Tocal Homestead

Item details


Name of item:	Tocal Homestead
Type of item:	Landscape
Group/Collection:	Farming and Grazing
Category:	Farm
Location:	Lat: -32.6235860577 Long: 151.5902756580
Primary address:	Tocal Road, Paterson, NSW 2421
Parish:	Houghton
County:	Durham
Local govt. area:	Dungog
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Mindaribba

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	1		DP	231538

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Tocal Road	Paterson	Dungog	Houghton	Durham	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private

Statement of significance:


	The place is significant because it represents the complete range of human habitation in the Paterson Valley. There is evidence of its use by the Gringai Clan of the Wonnerau people through the name 'Tocal' and the presence of axe grinding grooves on site. The main significance of Tocal as a European site is the entire precinct which is a stud horse and cattle agricultural property from the 19th century. It is extremely rare to find such a complete complex of largely unaltered buildings. The fact that many are typical timber structures also demonstrates various construction technologies (Eric Martin and Cameron Archer 1998). Tocal under James P.Webber is also significant for its association with the development of viticulture and the development of the Hunter Valley wine industry (Driscoll, 1969). The key element within this important precinct is the Homestead representing a very fine residence of which few of equal age and quality remain today. Also of exceptional significance is the original Webber's homestead and stables plus the barracks. The design of the homestead with the house, staff quarters and stables all part of one building but separately accessed plus the two storey town house type of accommodation (barracks) for farm workers are very rare, if not unique. The Blacket-designed barn is a finely detailed building by one of Australia's prominent architects of the 19th century. There are many more elements of considerable significance including the cattle shed which represents a rare and special building to accommodate cattle. The other significant element is the generator and associated farm equipment. Although not old compared with Tocal, its completeness is an extremely valuable heritage asset. Most of the remaining elements have some significance in their own right. The association of the Reynolds is also a very important one. They were pioneers in stud cattle and horses, who contributed greatly to stud breeding and recognition. Reynolds was a name synonymous with Hereford cattle in NSW for a nearly a century that remains largely as it was when they operated it.
	Date significance updated: 24 Jul 00
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Various: Homestead: 1845, Moir; Barn: 1867: Edmund Blacket
Builder/Maker:	Various
Construction years:	1822-1922
Physical description:	Garden & Setting: The landscape includes wetlands, riverine rainforest and formally dry sclerophyll forest land which has been cleared to become pasture land (Eric Martin and Cameron Archer 1998). The Tocal Agricultural Centre property is 2500 hectares comprising 5 farming enterprises, a heritage precinct and one of Australia's top agricultural colleges (Hunter Post, 20/2/08). Tocal Homestead is carefully located on the top of a small rise overlooking the lagoon to its east and Paterson Road beyond that. The house is framed by a number of magnificent (again, carefully placed) mature Moreton Bay fig trees (Ficus macrophylla) which are visible from quite some distance away (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 2/3/2012) and the homestead garden is enclosed, by a white painted picket fence (RNE). Other trees near the house include some local rainforest species, such as red kamala (Mallotus philippensis) south-west of the homestead facing its rear yard. This may represent bird-dropped seed but is an unusual find in any garden (Stuart Read, pers.comm., 7/10/2015). A hedge of Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) runs from the house's rear to the north, demarcating the garden 'front' and the service yards and outbuildings to the rear. Another rare plant in the garden is the Solomon Islands leafless shrub, ribbon bush (Homocladium platycladum), otherwise only seen in Botanic Gardens)(Stuart Read, pers.comm., 7/10/2015). Homestead: The Homestead consists of a late Georgian/Regency Revival rendered sandstock brick two storey homestead, with verandahs (flagged sandstone) on three sides, set on a knoll overlooking the Paterson River and surrounding areas. Outbuildings: The site also consists of a wide range of vernacular timber buildings, stockyards, post and rail fences, underground silos and other elements representing technology of a 19th century farm. These consist of convict-built sandstock brick residential buildings, as well as a large stone barn built in 1830 by convicts, an 1860s timber barn designed by architect Edmund Blacket and yards, fences etc.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physical condition is good to fair. Archaeological potential is high given the undisturbed nature of the site. (Eric Martin and Cameron Archer 1998)
	Date condition updated:07 May 98
Modifications and dates:	Homestead - The Homestead remains in quite intact condition with modern facilities and some equipments. The exterior bricks have been painted, however the rest of the exterior is in original state. (Eric Martin and Cameron Archer 1998) Stone Barn - This 1830 building is in original condition but a with 1920's attachment used by the previous owner as a carport. Sandstock Brick Buildings, Barracks & Thunderbolt's Cottage - These are in reasonably stable condition, they require extensive repairs but retain much of their original qualities. Timber Outbuildings - These are in quite good condition. A garage has been converted to public toilets (1990) and the staff quarters modified to incorporate Tea Rooms (1990, 96) 1998-2002 former hayshed east of house converted to visitor centre (Archer, C., 2002)


Current use:	Tourism & Interpretation
Former use:	Aboriginal land, timber-getting, grazing / farmland

History

Historical notes:

Prior to 1822 the area was part of the lands of the Gringai Clan of the Wonnerua people and used as a camp site. Tocal is derived from Koori language meaning 'Ducks Aplenty'.

