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The Bellarine Historical Society Inc. on the Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria, Australia ABN : 32 278 055 160 |
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The History of Kensington / Leopold The township of Leopold is built on a hill overlooking Lake Connewarre.
Leopold was originally called Kensington and was established in 1852 after other small subdivisions had failed. Initially, buildings were of wattle and daub, and perhaps a tent. Later there were paling houses with wooden shingles on the roof. Kensington's proximity to Point Henry helped the settlement - others settlers were people who had been to the Ballarat diggings and returned to buy small farms. Schools were quickly established with a church school opened in 1854 on the present St Marks site. The first church services were held in pioneer's homes - Brinsmead's on Lake Connewarre on the road that now bears their name (all denominations took part), and a Primitive Methodist service in Melaluka Road on the Barker's property. In 1885, Kensington was described as a good fruit growing area with a population of 100 people living within a mile of the Post Office. It was around that time that the name was changed to Leopold to stop confusion with Kensington in Melbourne. By that time, Leopold had a Free Library (established 1882), a Temperance Hall, pound, 2 churches, school and brass band. Early postal activities were conducted from early shops in the area. There was also a hotel (Help me through the World) on the Portarlington Road, and the Union Hotel, also on the same road. [From Myrtle Filbay, President, Bellarine Historical Society]
Leopold History LinksMembers of the Bellarine Historical Society and residents of the towns of the Bellarine Peninsula have commenced a major project to document the history of their local areas on the Internet. These histories will includes towns, buildings, families, schools, environment - in fact any subject which adds to the history of the Bellarine Peninsula. These are not all encompassing histories and certainly will not replace the need for researchers to visit or contact the Bellarine Historical Society and other local repositories for more detailed information. The purpose of these histories is to increase the awareness of the depth of history on the Peninsula and to encourage further research into local archives.
Your ContributionWe'd love your input to the history of Leopold. This is how you can help :
Please don't be bashful - your contribution can be anonymous or we'll happily put your name to it. If you don't have email access, please mail information or questions to :
Record Sources for Leopold
BibliographyBrownhill, Geo. H. Illustrated Guide to Geelong And District, Facsimile edn., Deakin University Press, Geelong, 1990. Campbell, A. J. Tourist Guide to Geelong and Southern Watering Places, Henry Thacker, Geelong, 1893. Wynd, Ian. Balla-wein : A history of the Shire of Bellarine, Shire of Bellarine, Drysdale, 1988. Wynd, Ian. Geelong The Pivot : A Short History of Geelong and District, Cypress Books, Mont Albert North, 1971.
Created by : Susie Zada |
