for subsoil. Two pits (now scenic lakes in the new housing developments) can be seen where clay was removed for brick making.
In the letter written in July 1832, Joseph Hardey said that although the soil of the Peninsula was inferior to much of the land higher up the Swan, he and his brother (John Wall Hardey) decided that it “might be made to suit the general purposes of agriculture”. To the inexperienced eye, this land, even today in 2019, looks far from promising; Just a short time ago in the 1980's, one part of the property was being used as a sand and clay pit and much of the remainder having yellow clay for subsoil. Two pits (now scenic lakes in the new housing developments) can be seen where clay was removed for brick making.
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The Tranby immigrants, all Methodists and expert farmers, settled together on the 512 acres (207 ha) of the Peninsula, on the Swan River's banks, four miles (6.4 km) east of Perth.
The records of the Surveyor-General, John Septimius Roe show that brothers John Wall & Joseph Hardey were entitled to 16,546 acres of land in the Swan River Colony, the value of their goods and fares for labourers amounting to £1,241. Joseph Hardey was allocated three Lots: 'F '(of 56 acres), 'G '(of 38 acres), & 'H' (of 8 acres), a total of 102 acres, on the Peninsula, while waiting for further land to be released. |
Map reproduced from the 1970s 'Tranby House' information booklet.
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Early Days at the Peninsula
The basic road between Fremantle to Perth was on the north side of the Swan and was heavy sand and bush. It was therefore virtually non-existent, making any transport of goods and chattels by land very difficult and costly. The Hardeys, Clarksons and others in their party, set about and built a floating wooden "flat", 27ft long, (8.2 metres). This was constructed from the timber between decking from the Tranby with the help of the Tranby's carpenter. On February the 24th, 1830, some of the party, including brother John Wall Hardey, left the struggling settlement of Fremantle to haul it upriver to 'The Peninsula'. Parts of the river were very shallow and rocky. Particularly near what is now known as Harrison Island and the Causeway.
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The brig “Tranby” with Captain Storey commanding, departed from Gage Roads bound for Batavia, on the 27th of February 1830, having stayed in port for three weeks. |
After an inspection of the Peninsula, members of the party and the flat returned, down river to Fremantle, on the 1st of March and, that night, it was "set adrift by some unknown". The flat was never recovered, and four days later, the band of settlers set to work to build another one. On Sunday morning, the 7th of March, Mr. Sharp (a Church Minister) preached in the Hardey house at Fremantle. The following Sunday evening, the missionary who had arrived on the Tranby, Mr John Leach did the same. On the 17th of March, Mr. Sharp (the Church Minister) sailed on board the Gilmore from Fremantle, bound for Sydney.
On the 14th of April 1830, two fellow Tranby passengers; Mr. Thomas Coke Brownell along with his family, and the Missionary Mr John Leach departed Fremantle, bound for Hobart. Joseph Hardey was to keep in touch with them both, by letter, over the following years. John Leach was to die young. Many of the Tranby party were still encamped, in the sand hills, just beyond the beach at Fremantle.
Joseph Hardey along with his farmers and labourers, continued to build his first 'Tranby House' upon his share of the peninsula farm. Barely three months after reaching the Colony, Joseph notes, in his diary on April 26-29, 1830: "This week we have been boarding the roof of the House and taring it. Likewise giving the outside two coats of paint".
On Saturday evening, the 1st of May, the Hardeys departed the settlement of Fremantle heading upstream, bound for their new home site. The next day being the Sabbath and a day of rest, they "camped under Mount Eliza" (now Kings Park). They arrived at the Peninsula on the 3rd of May. With this floating flat, the settlers transferred all their possessions and livestock from Fremantle, past the struggling settlement of Perth, to the Peninsula, by river. The ‘flat’ measured 9m long (27 feet) by 2.5m wide (8 feet). It was used 13 times by the settlers to transfer goods from Fremantle to the Peninsula.
John Wall Hardey later wrote in 1831: "We erected the wood house at Freemantle, seeing it would take so much getting up into the interior... Brother Joseph and his wife lived in it, till all the goods were conveyed up the river, whilst we, poor fellows, who first went up the peninsula, lived like the patriarch of old, “in tents in the wilderness,” as happy as circumstance would permit."
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On the 19th of May 1830, a great storm hit Fremantle driving five vessels onto the shore. On the 21st, the Rockingham was on shore in Cockburn Sound and was breaking up. Rockingham was one of the three vessels that Thomas Peel had chartered to bring settlers to Western Australia. It had arrived on the 14th of May. Upon her arrival, a naval officer guided her through reefs to Cockburn Sound. Peel wished for the settlers and cargo to be brought ashore at once, despite the worsening weather. This meant the Rockingham was nearer shore when a huge storm blew up during the night. The ship’s capstan broke due to the strain put upon it, her rudder was damaged, and the strong winds drove her and four other ships onto the beach. The 180 settlers were landed in the surf, but all survived. The Rockingham was repaired, but after going out to sea for a few days was found to be leaking. She was condemned as unseaworthy and was wrecked again at Clarence.
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George Bayly drawing of Peel Town with Hooghey and Gilmore during Feb. Mar. 1830 near Clarence.
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Immediately upon the Tranby party's arrival at the Peninsula, the completion of houses for all the Tranby families, and the farming of the land commenced. Two weeks after arrival, Joseph Hardey records: "Ploughing behind the house" which indicates building of houses had been undertaken during March and April, before the transfer of the families upriver, in May. Joseph Hardey used the wattle and daub method (a popular choice of the day for new settlers).
Brother John Wall Hardey wrote to England, in August, and explained the construction of the first house: "One of the men and I then set to, and built a house, such as it is, being composed of wood, mud, and rushes, about seven yards square. We have two doors and two windows in it, but not one pane of glass in either of them! At one end of our domicile is a store-house, and at the other end lives Joseph Ellis and his wife; whilst, on the back of the house, live our men George Green and Hewson. The Australian edifice stands in the midst of an enclosure or garden, 156 links square, on the banks of the Swan, about 30 yards from the water, set sufficiently above its level, to secure us from floods. Opposite the house, the river expands into a fine sheet of water, about a quarter of a mile broad, on which is occasionally seen the imposing spectacle of 30 or 40 black swans at one time."
Brother John Wall Hardey wrote to England, in August, and explained the construction of the first house: "One of the men and I then set to, and built a house, such as it is, being composed of wood, mud, and rushes, about seven yards square. We have two doors and two windows in it, but not one pane of glass in either of them! At one end of our domicile is a store-house, and at the other end lives Joseph Ellis and his wife; whilst, on the back of the house, live our men George Green and Hewson. The Australian edifice stands in the midst of an enclosure or garden, 156 links square, on the banks of the Swan, about 30 yards from the water, set sufficiently above its level, to secure us from floods. Opposite the house, the river expands into a fine sheet of water, about a quarter of a mile broad, on which is occasionally seen the imposing spectacle of 30 or 40 black swans at one time."
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Joseph & Ann's first daughter, Ann Margaret Hardey, [1.] was born at 10 o'clock in the evening of 26th May 1830, on the Peninsula Farm. Joseph records: "The Lord has blessed us with a daughter". (Given the arrival date, Ann would have fallen pregnant before the voyage, just after their marriage.)
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The memorial plaque set into the footpath on Hay Street. Photographed by T.G. October 2025
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Joseph Hardey was no doubt the spiritual leader of the group, and although classes were held in the homes on the Peninsula, he chose, like John Wesley, "to be more vide" by preaching in the open air. The oft-quoted note from his diary reads; "Sunday June 6th, 1830, ... went to Perth. Received permission from the Governor to preach. Spoke under a tree." The Methodists continued worshiping under this tree and there were times when even the Governor's wife [Ellen Stirling (née Mangles)]. chose to attend. (The historic place has for at least the last 75 years been marked by a plaque set into the sidewalk of Hay Street) They also received visitors to their home on the Peninsula. On the 9th of July 1830, Hardey records that "The Governor, the Archdeacon, Mr. Peel, Mr. Coles and others have been to see us this day." |
Joseph, and his indentured servants, Which included; John Hewson; Joseph and Hanah Ellis; George Green, and Charlotte Stephenson (who arrived at Fremantle as the new wife of Thomas Hurrey), also cleared the land and sowed crops. The first six months on the Peninsula farm, as recorded in Hardey's diary, were spent clearing the land, sowing cereals (including wheat, barley, oats and rye) and vegetables. Hardey reports, "... all came up well, but the fences not being sufficiently good the cattle broke in and destroyed a great part of the crop; that which escaped their ravages came to maturity, and was of a very good description". From his harvest returns he bought three English cows, for £115, from the Governor, James Stirling. The low quality of the natural pastures on the coastal plain was a severe initial problem for the infant colony, and one that was impossible to overcome. Not only was the natural vegetation almost useless as fodder for sheep and cattle but it was also frequently poisonous. To their cost the early settlers were to discover eventually that Western Australia had more toxic plants than any other Australian colony.
