York

York is an historic country town some 100 kms east of Perth on the Great Southern Highway in the Avon Valley. It is the oldest country town in Western Australia. The locale was discovered by pioneer Robert Dale in 1830 and cereal crop agriculture in the area commenced soon afterwards. The townsite was gazetted as such in 1836 and was named after York in England. York became an important stop-over point for Gold Rush miners heading east to the goldfields

York - Castle Hotel

The Castle Hotel on Avon Terrace. Apparently this is the second oldest surviving hotel in Western Australia built using convict labour. It was completed in 1853. The hotel was constructed for publican Samuel Craig. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK001

York - Sargent's Pharmacy

These premises perch on a narrow corner on Avon Terrace and South Street with its splendid two storeys. Recently this was Galileo's but now it's up for lease. This was originally Sargent's Pharmacy and was built in 1884. This view is from the Castle Hotel verandah. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK002

York - Post Office

On Avon Terrace is the York Post Office which still functions as such. Parts of the premises are sub-let to other businesses. The post office is next door to the old courthouse (off to the right). The Post Office was built in 1893. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK003

York - Courthouse

To the right of the Post Office on Avon Terrace is the old courthouse and next to that the old police station (you can see one police window). The Foundation Stone was laid by Premier, Sir John Forrest on 24th October 1895. These buildings went through significant restoration in 1983-1984 and were re-opened to the viewing public on 12th May 1984 by the Governor-General, Sir Ninian Stephen. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK004

York - Motor Museum

A little south along Avon Terrace from the Post Office and Courthouse, the York Motor Museum is located. The museum was established in 1979. Housed in the museum is the Briggs family collection. Many of Peter Briggs museum pieces used to be housed in the B Shed on Victoria Quay, Fremantle until it closed in 2008. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK005

York - Deli

The York Deli sits on Avon Terrace alongside the Bendigo Bank. York has a great range of cafes and restaurants. We had lunch at one today, Jules Cafe, fine food, interesting decor and friendly and efficient staff. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK006

York - Imperial Hotel

The Imperial Hotel is a sandstone and iron structure which was constructed in 1886. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK007

York - Trooper's Cottage

This is a former Trooper's Cottage. It is built of stone and only has two rooms. It is situated in the stable yard of the first police station and was erected around 1865. The cottage is in a small laneway which runs between Avon Terrace and the park by the river. April 2004. Photos Ref: YORK008

York - Avon Terrace

Here's a view along Avon Terrace looking south past the Village Bakehouse and up and beyond to the Town Hall. April 2004. Photos Ref: YORK009

York - Town Hall

The York Town Hall on Avon Terrace. The Foundation Stone was laid by the Mayoress, Mrs E. H. Neville, on 31st May 1911. Mr E. H. Neville was the Mayor at the time. April 2004. Photos Ref: YORK010

York - Rabbit Shed Antiques

On the other side of the main street to the Town Hall is Rabbit Shed Antiques. This shop has traded as such for many years. January 2013 Photos Ref: YORK011

York - Old Mill

The Old Mill is a prominent York feature mainly due to its size. On weekends they hold markets here and judging by the number of cars in the car park and people coming and going, it looks like a popular spot. This place used to be the Empire Roller Flour Mill and was built in 1892. September 2010. Photos Ref: YORK012

York - Bank of Australasia Building

This building is situated towards the north end of the main street and in 2010 is for sale. The building's original purpose was the premises of the Bank of Australasia and it operated here between 1909 and 1919. September 2010. Photos Ref: YORK013

York - 152 Avon Terrace

Across the road from the old Fire Station and Bank of Australasia is this old building. You can look down the side to the extended out-buildings down the back. It's at number 152. This was built in 1890 as shops with residences upstairs and to the rear. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK014

York - C.W.A. House

The C.W.A. House towards the north end of Avon Terrace at 154. This was erected in 1859. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK015

York - Freemasons Hall

This building was constructed in 1887 as a hall for the Oddfellows. It was sold to the Freemasons in 1925 whereby it became their Lodge Number 5 in Western Australia. The Foundation Stone was laid by Mrs J. R. M. Thomas on May 18th, 1887. September 2010. Photos Ref: YORK016

