OBJECT TITLE / NAME

Sutton Grange

DATE1910s

MEDIAImage

COLLECTIONMornington and District Historical Society

REG NO.1371.1

HISTORY

On November 7th, 1872, Thomas Alchin purchased approximately 6 acres of land, Crown Allotment No.12, from Fred Calvert, through the agents, Page, White and Company, for 366 pounds, 7 shillings, and sixpence. This land had a frontage to the Esplanade, and also Tanti Avenue. It was known as the “Oak” paddock, because of the large numbers of beautiful she-oaks it contained. In 1877 plans were drawn for the erection of “Sutton Grange” a large two storied residence fronting Tanti Avenue. Included in this residence was a tower which overlooked the Bay and which was build to enable Thomas to scan, through his long brass telescope, the shipping movements to and from the harbour, especially his ketch Maggie, which he had purchased to carry his goods between Schnapper Point and Melbourne. The building was finished in the early 1880’s. It is not known when Thomas Alchin began to make bricks. The Clay Pit and the brick making machine were located at the corner of the Sutton Grange Estate and Blake Street. These brick works were supposed to have supplied the bricks to the Church of England built in 1861 and the Presbyterian Church in 1866, there are records suggesting they operated until 1896. Thomas and Sarah Allchin also owned a shop in Mornington.

DESCRIPTION

This photograph shows a grand three storey brick building, with a central tower. It has an arched verandah to the ground floor, with a central arched entry. The roof appears to be slate with a large chimney. There are steps up leading to the main entry. There are sash windows, with a decorative white brick design around each one. There are trees surrounding the house.

SUBJECTS

Brick, Brickworks, Historic buildings, Historic sites

KEYWORDS

Allchin, Thomas Cogger, Brick, Brickworks, Esplanade, Historic buildings, Historic sites, Mornington, Sutton Grange, Tanti Avenue