A Hardey diary entry from the 7th of June records; "Sowing oats. Found Sow in the bush with 10 pigs." On Sunday the 27th of June, Joseph was preaching at the Clarksons.
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The following winter rains of 1830 were particularly heavy, so much so that the Swan River overflowed its banks on the 19th of July and brought considerable loss and damage to those downstream who were temporarily residing on the Fremantle flats waiting for their grants, and others such as the Hardeys who had elected to build permanent homes on the lower levels adjacent to the river. By the July the 20th, the water was one foot deep in the Hardey house.
That day, the Hardeys were given shelter in the house of Thomas & Charlotte Hurrey, a fellow companion on the Tranby, who owned a property (Lot 'I') on relatively higher safe ground on the Peninsula. The water went slowly down over the next week. Joseph returned to his house on the 29th of July, followed by his wife Ann, and baby daughter on the 30th. The 31st of July was spent drying clothes. |
The upper Swan River (via Weekend Notes)
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Following this heavy rain and the flood in July 1830, some considerable time was spent rebuilding houses that were lost on the Peninsula. This time, Joseph Hardey built a home on higher ground (his second house) and not as close to the Swan River. He was thatching it on the 11th of October 1830. While building this house, the family moved out of the first one on the 14th of October and stayed in brother John Wall Hardey's house. By the 15th they were moving goods. The new house was finished by the 19th of October and the family moved in while the labourers continued to thatch and daub the house.
New Land Discovered and Released in the Avon Valley
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Due to the shortage of good land, attention was focussed on the area inland from the Swan across the ranges. In August 1830, Ensign Dale led a small party that.
successfully penetrated to the east of the ranges and discovered the Avon River. At this time nobody realised that it was in fact the headwaters of the Swan. |
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The Hardey brothers, along with the Clarksons, were involved in the exploration of the land to the east over the Darling Ranges. <Click> to read about the discovery, release and settlement of this new land in the Avon Valley, Northam and Yorkshire district.
Joseph's brother John Wall Hardey, Henry Camfield, and the Clarkson brothers accompanied the Governor's party when they departed on the 23rd of October 1830. Joseph should have gone but owing to his wife Ann being unwell and having just moved from his first to the second house, he could not.
The Avon Valley today (via Destination Perth)
The wooden house erected at Fremantle by the Hardey brothers, upon their arrival, was still standing in July of 1830. Hardey notes in that month that it had been converted into a coffee-house and was returning an annual rent of £78. It is believed it was located on Lot 160 in Short Street, Fremantle and was leased by Richard James and later used it as a public house after he applied for a license. This was the building that, at the time, was called "Tranby House".
By the end of 1830, the colony had extended its boundaries to include (apart from the military station at King George Sound, which still remained under the Government of New South Wales) settlements at Swan River, Port Leschenault, Guildford, and Augusta, in addition to which areas of land had been assigned in Plantagenet County and in the York-Beverley district. In most of these places little work had been done, but marked progress had been made in Perth and on the holdings along the Swan, Helena, and Canning Rivers, though as yet the returns were insufficient to provide for the sustenance of the community without importing provisions. Fremantle had made but little advance. At the end of the year, it was still practically a camp, and though there were many good citizens who were straining every nerve to develop their properties and improve the condition of things generally, a great part of the inhabitants were of the class that is always afraid of work and particularly loud in expressing disappointment and dissatisfaction. A number of these, most of whom were utterly incompetent as settlers, and some of whom held grants of land, left the colony during the latter half of the year, either abandoning their holdings or arranging for incoming settlers to take them up.
1831
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In 1831, to enable flat bottomed boats to sail up the river, a canal (called the 'Old Burrswood Canal') was dug and constructed across Burrswood Peninsula. Thus, Camfield's Burrswood Farm became an island. Though barely a quarter of a mile long, this canal shortened the distance between Perth and Guildford from twelve miles to nine miles. This canal was superseded by a canal at Claisebrook in 1839.
A group of islands made up what is now one island known as Heirisson Island. The largest of these had been granted to a settler, J. Furguson, and was 30 acres in area. The islands were linked by a dyke, which diverted water from the Burrswood canal. Early landing places along the river included Whatley Cove (Claughton Reserve). |
Improvements from 1830 to 1840.
Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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On the 14th of January 1831, Joseph Hardey began digging a new well on the Peninsula. The shortage of fresh water was never severe in the Swan area once settlers had learnt to anticipate the summer drought. Where surface water was lacking, or was brackish, wells were usually successful though isolated examples existed where this was not so.
Mixed farming was the initial agricultural response on the Swan, Helena and Canning Rivers and continued in those areas almost to the end of the century. Elsewhere, stock raising, mainly sheep but sometimes cattle, tended to be more important. The crop and animal combination were carefully balanced by farmers and both elements were considered to be of equal importance. Had farmers not kept some stock, they would have been without fertiliser for crops, since animal manures were all that were used for many years. Had they not grown crops they could not have kept some animals such as pigs, for in an economy where money was very scarce and almost lacking, they could not have readily purchased grain.
On Monday, the 5th of September 1831, Joseph Hardey left Guildford with a small party, to travel over the Darling range to the York district with the "third expedition ". For the next three days it rained. He arrived at Mount Bakewell on the 16th of September. After five days of exploring the area, he set out to return, from Mount Bakewell, on the 21st of September, arriving back at the Peninsula on the 24th of September 1831.
Ann Hardey fell pregnant at the end of December 1831. Their daughter first daughter, Ann Margaret Hardey, [1.] was about a year and a half old at the time.
Ann Hardey fell pregnant at the end of December 1831. Their daughter first daughter, Ann Margaret Hardey, [1.] was about a year and a half old at the time.
1832
During February and into March 1832, there were many fires in the Perth district. On the 18th of February, Mr William Brockman's house was burnt down. William Brockman, with his wife and eldest son Edmund, had arrived on the Minstrel in January 1830. He had brought with him a prefabricated house, seven servants, and a number of sheep. Mr Richard Well's (had arrived on the Calista in 1829) house burnt the next month on the 4th of March.
Unexpected though the extremes of summer and winter were, settlers soon adapted to them; and it was a healthy climate, as Stirling put it: "favourable to health in an uncommon degree is the undoubted persuasion of every one with whom I have spoken."
Unexpected though the extremes of summer and winter were, settlers soon adapted to them; and it was a healthy climate, as Stirling put it: "favourable to health in an uncommon degree is the undoubted persuasion of every one with whom I have spoken."
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On the 2nd of April 1832, Joseph records: "My wife [who would have been 3 months pregnant] providentially preserved from being shot by a gun falling. Praise the Lord for all His mercies'. Joseph and Ann's second daughter, Mary Jane Hardey, [2.] was born in the evening of the 27th of September 1832.
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Snip from Joseph Hardey's Diary when Mary Jane was born. (Via State Library of WA)
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The official census, taken in 1832, records out of around 1,300 residents, 803 were male, 478 were female, and 20 were unknown. That means there were around 35 women for every 65 men, very close to a 1:2 female-male ratio. So, while men were clearly in the majority here, the female population was not negligible. What is more, since there were only around 59 people born in Western Australia by 1832, and assuming half of those were female births, the female population of the Swan River Colony was largely a result of migration and not natural birth. While many came to the Swan River without family, the vast majority, around 858 people, did arrive with at least one family member. A 2016 researcher (Matthew Niendoff) has found, it was also a colony populated younger people. By 1832, 545 people between the ages of 0 and 19 made up about 40% of the colony’s population. The other 60% of the colony’s population was also quite young. The largest age group according to his tally was 20-29, which accounted for around 321 of the settlers, just about a quarter of the population. This means two thirds of the entire population was under the age of 30. Only 23 of the first 1,300 settlers were over the age of 50, and only three residents were over 60.