The presence of the large lagoon was one of the deciding factors in the use of this area by both Aboriginal people (who harvested plants and animals for use in daily life - from the rainforest along the river and surrounding paperbark (Melaleuca sp.) forest, which provided a great variety of food and materials) and European settlers, as it provides a permanent source of fresh water for humans and animals. The proximity of the site to the river was also a factor in settlement by Euroepans as the river remained a major transport route for 100 years (Hathway, 2003, 3).

The site was a 4,000 acre land grant to James P. Webber in 1822, who established it as a productive farm.

The fertile flats on the banks of Webber's Creek were cleared with convict labour in the 1820s and it is from this land that much of the wealth of Tocal was created. The low-lying area and wetlands at the back of the homestead was one of the first areas to be cleared by Europeans for building materials, grazing stock and to establish food crops (ibid, 2003, 3).

The planting of vineyards and the making of wine were given every encouragement by the early Governors of New South Wales, as well as by urban and rural authorities, for their economic value and also partly, if not chiefly, for their 'sobering' appeal. (Simon, 1966, 9).

There is no indication of who actually planted the first vines in the Hunter Valley. The first official returns did not appear until 1843 and listed only acreages and production figures by counties. However, a list of vines planted in the colony by 1832 appears in manuscript notes on the flyleaves of a copy of James Busby's 1830 publication, 'A Manual of plain directions for planting and cultivating vineyards and for making wine in NSW'. At this stage there were 10 settlers on the Hunter River growing vines. These included James P. Webber at Tocal who had 3 acres of a Hunter Valley total (15.5 acres). In 1834 Webber supplied George Wyndham of Dalwood estate Oporto and Gouais grape cuttings (Driscoll, 1969, 11-12, 28).

So great was the interest to be in wine making that when the first returns for vineyards were made in 1844 for the year 1843, the Hunter had 262.5acres of a NSW total of 508. By 1850 this had grown to over 500 acres. The 'Maitland Mercury' estimated that in 1850 there were 32 vine growers in the Maitland Police district alone. The Hunter pattern was for large farming and grazing properties. J.D.Lang noted that in 1836 the farms varied from 500-2000 acres, and were held by free immigrants employing convict labour. The areas devoted to vines were necessarily small though Lang does say that the wealthy proprietors had their vineyards managed by scientific and practical vine dressers from southern Europe and that landholders were already talking of exporting wine to India and England (Driscoll, 1969, 23, 25).

In 1834 Webber sold Tocal to Caleb and Felix Wilson (father and son, who had a large business in Sydney (Hathway, 2003, 4, 6).

Caleb Wilson arrived in New South Wales on the convict ship 'Experiment' in June 1804, a free man with his (late) third wife, Ann and two small children. Ann died on the voyage out and Caleb married his fourth wife, Catherine Ferrier, sometime after taking up a land grant in the district of Mulgrave. This proved to be a fortuitous marriage as Catherine was a hard worker and a shrewd business partner. Caleb worked hard, was a successful businessman and able to expand his business interests and acquire land in the Hunter, where Tocal College now stands (Kyle, 2019, 19).

Caleb died in 1838.The Wilson family built the homestead in 1840 (Hathway, 2003, 4 says it was 1841: Felix commissioned Scottish architect, Moir to design it for use as a country residence) and the Wilson family held the property till 1907 (Eric Martin and Cameron Archer 1998). Respected 20th century architect William Hardy Wilson was descended from this family.

