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The Blechynden family homestead Bridgedale
is a fine example of how 19th century farming
properties were established and grew. It is also
a good example of how properties have been
affected by 20th century town developments.
The introduction of convicts to Western Australia
led to an increasing demand for food, not just for
the convicts but for the police and other officials
associated with them. The settled areas could not
meet the demand and settlers moved out into the
higher rainfall areas of the south-west where they
were entitled to claim a lease of 10,000 acres with
an option to purchase a ten-acre homestead lot.
In 1859 John Blechynden chose his homestead
site on the banks of the Blackwood River,
overlooking the only local crossing point. The
homestead developed from a single room building
to a complex of buildings.
When the Bridgetown townsite was proclaimed in
1868, Bridgedale was incorporated into the town
survey. As the town developed and expanded
Bridgedale became a town residence rather than
a homestead. Its farming origins, however, remain
apparent.