1833
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On the 27th of January 1833, Joseph & John Wall Hardey's uncle John Hardey, at the age 54 years, arrived from England via the Cygnet, at Fremantle. He had been born on the 7th of May 1779, in Barrow, Lincolnshire. He was the son of John Hardey (born 1750) and Susannah (Faulding) Hardey (born 1749). John began working on the Peninsula as an 'agriculturist'. [There were now three Hardey's, with the same first initial 'J' associated with the Peninsula]. Prominent Methodists, Barnard Clarkson and George Lazenby arrived on the same ship.
Arrival recorded in Joseph Hardey's Diary. (Via State Library of WA)
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The Perth Gazette - January 1833
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The same month, Joseph Hardey walked his cattle from the Peninsula to (Lt) Henry Bull's estate in the Upper Swan for agistment and visited them every few weeks to check on their progress. (Henry Bull's Swan Location 1 land was eight kilometres south of what is now known as the suburb of 'Bullsbrook')
Snip from Joseph Hardey's Diary mentioning Uncle John visiting the Peninsula on the 27th of March 1833.
During 1833, Joseph Hardey is listed as having 15 acres of wheat, growing at the Peninsula. On the 23rd of April, he was granted Town Lot 'W84' (in Wellington Street) in Perth. This Lot was next to one granted to fellow Tranby passenger, George Johnson ('W85'). In August of 1833, both Joseph and John Wall Hardey became Directors on the 'Western Australian Agricultural Society', under the Patronage of Captain Frederick Chidley Irwin. Irwin arrived in the colony with his 63rd Regiment detachment in the Sulphur in June 1829, six days after the Parmelia, which brought the lieutenant-governor and the first settlers. Irwin was acting as Governor, in the temporary absence in England of Governor (Sir) James Stirling from September 1832 to September 1833.
The Swan River rose again in June 1833 causing a lot of concern. During this year, the first dirt track between Perth and Fremantle was finished. On November the 6th, 1833, Joseph attended fellow Methodist, and Tranby passenger, Mr. Michael Clarkson's marriage ceremony to Jain (Jain) Drummond. (The daughter of the botanist James Drummond). Michael Clarkson was living on the Peninsula, on his property called 'Foggathorpe'. They were married by the Colonial Chaplain, Rev. John Burdett Wittenoom.
The Swan River rose again in June 1833 causing a lot of concern. During this year, the first dirt track between Perth and Fremantle was finished. On November the 6th, 1833, Joseph attended fellow Methodist, and Tranby passenger, Mr. Michael Clarkson's marriage ceremony to Jain (Jain) Drummond. (The daughter of the botanist James Drummond). Michael Clarkson was living on the Peninsula, on his property called 'Foggathorpe'. They were married by the Colonial Chaplain, Rev. John Burdett Wittenoom.
1834
In April 1834, Joseph Hardey became a foundation trustee of Wesley Church, Perth, where he was also a local preacher, class leader and Sunday school superintendent.
'The First Chapel', Perth. Photograph from the 1860's. The second chapel to the rear and the Sunday School to the right.
After four years of open-air worship, it was decided by the Methodists to build a permanent chapel. A block of land, 40 feet long and 80 feet deep, was obtained from James Edwards Inkpen on the corner in Murray and William Street. This was a portion of the land on which James Inkpen and his family lived. With no minister to guide them, the colonists met the cost of the chapel by offering £2 shares and consequently, when the small 24-foot x 15-foot building was opened on 22 June 1834, during a very rainy month. Despite its small size it provided a sense of identity and permanence for the Methodists in the young colony.
After four years of open-air worship, it was decided by the Methodists to build a permanent chapel. A block of land, 40 feet long and 80 feet deep, was obtained from James Edwards Inkpen on the corner in Murray and William Street. This was a portion of the land on which James Inkpen and his family lived. With no minister to guide them, the colonists met the cost of the chapel by offering £2 shares and consequently, when the small 24-foot x 15-foot building was opened on 22 June 1834, during a very rainy month. Despite its small size it provided a sense of identity and permanence for the Methodists in the young colony.
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The Perth Gazette of the 28th of June 1834 reported: "The Wesleyan Chapel at Perth was opened on Sunday evening last by Mr Joseph Hardey." The building was built of bricks and roofed with shingles.
[The first chapel on William Street built in 1834, was subsequently converted into caretaker's quarters when the second chapel was built, and finally demolished in 1898 when the expansion of the church activities demanded more commodious buildings. (After the current 'Wesley Church' on Hay Street had been completed.)] Having established themselves to this point, these zealous lay Methodists began in earnest to seek for an ordained minister from England. |
The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal (WA : 1833 - 1847) Sat 28 Jun 1834. (Via Trove)
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The Swan River rose again in July of this year to much concern. Farming continued and crops were planted.
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Later that same year, Joseph and Ann's daughter, Susannah Hardey, [3.] was born at 4 o'clock in the afternoon of 24th August 1834, on the Peninsula Farm.
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Snippet from the Hardey Diaries with reference to the birth of Susannah Hardey 1834. (Via State Library of WA.
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Susannah was baptised on the 18th of April in 1837, by the Colonial Chaplain, Rev. John Burdett Wittenoom. Wittenoom had arrived 1830 and for 5 years was the only ordained minister in the Colony. (Susannah was to survive into the next century, and died on the 26th of August 1907, in Perth, aged 74 years.)
November the 4th 1834, Joseph records in his diary: "This has been a very fine season for the Corn Crops. Praise the Lord for all His mercies towards us."
1835
The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal (WA : 1833 - 1847) Sat 4 Apr 1835. (Via Trove)
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The year 1835 began well and productive, and in the autumn, Joseph offered four cows and one bull for sale. In July, Joseph planted a half a cwt. (approx. 25 kilograms) of potatoes in a small plot of land (six yards by twenty long) near his home on the Peninsula. Later, he harvested over 12cwt. (about 610 kilograms) of fine potatoes. |
Also on the Peninsula, during 1835, Joseph Hardey built, for less than £200, a substantial windmill which served to grind his wheat.
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The millwright was James Lockyer, son of the Paul Lockyer, to whom John Gregory gave chief credit for the success of Shenton’s Mill. In the letter to The Perth Gazette [of 6th of May 1837] in which he enters an argument about the South Perth mill, John Gregory, who was a farmer at the 'Pineapple', [now Maylands/Mt. Lawley] a few chains north of the Peninsula Farm on Allotment 'Y', states that Hardey’s mill was “certainly the cheapest mill which has been put up since the commencement of this settlement. Its cost but little exceeds £200, and it would be fully as effectual as the windmill of the disputed design if it were placed in as good a situation .... and observe that Mr. Hardey’s mill has a pair of native 2 feet 10 inches mill stones which the millwright declares are superior to any French burrs he ever put up. Now Mr. Hardey’s mill was put up by a common millwright without any plan or design whatever. It is simple, complete and strong and is provided with a pair of governor balls the action of which is so perfect as nearly to supersede the attendance of the miller.” (Ref: 'Early mills of Perth' Paul Hasluck & F.I. Bray.
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The location of Joseph Hardey's mill as depicted on George Johnsons 1835 Plan.
The existing 'Tranby House' No.3 is to the right near the river.
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The mill had a large Jarrah stump as its base and the grinding stones, or burrs, are believed to have come from York. No image or further details are available.
On the 2nd of November 1835, Joseph went east over the hills to 'Yorkshire' and returned 'Home' eight days later, on the 10th of November.
On the 2nd of November 1835, Joseph went east over the hills to 'Yorkshire' and returned 'Home' eight days later, on the 10th of November.
News would have reached the settlers later this year, of a new Australian city. Melbourne. It was founded on 30 August 1835 by settlers who sailed from Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) aboard the schooner Enterprize. They landed on the north bank of the Yarra River and established the first permanent settlement, where the Immigration Museum at the Old Customs House — on the corner of William and Flinders streets — stands and the place today known as Enterprise Park.
1836
On the 29th of April 1836, Joseph records: "I am 32 years old this day. What a mercy. A sinner saved by Grace."
Following its release in 1836, Joseph Hardey selected 16,000 acres (or 6,475 ha) near York, on the Avon River. It was within sight of Mount Hardey. Joseph, and his brother, John Wall Hardey grazed sheep and Cattle on the property over the hills for some time. The land near York was originally worked conjunctly with his brother John Wall Hardey but later it was split into two properties. One called "Çold Harbour " while John Wall's remained "Mount Hardey". The Cold Harbour property still exists and is managed by the National Trust.
