Wanneroo, Woodvale
Cockman House
Cockman House is the oldest surviving residence in the Wanneroo district, having been built by James Cockman in 1860. Having arrived in the Swan River Colony during its first year of European settlement, he settled with his wife Mary-Ann, and their seven children in Wanneroo in the early 1850s. This limestone walled five-room house, situated in a rural setting on the edge of Yellagonga regional Park, is furnished with items formerly owned by the Cockman family.
Family members owned and occupied the house until 1988 when it was purchased by the City of Wanneroo. The house was constructed from local materials - the limestone quarried nearby with some burnt for mortar, and the timber for doors, windows, floor boards and roof sawn in a nearby sawpit.
The house, which has undergone only slight changes over the years, is listed on the state Register of Heritage Places. Visitors appreciate the old dunny, shed, washhouse and well that remain at the rear of the house, together with grapevines believed to be over 100 years old.
Address:
Ocean Reef Road, Woodvale, WA
Tel:
0894055000
Hours:
Sunday 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Website:
Admission:
Adult $2.00, Child & Concession $1.00
Images
Collection:
In Cockman House there are about 300 items with emphasis on the Cockman family. Their early life was similar to so many pioneering families from England and the sense of family is very strong in this house. Some excellent pieces of early Victorian and Australian colonial furniture can be enjoyed.
Subject:
Items
Ointment jar
Ointment jar
Description:
This ointment jar was discovered in the grounds of Cockman House. It would have contained material used by the Cockman family to treat wounds.
Date:
unknown
Fence
Sheoak picket fence
Creator:
Cockman family
Description:
The fence is built of hand-cut sheoak pickets. It is the portion that remains from the fence that once surrounded the house.
Date:
19th Century
Chest - furniture
Teak campaign chest
Description:
This item was brought by the Cockman family to Wanneroo c1855. It is made of teak with brass campaign handles and carved channel designs to the drawer facades.
Date:
c1850
Wanneroo
Cruet Set
Description:
The Cruet set was owned by Mrs Emma Cockman who lived at Cockman House after her marriage. She raised 13 children there.
Date:
c1890
Woodvale, Wanneroo
Outhouse
Dunny/Toilet
Creator:
Cockman family
Description:
This basic facility has changed little over the past 100 years. It was in service until 1988 by the occupant.
Date:
late 1800s
Wanneroo