York - Fire Station

On Avon Terrace, this is the old Fire Station which now serves as a Community Centre. The Foundation Stone was laid by W. Dinsdale Esq. J.P. and Mayor on 18th March 1897. This building was the original Council Chambers. The Council vacated in 1911 when the new Town Hall was completed. The Council sold the building to the Volunteer Fire Brigade who occupied the building through to 1988. September 2010. Photos Ref: YORK017

York - Railway Station

This is a rear view of the railway station. These days it's a private residence. Lots of work going on as you might see. Moving into historic premises like these would be extremely challenging as upkeep would be enormous. The station operated as such from 1885 to 1988. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK018

York - Railway Station

The York railway station has certainly seen better days. The platform is now fenced off as the buildings are a private residence. Hotham Valley used to run excursion trains up here but these have now ceased. The tracks running past the platform gleam giving away evidence that freight trains still pass through. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK019

York - St Patrick's Catholic Church

A very impressive looking church which would not be out of place in most rural English towns. This is St Patrick's Catholic Church. Construction commenced in 1875 and it was completed in 1886. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK020

York - St Patrick's Catholic Church

The original York Catholic Church was east of the river. This one was built in 1860 to be later superseded by that in the above picture. This building now serves as the parish hall. The first parish priest was a Benedictine from New Norcia. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK021

York - Convent School

Across the road from St Patrick's is the old Convent School. It is currently occupied by Chalkies Fine Furnishings and Antiques. This was built in 1873 for the Catholic Sisters of Mercy. Later it was used as a public library. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK022

York - Primary School

Next to St Patrick's Church is the old York primary school. It was built in 1866. Today the buildings are used by medical and dental practices. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK023

York - Davies Building

On the corner of Avon Terrace and South Street is the Davies Building which was constructed in 1908. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK024

York - Davies Building

The Davies Building again, this time looking across Avon Terrace from slightly towards the north. At street level there is a real estate agency and a juice shop. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK025

York - Collins Buildings

Next to the Davies Building is the Collins Buildings. At the street level are Cafe Bugatti and a newsagency. The building was erected in 1907 as shops. February 2015. Photos Ref: YORK026

York - Central Buildings

On Avon Terrace are the Central Buildings. The section on the left was built in 1907. The section on the right, 1892. February 2015. Photos Ref: YORK027

York - Avon Terrace

A view along Avon Terrace taking in the Motor Museum, the Collins Buildings, and on the the Davies Building. February 2015. Photos Ref: YORK028

York - Settlers Gift Shop

Settlers Gift Shop (and coffee shop) is on Avon Terrace and is probably part of the Settlers Hotel complex which is situated at the rear of this building. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK029

York - Settlers Hotel

At the rear of the Settlers Gift Shop off Avon Terrace here is a look into the hotel courtyard. These are some of the accommodation units. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK030

York - York Hotel

Towards the northern end of the town is the York Hotel. This is at 145 Avon Terrace. This was built in 1909 and originally known as the Palace Hotel. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK031

York - Co-Op

Opposite the York Hotel is the York Co-Op building. Note the Westpac ATM. Westpac is across the road but perhaps their building walls are too thick to install this machine. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK032

York - Westpac Bank

Close to the York Hotel is the Westpac Bank. The West Australian Bank opened in town in 1841 but didn't move into this building until its completion in 1889. The manager lived upstairs. A few commercial mergers over the decades saw this eventually become Westpac (via Bank of N.S.W.) in 1982. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK033

York - Triumph Icy Beer

Down near South Street again is the Triumph Bar - a good place for an ice cold beer on a warm day, as the sign says. This is early on Sunday morning. Later in the day the road-side is typically lined with patrons' motor-cycles as indeed it was later on this day. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK034

York - Uniting Church

The Uniting Church, York congregation. The Foundation Stone was laid by Mrs Monger of Faversham House on 25th April, 1888. At the time the resident minister was the Reverent T. Bird. Mr J. H. Monger and his wife (Joaquina) actually caused this church to be built. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK035

York - Uniting Church

This building is the old Uniting Church, or Methodist Church as then it was. It was built in 1852 and used as a church until the new one was completed in 1888. Today the building serves as the parish hall and meeting place. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK036