By 1836, Joseph had some thirty acres (12 ha) under cultivation, as well as cattle, sheep and horses. On the 1st of June, Joseph set off with "21 beasts to York." He arrived the next day (the 2nd) but was back in Perth, to preach, by Sunday, the 5th of June.
The Swan River flood of 1836 took away the Hardey's second house on the river. After the flood had receded, Joseph, his pregnant wife Ann, and their labourers then set about to rebuild it.
Building was now actively conducted in Perth and Fremantle even though there was a shortage of labour. In 1836, tenders were let for the erection of a Court House and of Public Offices in Perth, and several substantial private homes and structures were built in both places.
Following its release in 1836, Joseph Hardey selected 16,000 acres (or 6,475 ha) near York, on the Avon River. It was within sight of Mount Hardey. Joseph, and his brother, John Wall Hardey grazed sheep and Cattle on the property over the hills for some time. The land near York was originally worked conjunctly with his brother John Wall Hardey but later it was split into two properties. One called "Çold Harbour " while John Wall's remained "Mount Hardey". The Cold Harbour property still exists and is managed by the National Trust.
By 1836, Joseph had some thirty acres (12 ha) under cultivation, as well as cattle, sheep and horses. On the 1st of June, Joseph set off with "21 beasts to York." He arrived the next day (the 2nd) but was back in Perth, to preach, by Sunday, the 5th of June.
The Swan River flood of 1836 took away the Hardey's second house on the river. After the flood had receded, Joseph, his pregnant wife Ann, and their labourers then set about to rebuild it.
Building was now actively conducted in Perth and Fremantle even though there was a shortage of labour. In 1836, tenders were let for the erection of a Court House and of Public Offices in Perth, and several substantial private homes and structures were built in both places.
Charles D. Wittenoom A STREET SCENE IN PERTH c.1836 -1837 Identified as St Georges terrace.
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Ann gave birth to a fourth daughter: Sarah Elizabeth Hardey. [4.] Sarah was born at 9:45pm in the evening of the 24th of August 1836, at the Peninsula home. Mrs. Lydia Inkpen came over to nurse Mrs. Hardey on the 17th of August, and Lydia remained until the 24th of August. (Lydia was the wife of James Inkpen and had five children of her own.)
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Sarah Elizabeth Hardey [4.] died as a baby, just the next month, at 12:45 in the afternoon of the 11th of September 1836.
Her body was buried in the East Perth Cemetery the next day. (The next year, when another daughter was born to the couple, she was also named: Sarah Hardey. [5.]) |
Snippet from the Joseph Hardey Diary recording the death of Sarah Elizabeth Hardey 1836.
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John Wall Hardey leaves Fremantle on the 26th of November 1836.
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Two months after Sarah's death, on November the 26th, Joseph's brother John Wall Hardey, his wife Elizabeth Hardey, and their family, departed Perth for England, on board the 'Joshua Carrol', sailing via Mauritius.
On the same day, Joseph offered 20 acres of Wheat for sale, ready for harvest, which was growing on the Peninsula. Labour may have been a problem in harvesting it. He offered a barn for the thrashing process. Joseph also advertised 100 acres of land on the Peninsula, plus the fine windmill on it, for sale. |
The Swan River near Guildford (via PerthsTinyTours)
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A ferry operated from a landing at the end of Bridge Street, Guildford, to the opposite bank below 'Cleikum ' Inn. From there, a track ran to Perth on the approximate route of current Guildford Road and another led north to Ellen’s Brook. In 1833, a road was marked out on the east side of the river. People who wanted to travel along the east side of the river waded across the river flats or crossed the river by ferry to a landing at John Hancock’s Mermaid Inn at 'Belmont Farm', then followed the track to the Helena River and Guildford. John and Grace Hancock had been in their 50s when they arrived from England, with their sons George (20) and James (18), on the Warrior in March 1830. They set up home at Belmont Farm where they established a timber-milling business and the Mermaid tavern which was described as a halfway house between Perth and Guildford. But Grace Hancock died in 1833 and John Hancock in 1838.
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In 1843, completion of the Causeway facilitated road traffic between Guildford and Perth, via Burswood.
1837
Sketch entitled 'On the Road to York.'
On January the 28th 1837, Joseph Hardey arrived at York with his family. He made frequent trips to Perth to preach. During May, native dogs were worrying the sheep. Later, on the 13th of April 1837, Joseph advertised in the Swan River Guardian, for a 'Steady Man as Shepherd' for the Mount Hardey property. Brother John Hardey (Senior) was still on the Peninsula and could be a contact for applicants. Joseph was still advertising next month in May. It was important that the Avon property was a success while brother John Wall Hardey was back in England.
York was now a thriving settlement, and in 1837 there were estimated to be between thirty and forty settlers scattered over the district.
Back at the Peninsula, in 1837, John Hardey (the father of the Hardey brothers, who had arrived in 1833) established a Flour mill, out in a paddock, west of his house known as the 'Mill on The Stump' as it was established at minimum cost (£100) on the stump of a large gum tree with 2 feet round mill stones. James Lockyer (who also assisted building South Perth's Shenton's Mill) assisted in the construction.
York was now a thriving settlement, and in 1837 there were estimated to be between thirty and forty settlers scattered over the district.
Back at the Peninsula, in 1837, John Hardey (the father of the Hardey brothers, who had arrived in 1833) established a Flour mill, out in a paddock, west of his house known as the 'Mill on The Stump' as it was established at minimum cost (£100) on the stump of a large gum tree with 2 feet round mill stones. James Lockyer (who also assisted building South Perth's Shenton's Mill) assisted in the construction.
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On August the 2nd 1837, at York, Joseph Hardey recorded: "At 1/2 past 9 o'clock this night, the Lord gave us a fifth daughter". She was christened Sarah Hardey. [5.] (Given the same name as her older sister, that had died the year before.)
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Hardey Diary recording of Sarah Hardey's birth,
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By the 30th of October of that year, Joseph recorded that he was setting off for Guildford with a load of wool. Joseph seems to have made York, (Mount Hardey) his headquarters.
The European population of Western Australia in 1837 was given as males, 1,344; females, 688; giving a total of, 2,032 persons, or an approximate ratio of two males to one female.
The European population of Western Australia in 1837 was given as males, 1,344; females, 688; giving a total of, 2,032 persons, or an approximate ratio of two males to one female.
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Uncle John Hardey visited Joseph, and his growing family, on the Peninsula Farm from the 1st of December until the 22nd of December 1837.
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Uncle John Hardey visits. 22 December 1837.
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1838
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It seems the news from England of the coronation of "our gracious Queen Victoria, on the 28th of June 1838", was the all-engrossing topic when the news arrived by ship. "The August ceremonial passed off with great magnificence." reported the local papers. Victoria had turned 18 years on the 24th of May 1837. Less than a month later, on the 20th of June 1837, William IV died at the age of 71, and Victoria became Queen of the United Kingdom and Ireland. |
More details
Coronation portrait by George Hayter.
Image via Wiki.
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The return of John Wall Hardey recorded in the Joseph Hardey Diary 1838 (Via State Library of WA)
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On the 5th of December 1838, Joseph's brother, John Wall Hardey, wife Elizabeth, and his two children, arrived back in Fremantle from London, England, aboard the Britomart.
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The ship had left England on the 17th of July 1838. The Britomart had stayed in Cape town between October 2nd and 25th. The ship had been chartered by William Tanner to bring out a further group of Methodists. The passenger list included a good spread of solidly middle-class immigrants: William and Hester Tanner, their children and servant Mary Ann Wells, John Wall & Elizabeth Hardey and their children, Samuel and Elizabeth Viveash, George King, and Robert Viveash.
On the 20th of December, Lady Ellen Stirling held a Ball at Government House. A number of the new arrivals attended. It seems that John Wall Hardey returned to Perth with considerable investments. John Wall Hardey then returned to being a Magistrate and managing his property in York.
1839
Governor John Hutt Esq.
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John Hutt, Esq., took office as Governor, in early January 1839, and succeeded Sir James Stirling, who had done so much for the Colony. Sir James had been knighted during his visit to England. Mr. J. Hutt had previously held the office of Governor of North Arcot, in the Madras Presidency, and had been strongly recommended as Governor of the newly established colony of South Australia.
Elsewhere in the world, the first Opium War between Britain and China flared up during this year. This war was to last until 1842. |
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In February 1839, just two months after his brother John Wall Hardey's return from England, and the family's arrival back in York, Joseph Hardey and his family moved back to the Peninsula.
