WOODBRIDGE
Ford Street, West Midland
(behind Governor Stirling Senior High School)

WOODBRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED DURING JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 2009

When Captain James Stirling re-visited Western Australia in 1829, he took up 4000 acres between the Swan and Helena Rivers adjoining the town site that he named Guildford. He named this property Woodbridge and built a small house there. In the 1880s, Charles Harper – agriculturalist, parliamentarian and newspaper proprietor – purchased the land. The buildings seen today were built for his family. They are important for their architectural design and innovative features. The site has significant aesthetic and social value.

Education & Learning programs at Woodbridge are linked to the  WA curriculum framework. They are delivered by National Trust volunteers.

TIME, CONTINUITY AND CHANGE 

THE HARPERS, THE ANZACS, LEST WE FORGET

Teachers of S&E for years 8 to 12 should contact the National Trust to discuss curriculum specific needs.

Bookings Essential. Please allow half a day for your visit.

Teaching resources are available.

Cost: $4.50 per head includes $3 entry to Woodbridge. Accompanying adults free of charge.
(National Trust member schools receive free entry to all National Trust places)

To make a booking contact The National Trust of Australia (WA)
Phone:  9321 6088
Email:   trust@ntwa.com.au

INSURANCE, EXCURSION MANAGEMENT & EVACUATION PLAN

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TIME, CONTINUITY & CHANGE
suitable for years pp to 7

Experienced guides give an introductory talk to students who then explore the house and grounds under the guidance of school supervisory staff. The talk covers the period from the time of Captain James Stirling taking up land in the area and naming it after his wife’s family home at Woodbridge, near Guildford in England to the present day.

The two storey residence seen today was built in 1885 for Charles Harper. It is constructed of mellow rose-coloured brick and features iron lace work, wide verandas and a central tower. It has been restored and furnished to reflect the late Victorian and early Edwardian periods.

Woodbridge has a varied history having been used as a gentleman’s residence, a preparatory school, a home for aged women and as an annexe for Governor Stirling Senior High School.

The program investigates some of the stories of these past residents and students gain an understanding of how the purpose of the house has changed over time and of the heritage value of the site. Post visit activities are available and link to many of the learning areas of the WA Curriculum Framework.

Resources

Pre and post visit activities pdf

Valuing heritage through integrated curriculum connections pdf

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THE HARPERS, THE ANZACS, LEST WE FORGET
suitable for years 4 - 10

Charles Harper and Fanny De Burgh completed building Woodbridge in 1885. They raised a family of ten children there and Charles Harper opened Woodbridge School in the house in 1896. Charles Harper died in 1912. Two of the sons, Gresley and Wilfred, were killed at Gallipoli in 1915.

The story of the early lives of the boys at Woodbridge and the letters they wrote home from overseas, puts a social history to two soldiers who died fighting for their country. Artefacts and memorabilia on display, along with family stories, help to unfold a picture of the two boys who went away to war and didn’t return. The presentation honours their sacrifice and salutes the service of all Australians who have gone to war.

With prior notice, you can hold your Anzac Day ceremony at Woodbridge. There is a flagpole and space for two classes in the grounds. A member of the 10th Light Horse in full uniform can attend for your visit.

Please discuss these options at the time of booking.

Resources

Post visit activities pdf 

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