York - Faversham House

Across the road from the Uniting Church is the most impressive Faversham House which dates back to 1849. This is now a guest house. It is one time residence of the Mongers who had the Uniting Church built in 1888. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK037

York - Old Hospital

The old York Hospital is on the other side of the Avon River from the town centre. The hospital is on Clifford Street. It was built in 1894 as a replacement for an earlier hospital (1852-1894). This is a private residence now. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK038

York - Residency Museum

The Residency Museum just along from the old hospital on Brook Street. A considerable convict depot once existed here including buildings for police, a hospital and a doctor's surgery. This remaining building was constructed between 1853 and 1858 and these days contains a museum. January 2012. Photos Ref: YORK039

York - Anglican Church

The Holy Trinity Anglican Church in York. The church was completed in 1854 and consecrated in 1858. There is a replica foundation stone of the original laid by Mrs W. Edwards of Hart-Leap Hill on May 3rd, 1893. The Parish Hall alongside the church used to be in the old cemetery on the other side of the river and was carried, brick by brick, to its present site in 1905. Photo - January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK040

York - Bygrave's Cottage

A little way down the Beverley road (Avon Terrace), in the Blandstown district, is Bygrave's cottage. The sign says 'The Workshop'. It is another historic York building. This was erected in 1884 as Mr Bygrave's house and bootmaking shop. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK041

York - Bygrave's Cottage

A closer view of Bygrave's cottage. June 2016. Photos Ref: YORK042

York - Bygrave's Cottage

Here is a closer view of the Bygrave's cottage outbuilding. This was probably his bootmaking shop. June 2016. Photos Ref: YORK043

York - Blandstown Cottage

This district is (or was) known at Blandstown, named after the nearby Blands Brook. The area includes (amongst other places) Bygrave's cottage, the old Albion Hotel site, and farm lands across the road. This old cottage is located on Avon Terrace next to the old hotel and the Brook Cottage. June 2016. Photos Ref: YORK044

York - Albion Hotel

The former Albion Hotel at 17-19 Avon Terrace in Blandstown. The hotel commenced construction in 1859. No longer a licensed hotel, this is now the Old Albion Bed & Breakfast. June 2016. Photos Ref: YORK045

York - Brook Cottage

At 21 Avon Terrace in Blandstown is the Brook Cottage. Construction commenced in 1856. June 2016. Photos Ref: YORK046

York - Carriage Cafe

Down near the river is the Carriage Cafe. In this old guard's van is where they make the food and drink. There are a couple of other old railway vans adjacent. Very picturesque and recommended - a good spot to take the kids for lunch. September 2010. Photos Ref: YORK047

York - Avon River

Despite low rainfall this year, the Avon River is looking quite good. This view is taken from the swing-bridge looking up towards the road bridge. September 2010. Photos Ref: YORK048

York - Mount Brown Lookout

A little to the east of town is Mount Brown. Pioneer Drive (a sealed road) winds its way up to the summit. Here is the lookout which commands rather grand views. It was constructed as a commemoration to the district pioneers. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK049

York - Mount Brown Lookout Looking East

From the summit of Mount Brown this is a view looking east, past a pile of boulders, and across seemingly endless farm lands. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK050

York - Mount Brown Lookout

Another view from Mount Brown this time taking in the northern section of the York townsite with the dominant Mount Bakewell some four and a half kilometres away rising behind. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK051

York - Mount Brown Lookout

Another look from Mount Brown is down to the townsite of York. The main street runs horizontally through the picture. On the corner of that dominant vertical street you can see the Westpac Bank and York Hotel on Avon Terrace. Follow the main street left and you may see the Castle Hotel and just in the photo, the old Pharmacy building. January 2013. Photos Ref: YORK052

York - From Perth Road

A look back at the York townsite taken from the road-side information bay about 2-3 kilometres west of the townsite on the road to Perth, Late afternoon sun highlights the hills and paddocks. You can see the Old Mill in the centre of the picture. June 2013. Photos Ref: YORK053

York - Fields Of Gold

Canola crops look startling in some fields around York and Beverley. Canola gives way to wheat as the cash returns are significantly better. The fields of gold blaze the landscape. September 2010. Photos Ref: YORK054

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