In April 1839, Joseph began to build the current Tranby House following the loss of the previous three houses to floods (or burnt down). Fellow Tranby passenger, and a former employee, George Green now working for himself as a bricklayer and plasterer, commenced the work on the 25th of April 1839. 
George Green begins work on the third home: 'Tranby House' (Via Hardey Diaries State Library of WA)
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The 1839 Tranby House
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This house was built from mud bricks, which were made on the property. Joseph (obviously not happy with wattle and daub) constructed a kiln using clay from the Peninsula, to make his own bricks. The 31-year-old, George Green was engaged to lay them. In fact, Joseph also made the roof shingles for the house, using Jarrah wood. He records that on the 1st of June 1839: "Mr. Lazenby and J. Lockyer finished putting up the roof of new house."
The house was built in a typical English farmhouse style, described as "colonial domestic" and featured a loft and wide verandas.
The house was built in a typical English farmhouse style, described as "colonial domestic" and featured a loft and wide verandas.
The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal (WA : 1833 - 1847) Sat 4 May 1839.
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It would seem that Joseph had been producing Malt on the Peninsula property. On the 4th of May 1839, he put, up for sale, a sheet iron floor for drying malt as well as a copper boiler containing 100 gallons of malt. |
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Regular church services were held at the Peninsula, and in the Chapel in Perth, sometimes with visiting preachers, but the Tranby immigrants wanted more than lay preaching and requested a minister from the Wesleyan Missionary Society (also known as the English Wesleyan Mission) in London. Rev. William Longbottom was sent out in 1837 on the Fanny, which was on-route via Hobart, but was shipwrecked at Encounter Bay, in South Australia. Not long afterward, on the 17th of August 1838, Longbottom discovered a Methodist congregation in the newly founded Adelaide, (founded in 1936) which begged him to remain as its minister. He consented and thus never fulfilled his original appointment. |
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Joseph and Ann Hardey's last daughter, Elizabeth Hardey, [6.] was born on the 9th of August 1839, on the Peninsula Farm. She grew up mainly on the Peninsula. Elizabeth was to remain Single.
Elizabeth died in the next century, on the 16th of August 1911, at 'Tranby Park', Maylands, aged 72 years. She was buried in East Perth. |
The birth of young Elizabeth recorded in Joseph Hardey's Diary.
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The 1840's
On the 6th of June 1840, the Rev. John Smithies, an earnest and enthusiastic Wesleyan, arrived in the colony via the Prima Dona with his wife Hannah and four children. From 1840 until 1852, John Smithies was the only Methodist minister in WA. During the same year, the foundation-stone of a Wesleyan Chapel, to accommodate 300 persons, was laid in Fremantle by His Excellency the Governor. Joseph Hardey was in attendance as part of the building Committee and Trustees for this Chapel along with his old friend Henry Trigg.
The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal (WA : 1833 - 1847) Sat 31 Oct 1840
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A Wesley chapel of larger dimensions was projected at Perth. Joseph Hardey was involved as part of the building committee and in the raising of the funds. |
A later photo (c.1870) of theWesley Subscription Chapel, Perth (the original Chapel is behind the School, to the right of picture.)
The foundation stone at Perth was laid on the 30th of December 1840, by the recently arrived Rev. John Smithies. Joseph Hardey made a large donation on behalf of his family to its construction: (Recorded in the press as follows: Hardey, Mr. J. £15,15 shillings; Hardey, Mrs. J. £10,10,0; Hardey, A.M. £5,5,0; Hardy, M.J. £5,5,0; Hardey, S. £5,5,0; Hardey, Sarah, £5,5,0; Hardey, E. £5,5.0 = Total of £52,10,0 or $9,900 AUD value in 2020).
The Perth Chapel opened on the 1st of January 1842, when the Rev. John Smithies again officiated. The Fremantle Chapel was opened a short time later, on 24th May 1842.
John Smithies had been born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, during 1802. He was assigned to Western Australia in 1839 and, aboard the Prima Donna, landed on 22 June 1840 with his wife and four children, (two children having died in England, namely, Mary Elizabeth, aged seven months, and Thomas Jackson, aged thirteen months). John Samuel, William Joshua, Alice Hephzibah, and Hannah Mary who was born at sea just two weeks out of Fremantle. Rev. John Smithies established a mission near what is now Wanneroo, in July 1840. The "Perth Native School" was announced with an advertisement in the Inquirer on the 18th of August 1841, including the Board of Management and the Rules and Regulations.
The Perth Chapel opened on the 1st of January 1842, when the Rev. John Smithies again officiated. The Fremantle Chapel was opened a short time later, on 24th May 1842.
John Smithies had been born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, during 1802. He was assigned to Western Australia in 1839 and, aboard the Prima Donna, landed on 22 June 1840 with his wife and four children, (two children having died in England, namely, Mary Elizabeth, aged seven months, and Thomas Jackson, aged thirteen months). John Samuel, William Joshua, Alice Hephzibah, and Hannah Mary who was born at sea just two weeks out of Fremantle. Rev. John Smithies established a mission near what is now Wanneroo, in July 1840. The "Perth Native School" was announced with an advertisement in the Inquirer on the 18th of August 1841, including the Board of Management and the Rules and Regulations.
The Perth Gazette and Western Australian Journal (WA : 1833 - 1847) Sat 14 Aug 1841 PrevissueNext issue
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By November 1841, Joseph Hardey was conducting well attended Western Australian Temperance Society Meetings in the Perth Court House. |
By the early 1840's a whaleboat service was conducted twice weekly from Perth to Guildford, past the Peninsula, taking nine hours to complete the trip. The charge of six shillings per passenger was exorbitant when compared with the cost of a passage from London to Fremantle at £18. Some Guildford merchants found it profitable to own a barge of their own, and river transport was to predominate for many decades to come.
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Joseph and Ann Hardey's first and only son, Richard Watson Hardey [7.] was born on 9th of February 1844. (Birth Reg. 349/1844) His mother Ann Hardey was 36 years old at the time of his birth. The population of the colony at the time of his birth, in September 1844, was estimated to be 4,301. Richard was baptised in the second chapel by the Revd. John Smithies, the first resident Wesleyan Minister.
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On the 1st of October 1844, at the 'Vineyard Society' Meeting in Perth, under the Chairmanship of His Excellency the Governor, there was exhibited "some excellent samples of red and white wine, the production of Mr. Joseph Hardey, and of white wine, the production of Mr. John Hardey.
On the 4th of January 1847, the Hardey brother's mother, Ann (nee Wall) Hardey, died in Barrow-upon-Humber, in Lincolnshire leaving their father, Robert Hardey a widower. It would have taken months before this news was received in the Colony.
On the 4th of January 1847, the Hardey brother's mother, Ann (nee Wall) Hardey, died in Barrow-upon-Humber, in Lincolnshire leaving their father, Robert Hardey a widower. It would have taken months before this news was received in the Colony.
Governor Fitzgerald (via Battye Library)
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During 1848, Governor Fitzgerald took over from Governor Irwin. He found the Treasury almost depleted and many of the settlers expressing themselves as being thoroughly dissatisfied with the administration that had set too high a price on crown land and had failed to overcome the crippling lack of labour - two factors that discouraged the flow of better-class emigrants.
The census taken in 1848 recorded that there were then in the colony, 3,063 adherents of the Church of England, 276 were Wesleyans, 187 Independents, and 377 were Roman Catholics. It was reported, during November 1849 that; "Two stables and a barn, with some wool were destroyed by fire, at York, the property of Mr. Joseph Hardey; supposed to be the work of an incendiary." |
The 1850's
At the birth of the Colony, optimists predicted and the government planned that 10,000 settlers would arrive at Swan River by 1832.
By 1850, however, Western Australia’s European population was only 5,000, compared to the more recently settled South Australia’s 50,000.
By 1850, however, Western Australia’s European population was only 5,000, compared to the more recently settled South Australia’s 50,000.
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On the 1st of June 1850, the 21st anniversary of its Foundation, Western Australia lost its status as a 'free colony' with the arrival of the first convict ship, the Scindian. Upon its arrival, Captain Henderson found no suitable goal. Prisoners with 'tickets-of-leave' were sent to various depots (Fremantle, Perth, Guildford, Toodyay, etc.) to work under guard on public works.