The term 'villa' was first used in England in the 17th century, partly from the Latin and Italian 'country house, farm', perhaps derived from the stem of vicus (village). The villa was a country mansion or residence, together with a farm, farm-buildings, or other house attached, built or occupied by a person of some position and wealth. It was taken to include a country seat or estate and later a residence in the country or in the neighbourhood of a town, usually standing in its own grounds. From this is was appropriated by the middleof the 18th century to mean a residence of a superior type, in the suburbs of a town or in a residential district, such as that occupied by a person of the middle class, and also a small, better-class dwelling house, usually detached or semi-detached. The term 'villa garden' was used in the context of Hobart and Sydney residences in the 1830s, and if near the coast or harbour, the appellation 'marine villa' was often applied. Australian origins probably date from the grant conditions applied to Sydney's Woolloomooloo Hill (1827, under Governor Darling), which obligated the construction of villas fulfilling certain conditions... 'with garden like domain, and external offices for stables and domestic economy' (John Buonarotti Papworth, 1825, quoted in James Broadbent's 1997 book, 'The Australian Colonial House'). Many gardens of 19th century villas followed Gardenesque conventions, with garden ornaments often complementing the architecture of the house. The term had acquired such widespread usage by the 1850s that when Jane Loudon issued a new editiion of her husband (John Claudius Loudon)'s 'Suburban Gardener and Villa Companion' (1838) she merely entitled the revised work 'The Villa Gardener' (1850). This coincided with a growing period of suburbanisation in Australia with consequent fostering of the nursery trade... By the 1880s, descriptions of Australian villas implied sufficient room for a lawn on two or three fronts of the residence...(Aitken, 2002, 619-20).

In 1844 Charles Reynolds leased Tocal until 1871 (Hathway, 2003,4 adds that the lease continued until 1907) and the following two generations of that family made it one of the most famous horse stud farms in the country. 'The Barb' 1886 winner of the Melbourne Cup stood at Tocal. 'Free Trader' winner of the 1856 Grand National was imported by the Reynolds to Tocal but before he could be extensively used was stolen by Captain Thunderbolt, the bushranger. Thunderbolt had previously worked on Tocal as a horsebreaker.

During the period of Frank Reynolds' leasehold and subsequent purchase prior to Reynolds family, extensive timber buildings were added to the site including the Blacket Barn, designed by Blacket and built in the late 1860s.

Also during the Reynolds family occupation (1844-1926) the homestead was a social hub of the district. A tennis court was located between the (now huge) fig trees, which were then considerably smaller. The family entertained regularly in the homestead and held tennis parties on the front lawn (ibid, 2003, 6).

In 1865 Felix Wilson died and Tocal was willed by entail to (unborn grandson) David Wilson, born 1879. In 1871 Charles Reynolds died and management and stud stock were transferred to his widow Frances and their sons (Hathway, 2003, 4).

In 1907 Tocal was sold to Charles Reynold's son, Frank Reynolds. Frank died in 1920 (ibid, 2003, 4). His sons, Darcie and Arthur Reynolds ran the Tocal property as the estate of Frank Reynolds from 1920 to 1926.

In 1926 the property was sold to the Alexander siblings (Jean, Isabella, Robert and Charles Boyd (C.B.)), who ran it as a breeding and dealing property.

In 1938 Jean Alexander died leaving Charles (C.B.) on his own at Tocal. The following year Myrtle and Marguerita Curtis came to Tocal to live with their uncle Charles (ibid, 2003, 4). The Alexanders were a much more private family than the Reynolds. The departure of the Reynolds left a void in the social life of the district and led to a misconception that the Alexanders were snobbish. The Valley garden was a favourite spot of Myrtle and Marguerita Curtis. It most likely dates from the Alexanders' time, and displays the style of garden favoured by early settlers, based on familiar English plants (ibid, 2003, 7).

The last of the family, C. B. Alexander died in 1947 leaving a complex will for the estate which among other things, left his properties (this one included) to establish homes for 'destitute, homeless and orphan children' - in time this would provide for the establishment of an agricultural institution at Tocal. He gave his nieces, Misses Myrtle and Marguerita Curtis life tenancy and they lived at Tocal Homestead until 1985, dying just five days apart (ibid, 2003, 7).

In 1963 a solution to Charles Alexander's will was found by Edward A.Hunt (ibid, 2003, 4). Ald. Edward Alan (Ted, or 'E.A.') Hunt MBE (1896-1982) was a solicitor and Presbyterian layman and grew up in Branzton in the Hunter. He became a solicitor, moving to Sydney and later became very involved with the Presbyterian Church, becoming its law agent (honorary solicitor) in 1947, serving as t his until 1973 (Hobbs, 2007).

The complex will of the benefactor C. B. Alexander (d.1947) of Tocal, in the Hunter district, where he (Hunt) had played and fished as a child, interested Hunt. He suggested that the development of Tocal as an agricultural college (as well as support of St Andrew's Home for Boys, Leppington), would comply with Alexander's wish to provide training for destitute and orphaned children. The Alexander trustees, the Presbyterian Church and the Supreme Court of New South Wales (in 1963) agreed. A college council, with `E.A.' as chairman, was formed, work began in 1964 (Hobbs, 2007).