Some of these convicts (and later as Ticket-of-leave men) worked on the Peninsula Farm in various roles and later worked at the brickworks. |
Before the arrival of the convicts, the colony had less than 6,000 people. From 1850 to 1868 a total of 9,669 convicts arrived. Their presence in the colony provided the labour to erect public buildings such as the present Government House, the Barracks, the Court House, the Town Hall, the Perth and Fremantle goals etc. By the end of the convict era there were some 23,000 persons, and 1,100 miles of road, 47 major bridges and 79 minor bridges had been constructed.
In 1850, Joseph Hardey acquired Lot I then called'Tanner Farm' of 21 acres, from the William Tanner estate. (Tanner had arrived in 1831 and eventually owned a lot of land. The Tanner family left the colony to return to England, on the ship Napoleon” on 14 January 1844. He died, in England, during 1845, but had left an agent to act on his behalf). This lot was the northern location, on the Peninsula, originally held by Thomas & Charlotte Hurrey.
In 1850, Joseph Hardey acquired Lot I then called'Tanner Farm' of 21 acres, from the William Tanner estate. (Tanner had arrived in 1831 and eventually owned a lot of land. The Tanner family left the colony to return to England, on the ship Napoleon” on 14 January 1844. He died, in England, during 1845, but had left an agent to act on his behalf). This lot was the northern location, on the Peninsula, originally held by Thomas & Charlotte Hurrey.
Another Hardey Brother Arrival
On the 14th of December 1850, there was no doubt a celebration when Joseph and John Wall Hardey's younger brother, Henry Hardey, (who had been born in 1819, in Barrow) his wife Isabella Margurite (nee Elderton) Hardey, and their 5 children arrived at Fremantle, from London, aboard the ship Mary.
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Young Henry Hardey had been aged 10 years old when older brothers, Joseph and John Wall Hardey had left Hull on the Tranby. Henry, and his family, lived on the Peninsula until 1854. By 1857 Henry, his second wife, and his family were living in York. They had one child (Richard Charles Hardey) at that stage but went on to have eleven children by 1880. [See Here for more Detail]
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On the 21st of April 1851, the Hardey brother's father, the widower Robert Hardey died in Barrow-upon-Humber, in Lincolnshire. Again, this news would have taken months to be received in the Colony.
Reverend William Lowe was appointed as a second missionary in Perth during 1852, when Reverend John Smithies was released from his Perth duties and undertook the establishment of Methodism in York. In 1855, Rev. John Smithies left the Swan River for his new appointment in Van Diemen’s Land.
Reverend William Lowe was appointed as a second missionary in Perth during 1852, when Reverend John Smithies was released from his Perth duties and undertook the establishment of Methodism in York. In 1855, Rev. John Smithies left the Swan River for his new appointment in Van Diemen’s Land.
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In July 1852, Joseph Hardey was offering turnips for sale at the Peninsula Farm. |
The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News (WA : 1848 - 1864) Fri 13 Aug 1852
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On the 12th of July 1854, Joseph's younger brother Henry Hardey, now a widower aged 35 years, married Isabella Marguerite Elderton. Isabella had been born around 1836, in Ireland, the daughter of Charles Frederick Elderton [Police Constable] & Harriette Robinson Norcliffe Prescott. They were married at Wexcombe, in the Upper Swan Valley area. The couple were living in York and later moved north to Greenough.
The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News (WA : 1848 - 1864) Fri 5 Oct 1855
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Then the next year, on the 25th of September 1855, Joseph, John Wall & Henry Hardey's uncle, John Hardey died at the Peninsula Farm. He was aged 74 years, 4 months. John had arrived in the Colony on the Cygnet in 1833. (On the same ship as Barnard Clarkson) John had become 'an Agriculturist' on the Peninsula and grew grapes. He had not married.
His body was interred in the East Perth Cemetery, in the family plot, on the 26th of September 1855. |
Yet another Hardey arrives
During 1855, the Rev. Samuel Hardey, who had been born at Barrow, on the 10th of December 1805, arrived at Albany on the 'Pacific'. He had his wife Mary Ann Hardey & their children: Mary Ann, Ellen, Elizabeth & Samuel Hardey. Samuel waited several weeks for a ship to Fremantle. Finally, he left with 3 carts, 4 horses, wife & 4 children on an overland trip taking 14 days to reach Perth. He had served in India from 1829 but returned to England during 1846 due to ill health, before heading to Australia in 1855. In February 1862, he relocated to South Africa. He was to die there in September 1878.
The Colonial Chaplain, the Reverent John Burdett Wittenoom, died on the 23rd of January 1855. He had singlehandedly conducted Anglican services alternately every Sunday at Perth, Guildford and Fremantle until 1836. John was a family friend and had baptised the Hardey's children. A tablet in his memory is in St George's Cathedral, Perth.
In 1856, Joseph and Jane Hardey would have been sad to see their son Richard Watson Hardey depart Fremantle to be educated in England. He was barely 12 years old and was to stay in England until 1866. The Hardey daughters remained in Western Australia.
In 1856, Joseph and Jane Hardey would have been sad to see their son Richard Watson Hardey depart Fremantle to be educated in England. He was barely 12 years old and was to stay in England until 1866. The Hardey daughters remained in Western Australia.
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On the of 25th of February 1857, Joseph advertised a Steam Engine for sale from the 'Peninsula Steam Flour Mills'. He was also selling a "Post Wind Mill" which must have been unsuitable for the area. It had been built by Paul & James Lockyer who had built the mill at South Perth in 1835. Joseph may have been selling red wine produced by his late older brother, John Hardey. On the 26th of August 1857, the Perth Chamber of Commerce awarded Joseph a special prize of 3 pounds, for a submission of 28lbs of Raisins. |
The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News (WA : 1848 - 1864) Fri 20 Mar 1857 (Via Trove)
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The 1860's
In February 1860, Joseph Hardey, an 'Agriculturist', of the Peninsula, qualified, as a juror, with £1,500 personal estate. This was published in an Ordinance detailing the 'Jurors Book -1860'. At this time, Jurys were exclusively male. Western Australia’s parliament debated women’s participation, as jurors, in 1924 and again in 1938—and it appears that, even though no relevant legislation passed until 1957, Western Australia considered jurywomen law reform even earlier in late 1918.
Extract from 'The Jurors Book -1860'
Joseph Hardey (Wesley)
By 1860, Joseph Hardey owned all of the Peninsula Farm, apart from the locations own by Richard Rowland and the Clarkson Brothers. As well as Locations F (Which was later to become 'Maylands Aerodrome' in 1924), G, and H, which were his original grants, Joseph had bought; Locations Aa, I (1850 - Then known as 'Tanner Farm' ), and J (in1835), from the William Tanner estate; Location C (in 1859), from fellow Methodist George Lazenby; and, Locations D (in 1859), E (1859), M (1859) and N (in 1859), from the Mary Hutton estate.
A good area of the Peninsula Farm area was covered in grape vines from the white wine vineyards run by the late John Hardey and Joseph Hardey's red wine vineyards. Another area was the brickworks.
Joseph and Jane's unmarried son, Richard Watson Hardey returned from England during 1866. He was now 22 years old, had completed his education and had worked on a large property. With Joseph Hardey now over 60, Richard then took over the management of the Peninsula Farm.
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His son, Richard Watson Hardey later not only bought the Richard Rowland holdings (in 1875) but also that part of Location A which had remained in the Clarkson family (in 1875 then 1886). This purchase, which fulfilled Joseph Hardey's ambition to own all of the Peninsula, was a fitting conclusion to three decades of remarkable growth and diversification in that locality.
In 1861, Joseph was offering bulk wine for sale at the Peninsula Farm. (By the 'Butt' or 500 litres) |
The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News (WA : 1848 - 1864) Fri 19 Jul 1861 (via Trove)
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By the end of the convict era in 1868, the 'vine industry' in the Swan Valley, based on dried fruit and wine production, was well established. By the 1860's the Colony had 400 acres of vines, mostly in the Swan Valley, producing 20,000 gallons of wine and 20,000 pounds of dried fruit. The main winemakers listed as being located on the Swan River were:
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Western Australian Grapes.
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By March 1860, there were around 75 persons living in the South Perth area of whom 46 were children. All basically working class and they requested through the Rev. Samuel Hardey, that they may be assisted to have a small Chapel built to serve as a day and Sunday School. The government granted a plot of land on Coode Street and fund raising began.
Key donors were George Shenton, merchant, pharmacist and cousin of mill builder W. K. Shenton, John Wall Hardey, Joseph Hardey & Sarah Hardey. Also, Richard Roach Jewell, a noted Perth architect who became responsible for such buildings as Perth Town Hall (in 1870), the Pensioner Barracks (1863), Cloisters (1858), Treasury Building, and the first Wesley and Trinity Churches. So it was that finally, in 1860, after Rev. Samuel Hardey had circularised the members of Perth Wesley Church and sufficient funds were received; a start was made on the first Wesleyan Chapel in South Perth.
The South Perth building was officially opened by Reverend Wright. The building was also used as the first South Perth School, with 24 pupils, and it continued as a school for 17 years. Joseph Hardey preached at the Chapel as part of a circuit. This original Chapel and school building was used as a Chapel for four years, a school for 17 years, and as a hall for 60 years.
Key donors were George Shenton, merchant, pharmacist and cousin of mill builder W. K. Shenton, John Wall Hardey, Joseph Hardey & Sarah Hardey. Also, Richard Roach Jewell, a noted Perth architect who became responsible for such buildings as Perth Town Hall (in 1870), the Pensioner Barracks (1863), Cloisters (1858), Treasury Building, and the first Wesley and Trinity Churches. So it was that finally, in 1860, after Rev. Samuel Hardey had circularised the members of Perth Wesley Church and sufficient funds were received; a start was made on the first Wesleyan Chapel in South Perth.
The South Perth building was officially opened by Reverend Wright. The building was also used as the first South Perth School, with 24 pupils, and it continued as a school for 17 years. Joseph Hardey preached at the Chapel as part of a circuit. This original Chapel and school building was used as a Chapel for four years, a school for 17 years, and as a hall for 60 years.
Early photograph of the Wesley Church, Corner of Hay Street, Perth.
The Perth Town Hall in the distance from where the photograph below was taken in 1885.
By the 1860's the Wesleyans felt that a bigger church needed to be built to replace the second Chapel on William Street, Perth. Joseph and his wife donated the large amount of £600 (worth around $112,000 in 2019 dollars) to aid in the construction of the new (the third) Wesley Church located on the corner in Hay Street, which opened in 1870. Wesley Church was built in a Gothic style to the design of Richard Roach Jewell. Additions and alterations were made in 1895, to the design of Sir J.J. Talbot Hobbs. The building is in brick with stucco dressings and incorporates a fine tower and spire to the left of the main façade.
A brief history of the three Perth Wesley Churches and Chapels can be found [Here]
The church was opened on Sunday the 10th of April 1870, with services by Reverend William Lowe (who later married Joseph Hardey's daughter Mary Jane Hardey [2.] in 1876), the Reverend W. Traylen and Reverend T.C. Laurence. The original bricks are made from local clay, and the floor is jarrah. The church bell, originally hanging in the southern tower, came from the sailing ship Tranby.
The Wesley properties along William Street in 1885. Image clip from 'Historical Panoramas' web site. Curtin University.
The Methodist properties along William Street. c.1880s The first 1834 Chapel is behind the man on corner to the right of the school hall.
The new church was the third Methodist place of worship to be built in the forty years in which the denomination had been established in the colony. The original church was subsequently used as a caretaker's cottage, the second was used for Sunday School, then an armoury and then a store.
Sketch map from the Uniting Church website.
1870's - The Pioneering Hardeys Die
Joseph Hardey was not attracted by politics, and his public offices were few: he was appointed Commissioner and Guardian to immigrant Minors in 1839; a member of the 'Central Board of Works' in 1847; and of the 'Central Board of Education' in 1872-75. Despite Joseph's success, his courage and industry in the adversities of early settlement were appreciated by other colonists, and his sympathetic service in visiting the sick, irrespective of their creed, won him admiration.
Joseph Hardey's younger brother, Henry Hardey, his second wife Isabella, and his family departed Fremantle, on the Eliza Blanch, bound for Melbourne, on the 15 November 1870. They had been living north at Gwalla (W.A.) from 1866.
In the early 1870's, Joseph Hardey retired and devolved the management of his estates to his son, Richard Watson Hardey. Joseph and Ann moved into Perth where he spent his remaining years in the acts of usefulness and benevolence. His chief delight was to engage in works of philanthropy, and after his retirement from business, especially, hie spent much of his time in visiting the sick and the afflicted, and as far as he had the ability, ministering to their necessities.
Joseph Hardey's younger brother, Henry Hardey, his second wife Isabella, and his family departed Fremantle, on the Eliza Blanch, bound for Melbourne, on the 15 November 1870. They had been living north at Gwalla (W.A.) from 1866.
In the early 1870's, Joseph Hardey retired and devolved the management of his estates to his son, Richard Watson Hardey. Joseph and Ann moved into Perth where he spent his remaining years in the acts of usefulness and benevolence. His chief delight was to engage in works of philanthropy, and after his retirement from business, especially, hie spent much of his time in visiting the sick and the afflicted, and as far as he had the ability, ministering to their necessities.
For many years, Joseph had enjoyed excellent health, but following the death of his wife Ann, and then daughter, he began to show symptoms of failing strength.
Joseph Hardey died at Perth, on Monday the 6th of September 1875, from 'an inflammation of the lungs', while living in a house located centrally at 216 Murray Street, Perth (The location of the present 'Forrest Place' opposite the General Post Office). His sixth daughter, Elizabeth Hardey was living there as well until 1911. Joseph had attended a religious service in the Wesley Church, in which he took part, on the Tuesday evening before his death.
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A large number of his friends and neighbours attended his funeral service. On the way from his residence to the Wesley Church, a hymn was sung by some of the young people connected with the congregation, and this was done in accordance with Joseph's own request before his death. Joseph's body was interred in the Wesleyan section of the East Perth Cemetery, on the 8th of September. Joseph Hardey left more than £12,000 to the Methodist Church. Quite a large amount [Equivalent to $1,450,000 value, in 2020 dollars]. Joseph Hardey's last exhortation to his family was to 'stand side to side, shoulder to shoulder, and fight for the Lord'. |
The Wesley (Uniting) Church on the corner of Hay and William Street. Photographed by T.G. October 2025.
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Joseph's wife, Ann Hardey died on 16th of May 1874, aged 73 years. The cause of death was listed as 'dysentery'. At the time, she was residing at 'Woodbine Cottage' in Charles Street, Perth. (Death Reg. No. 7049)
Her body was buried in the Wesleyan section [Grave 71] of the East Perth Cemetery, on the 17th of May 1874. 
The Inquirer and Commercial News (Perth, WA : 1855 - 1901) View title info Wed 27 May 1874
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The Hardey Wall Plaque in the Wesley Church, Perth.
Erected by daughters Sarah and Elizabeth.
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The first pipe organ to be installed in Western Australia was the '1875 Bishop & Son, London and Ipswich', instrument for Wesley Church, in Perth. It was built the year that Joseph died. This two-manual-organ served the church for over 30 years in its original location. In 1908, the organ was moved next door to Queens Hall (opened 1899), in William Street, Perth (later rebuilt as the Perth Metro Theatre in 1938), to make way for a new organ.
The Inquirer and Commercial News (Perth, WA : 1855 - 1901) Mon. 6 Sep 1875.
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Family Notices.
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Ann and Joseph's eldest daughter, Ann Margaret Wilkin (nee Hardey) died the next year, on the 6th of August 1875, aged only 45 years, from a kidney infection (Reg. No. 8577). She was buried in the Hardey plot, at the East Perth cemetery on the 7th of August. |
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Four months after Joseph died, 32-year-old son Richard Watson Hardey [7.] married for the time, the 22-year-old Jane Vounder Lowe (born in October 1854). Jane was the daughter of Rev. William Lowe, (born 1819, in England) a Wesleyan Minister, and his wife, Mary Rodda.
Richard and Jane were married on the 2nd of February 1876, at Wesley Church, Perth. (Marriage Reg. 4049/1876). Jane was 10 years younger than Richard. |
The Western Australian Times (Perth, WA : 1874 - 1879) Fri 4 Feb 1876
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Family Notices
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Then, 6 months after Joseph Hardey's death, Ann and Joseph's second daughter and Richard's older sister, Mary Jane Hardey, [2.] married the 57-year-old Rev. William Lowe (now a Widower after the death of his first wife Mary Rodda). Mary and William were married at the Wesleyan Chapel, Guildford, on the 8th of March 1876. (Marriage Reg. 4065/1876) The Wesleyan Minister William Lowe died 15 years later, on the 20th of May 1891, in York.