Tocal's contents were bequeathed by the Alexanders and the Misses Curtis to the College (ibid, 2003, 7). In 1963 work began on the College (ibid, 2003, 4). Since then the homestead has been run and operated by the C. B. Alexander Foundation (Eric Martin and Cameron Archer 1998).

1965 the C.B. Alexander Presbyterian Agricultural College was opened by the Presbyterian Church through the efforts of Edward A. Hunt. Its scholarship program gave priority to disadvantaged students (Hobbs, 2007).

1970 management of the College was handed to NSW Department of Agriculture. The College was named C.B.ALexander Agricultural College (ibid, 2003, 4)

1981 NSW Department of Agriculture external study program moved to Tocal.

1984 Tocal Field Days began.

1987 Tocal Homestead was opened to the public to visit.

2000 the Maitland district office of NSW Department of Agriculture moved to Tocal.

2001 a stage 1 visitor centre opened on the site. Also a multi-purpose skill shed was opened.

2002 Tocal Agricultural Centre was named. Stage 2 visitor centre opened.

2003 Commenced weekend openings of Tocal Homestead to the public. Tocal was named as a NSW Agriculture Centre of Excellence (www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/reader/tocal-about/history.htm).

William 'Bill' Boyd OAM, the unofficial Mayor of Herons Creek, was celebrated for his dedication to his village, woodcrafting techniques and work with local community groups. A timber cutter for NSW Forests, Bill came to the attention of heritage restoration decision-makers during his 27 years as a field officer for the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Srevice (NPWS). He contributed to the restoration of Longworth Tramway, Roto House, Kylie's Hut, a post-and-rail fence at Vaucluse House (Sydney), the Snowy Mountains huts, Tin Mines huts, a slaughterhouse at Tocal (Paterson, Hunter Valley) and restoration of Coolamine Homestead in Kosciuszko National Park (Dougherty, 2021).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Gardens-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Environment/Contact: What do we know of the Contact Environment?-Environment (Natural) Control
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Other open space-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	River flats-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Cultural: Rivers and water bodies important to humans-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present.	Wonnarua Nation - places evidencing occupation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Working on private assignment-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent	Convict-Activities relating to incarceration, transport, reform, accommodation and working during the convict period in NSW (1788-1850) - does not include activities associated with the conviction of persons in NSW that are unrelated to the imperial 'convict system': use the theme of Law & Order for such activities	Experiencing life opportunities after emancipation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Private farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Viticulture-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Growing vines and maintaining vineyards-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Clearing land for farming-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Ancillary structures - windmills-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Agricultural Society activities - research, experimentation, acclimatisation --
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	Farming with convict labour-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of food production-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes and countryside of rural charm-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences	Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Horse breeding and raising-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Beef cattle breeding and raising-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Agisting and fattening stock for slaughter-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Modifying landscapes to increase productivity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Pastoral homestead-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Livestock structures-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Country Homes-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Gentlemens Villas-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Farm homestead-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Accommodating convicts-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing farming families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Country Villa-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Housing working animals-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	1820s-1850s land grants-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to tourist-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
7. Governing-Governing	Defence-Activities associated with defending places from hostile takeover and occupation	(none)-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	State government-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - facilitating agriculture-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Children in need-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Destitute and alone-
7. Governing-Governing	Welfare-Activities and process associated with the provision of social services by the state or philanthropic organisations	Welfare-Includes charitable and self-help institutions.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Developing collections of items-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Outdoor concerts and performances-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Playing tennis-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the racetrack-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Horse racing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Philanthropy for religious uses-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Providing schools and education-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Practising Presbyterianism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Gentlemen's Villas-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Caleb Wilson, Sydney merchant-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Felix Wilson, Sydney merchant-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Charles Reynolds, expert stock breeder-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Catherine Wilson (nee Ferrier), businesswoman and grazier's wife-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with James P. Webber, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Mr Moir, Scottish architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Frank Reynolds, grazier, horse breeder-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edith Keep, gentlewoman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Frances Reynolds, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Arthur Reynolds, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Darcie Reynolds, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Charles Boyd (C.B.) Alexander, grazier and stud owner-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Isabella Alexander, gentlewoman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Jean Alexander, gentlewoman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Robert Alexander, grazier and stud owner-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Margarita Curtis, gentlewoman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Myrtle Curtis, gentlewoman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with the C.B. Alexander Foundation, philanthropic body-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Ald. Edward Allen (E.A.) Hunt, solicitor, alderman, Presbyterian Church law agent-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edmund Blacket, Government Architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with William Hardy Wilson, architect, artist, writer, conservationist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with George Wyndham, squatter, farmer, viticulturist-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The entire precinct represents a solo horse and cattle agricultural property from the 19th century. The early structures are among the finest in the area and include the convict built Webbers cottage, Barracks and Barn.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Homestead is a fine residence of which few of equal age or quality remain. The Barn is a finely detailed building by one of Australia’s prominent 19th century architects, Edmund Blackett. The collection as a whole has great aesthetic appeal.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The association with the Gringai Clan of the Wonnerau people, with Reynolds who were pioneers in stud cattle and horses and the Alexander family are all important social aspects of the property.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The various timber structures demonstrate 19th century construction technologies. The generator and associated equipment are old and rare examples of electrical equipment. The archaeological potential is high as some structures have been removed and areas are largely undisturbed.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The collection as a whole is rare, the Blacket Barn is one of his few remaining rural structures. The silos are also rare examples.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The timber structures are representative of 19th century technology and the farm is a collection representative of a 19th century farm.
Integrity/Intactness:	The collection maintains a very high degree of integrity with most original material remaining.
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:


	Continued conservation of all elements improve interpretation of the site (Eric Martin and Cameron Archer 1998) and educational opportunities. Conservation of interior of Barracks desirable and conservation of Webber’s Cottage essential.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act	See File For Schedule Refer to standard exemptions gazetted 23 October 1998. Order Under Section 57(2) to exempt the following activities from Section 57(1): The maintenance of any building or item on the site where maintenance means the continuous protective care of existing material: The minor repair of the building where minor repair means the repair of materials by patching, piercing-in, splicing and consolidating existing materials and including minor replacements of minor components such as individual bricks, cutstone, timber sections, tiles and slates where these have been damaged beyond reasonable repair or are missing. The replacement should be of the same material, colour, texture, form and design as the original it replaces and the number of components it replaced should be substantially less than existing.	Jul 28 1989
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Final draft of CMP submitted for consideration and endorsement.		Apr 18 2014
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00147	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00147	06 Nov 81	170
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	s.170 Department of Agriculture, 2002
State Environmental Planning Policy	Hunter REP 1989		03 Nov 89	107	9343
Local Environmental Plan			06 Apr 90
National Trust of Australia register	Tocal Agricultural College	4729
Register of the National Estate		1347	21 Mar 78

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Dungog Heritage Study	1986		Perumal, Wrathall & Murphy Pty Ltd		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	Villa Garden (entry)	View detail
Tourism	Allyn & Paterson River Valley's	2013	Tocal Homestead	View detail
Written	Archer, Cameron	2019	The Magic Valley: the Paterson Valley - then and now
Written	Archer, Cameron	2002	Tocal Visitor Centre: new use for an old shed	View detail
Written	Archer, Cameron	2	Colonial Silo Mysteries	View detail
Written	Archer, Cameron		Aboriginal Land Use at Tocal - the Wonnarua Story	View detail
Written	Archer, Cameron; et al		Conservation of Timber Buildings and Fences at Tocal	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Tocal Homestead	View detail
Written	C B Alexander Foundation		Tocal homestead, the Barracks : final report	View detail
Written	Dougherty, Robert	2021	Tribute: William 'Bill' Boyd
Written	Driscoll, W.P.	1969	The beginnings of the wine industry in the Hunter Valley
Management Plan	Eric Martin and Associates	1999	Tocal Conservation Management Plan	View detail
Written	Gillespie, Peter & Brouwer, David	2007	Tocal Property Plan
Written	Hathway, Jo	2003	Guide to Tocal	View detail
Written	Hunt, E.A.	1972	Tocal Story
Written	Hunt, Edward Allan		Tocal story. How an agricultural College was born in the Hunter Valley / Printed by Erik Jorgensen.
Written	Kyle, Noeline	2019	'Caleb Wilson, owner of Tocal, 1834-1838' (book notes/review)
Written	Martin, Eric and Archer, Cameron	1998	NSW State Heritage Inventory form
Written	Phillip Cox, Richardson & Partners Taylor & Partners	1987	Tocal Conservation Plan Tocal Library	View detail
Written	Tocal College, CB Alexander Campus	2007	History of Tocal	View detail
Written	Unknown		Various records
Written	Walsh, Brian and Hawkins, Ralph	2013	Convict Tools: working at Camden Park and Tocal
Written	White, Judy	1986	Tocal : the changing moods of a rural estate

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045676
File number:	S90/06254 & HC 32010

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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