So, Richard Hardey became the stepson-in-law of his older sister Mary?
So, Richard Hardey became the stepson-in-law of his older sister Mary?
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The Hardey Memorial Church in Claremont was erected in 1904 to commemorate John & Joseph Hardey, as pioneers of Methodism in Western Australia. Mr. Richard D. Hardey came forward with the offer, by way of gift, of the site, which is at North Cottesloe, and occupied a fine, commanding position. Other members of the Hardey family including Sarah Hardey made themselves responsible for a considerable portion of the funds required to defray the cost of the building.
The Front Inscription, on the Foundation stone reads; Laid to the glory of God In memory of John and Joseph Hardey, pioneers of Methodism in this state. |
The former Hardey Memorial Church in Claremont. (Image via 'Freotopia' web site.)
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For many years the old Tranby Bell was used at the church.
The Hardey Memorial Church is now (2019) a private home.
The Hardey Memorial Church is now (2019) a private home.
The Hardey Children
Miss Susannah Hardey [3.] died on the 26th of August 1907. (Death Reg. York: 7100018/1907) She had been at York for a month or two, staying with her elder sister, Mrs. Mary Jane Lowe, [2.] and for few weeks at the Wesley Manse, where she died at 1 o'clock, Her brother, Mr. Richard Watson Hardey, [7.] was residing at the old home on the Peninsula.
At the time, Misses Elizabeth [6.] and Sarah Hardey [5.] (Susannah's two unmarried sisters) were residing in Murray Street [near the current Forrest Place] from whence the funeral cortege departed. Sarah moved to a new home in Mt. Lawley during 1914.
Miss Elizabeth Hardey [6.] died on Wednesday, the 16th of August 1911, at the Peninsula (where she was born 72 years before).
(Death Reg. Perth: 100490/1911)
At the time, Misses Elizabeth [6.] and Sarah Hardey [5.] (Susannah's two unmarried sisters) were residing in Murray Street [near the current Forrest Place] from whence the funeral cortege departed. Sarah moved to a new home in Mt. Lawley during 1914.
Miss Elizabeth Hardey [6.] died on Wednesday, the 16th of August 1911, at the Peninsula (where she was born 72 years before).
(Death Reg. Perth: 100490/1911)
Sarah Hardey [5.], Joseph and Ann's fifth child, from a very young age was following in the footsteps of her father, undertaking a lot of welfare work in the community for the Methodists and members of other denominations, as well as being deeply involved in the education of Methodist children.
Sarah never married and for a time, lived with her sister Elizabeth. Sarah Hardey was then an early resident of Mount Lawley, although she only lived in the suburb from 1914 to her death in 1921. Her house, was one of the largest in Mount Lawley, was situated on the top of the ridge in Lawley Crescent. The huge house had marble stairs leading to the main entrance, was on two levels and had panoramic views of Perth City, Kings Park and the Swan River. It was on over 2,000 sq. metres of land. (It was demolished in 1977 to make way for "Cobblestone Court units".) In 1917, Sarah established “Hardey Lodge” in Monmouth Street, Mount Lawley, as a home for girls who were wayward who were to be trained for domestic service and eventually turned into self-respecting women. She actively organised their religious instruction.
Sarah never married and for a time, lived with her sister Elizabeth. Sarah Hardey was then an early resident of Mount Lawley, although she only lived in the suburb from 1914 to her death in 1921. Her house, was one of the largest in Mount Lawley, was situated on the top of the ridge in Lawley Crescent. The huge house had marble stairs leading to the main entrance, was on two levels and had panoramic views of Perth City, Kings Park and the Swan River. It was on over 2,000 sq. metres of land. (It was demolished in 1977 to make way for "Cobblestone Court units".) In 1917, Sarah established “Hardey Lodge” in Monmouth Street, Mount Lawley, as a home for girls who were wayward who were to be trained for domestic service and eventually turned into self-respecting women. She actively organised their religious instruction.
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Sarah had a passion for education and providing opportunities for those who needed them most. Sarah Hardey donated £700, during 1920, [Equivalent to $50,000 value in 2019 dollars] to the building fund for a 'Boys College' (later 'Wesley Boys College'). This was to be built on vacant land in Coode Street, South Perth. In the third year after it was built, the headmaster (Mr. J. F. Ward) reported in 1925, that the 'baptismal' name of 'Boys' was to be dropped leaving "Wesley College".
Sarah's family also donated the Tranby bell to the school which was used to start classes from 1947. |
Sarah Hardey [5.] died on the 16th of June 1921, at her No. 23 Lawley Crescent residence, Mount Lawley. (Death Reg. Perth: 100848/ 1921) Later, the property in North Perth, was given to the Methodist mission by the estate of, Miss Sarah Hardey. This home was re-built and known as "Hardey Lodge." It provided accommodation for 12 women, and in addition, to the matron and two assistants as a home for ‘wayward’ girls. This home, and its successors, have evolved into providing Aged Care to many Western Australians.
Sarah Hardey, in 1921, also bequeathed the substantial amount of £800, to the formative Boys Boarding school, (now Wesley College) for two entrance scholarships in the Hardey family name. By 1932, the two annual scholarship in both Sarah Hardey and Joseph Hardey's name, of 21 Guinea's each, was still being presented to selected students each year. [Each scholarship, as presented in 1932, would be worth $2,082 each in 2019 dollars]. It was in 1922, that a Mr Alexander Crawford donated four blocks of land on the corner of Coode Street and Mill Point Road and, with the donation and a bequest from Miss Sarah Hardey, Wesley Boys College was built and opened in 1923, the foundation stone having been laid on the 11th of November 1922, by Premier James Mitchell. Since then, the College’s Scholarship program has granted opportunities for many students. The College’s benefactors have also supported 'The Wesley College Building Fund' which has allowed the school to complete building projects as the Mildred Manning Science Centre, Ward & Kefford Wing renovations and the Joseph Green Centre just to name a few.
Sarah Hardey, in 1921, also bequeathed the substantial amount of £800, to the formative Boys Boarding school, (now Wesley College) for two entrance scholarships in the Hardey family name. By 1932, the two annual scholarship in both Sarah Hardey and Joseph Hardey's name, of 21 Guinea's each, was still being presented to selected students each year. [Each scholarship, as presented in 1932, would be worth $2,082 each in 2019 dollars]. It was in 1922, that a Mr Alexander Crawford donated four blocks of land on the corner of Coode Street and Mill Point Road and, with the donation and a bequest from Miss Sarah Hardey, Wesley Boys College was built and opened in 1923, the foundation stone having been laid on the 11th of November 1922, by Premier James Mitchell. Since then, the College’s Scholarship program has granted opportunities for many students. The College’s benefactors have also supported 'The Wesley College Building Fund' which has allowed the school to complete building projects as the Mildred Manning Science Centre, Ward & Kefford Wing renovations and the Joseph Green Centre just to name a few.
The Family Plot
East Perth Cemetery - The family plot.
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The current 'Tranby House' on 'Peninsula Farm'.
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More on the Peninsula (The former 'Peninsula Farm')
Tranby House and surrounding buildings photographed in the 1920s. Image from the SLWA,
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Note: In 1924, a good part western side of the Peninsula became Mayland's Aerodrome. It was the first permanent aerodrome in Perth and functioned as its principal aerodrome throughout the 1920s, 1930s and the first half of the 1940s. The airport formally opened in 1924, when West Australian Airways (“WAA”) immediately moved their hangar from Perth’s Esplanade.
Of historical importance, Maylands Airport was where Charles Kingsford-Smith made his landing to complete the first non-stop flight across Australia. It contributed significantly to the war effort during WWII and continued to be an important facility for general aviation activities until its closure in 1963. During World War II, Maylands Airfield was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Air Force. This built-up area and hangers later became the Western Australian Police Forces, Maylands Police Complex and Academy. 
A major section of the old aerodrome area is now the Peninsula Golf Course. The public golf course opened in 1994 as a 9-hole course, becoming an 18-hole course some time later. The previous function of Maylands Peninsula will forever be remembered, as the holes on the course commemorate the pioneering pilots in the exciting birth of the air travel industry, |
The Peninsula in 1935. Maylands Airport in the right foreground.
Maylands Police Complex following the closure of the airfield.
The Peninsula Golf Club on the left
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For Tranby pre-departure information about Joseph Hardey and Ann Robinson, in England [Click Here]
