HISTORY OF THE LOCH ARD The LOCH ARD belonged to the famous Loch Line which sailed many ships from England to Australia. Built in Glasgow by Barclay, Curdle and Co. in 1873, the LOCH ARD was a three-masted square rigged iron sailing ship. The ship measured 262ft 7" (79.87m) in length, 38ft (11.58m) in width, 23ft (7m) in depth and had a gross tonnage of 1693 tons. The LOCH ARD's main mast measured a massive 150ft (45.7m) in height. LOCH ARD made three trips to Australia and one trip to Calcutta before its final voyage. LOCH ARD left England on March 2, 1878, under the command of Captain Gibbs, a newly married, 29 year old. She was bound for Melbourne with a crew of 37, plus 17 passengers and a load of cargo. The general cargo reflected the affluence of Melbourne at the time. On board were straw hats, umbrella, perfumes, clay pipes, pianos, clocks, confectionary, linen and candles, as well as a heavier load of railway irons, cement, lead and copper. There were items included that intended for display in the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. The voyage to Port Phillip was long but uneventful. At 3am on June 1, 1878, Captain Gibbs was expecting to see land and the passengers were becoming excited as they prepared to view their new homeland in the early morning. But LOCH ARD was running into a fog which greatly reduced visibility. Captain Gibbs was becoming anxious as there was no sign of land or the Cape Otway lighthouse. At 4am the fog lifted. A man aloft announced that he could see breakers. The sheer cliffs of Victoria's west coast came into view, and Captain Gibbs realised that the ship was much closer to them than expected. He ordered as much sail to be set as time would permit and then attempted to steer the vessel out to sea. On coming head on into the wind, the ship lost momentum, the sails fell limp and LOCH ARD's bow swung back. Gibbs then ordered the anchors to be released in an attempt to hold its position. The anchors sank some 50 fathoms - but did not hold. By this time LOCH ARD was among the breakers and the tall cliffs of Mutton Bird Island rose behind the ship. Just half a mile from the coast, the ship's bow was suddenly pulled around by the anchor. The captain tried to tack out to sea, but the ship struck a reef at the base of Mutton Bird Island, near Port Campbell. Waves broke over the ship and the top deck was loosened from the hull. The masts and rigging came crashing down knocking passengers and crew overboard. When a lifeboat was finally launched, it crashed into the side of LOCH ARD and capsized. Tom Pearce, who had launched the boat, managed to cling to its overturned hull and shelter beneath it. He drifted out to sea and then on the flood tide came into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. He swam to shore, bruised and dazed, and found a cave in which to shelter. Some of the crew stayed below deck to shelter from the falling rigging but drowned when the ship slipped off the reef into deeper water. Eva Carmichael had raced onto deck to find out what was happening only to be confronted by towering cliffs looming above the stricken ship. In all the chaos, Captain Gibbs grabbed Eva and said, "If you are saved Eva, let my dear wife know that I died like a sailor". That was the last Eva Carmichael saw of the captain. She was swept off the ship by a huge wave. Eva saw Tom Pearce on a small rocky beach and yelled to attract his attention. He dived in and swam to the exhausted woman and dragged her to shore. He took her to the cave and broke open case of brandy which had washed up on the beach. He opened a bottle to revive the unconscious woman. A few hours later Tom scaled a cliff in search of help. He followed hoof prints and came by chance upon two men from nearby Glenample Station three and a half miles away. In a state of exhaustion, he told the men of the tragedy. Tom returned to the gorge while the two men rode back to the station to get help. By the time they reached LOCH ARD Gorge, it was cold and dark. The two shipwreck survivors were taken to Glenample Station to recover. Eva stayed at the station for six weeks before returning to Ireland, this time by steamship. In Melbourne, Tom Pearce received a hero's welcome. He was presented with the first gold medal of the Royal Humane Society of Victoria and a £1000 cheque from the Victorian Government. Concerts were performed to honour the young man's bravery and to raise money for those who lost family in the LOCH ARD disaster. Of the 54 crew members and passengers on board, only two survived: the apprentice, Tom Pearce and the young woman passenger, Eva Carmichael, who lost all of her family in the tragedy. Ten days after the LOCH ARD tragedy, salvage rights to the wreck were sold at auction for £2,120. Cargo valued at £3,000 was salvaged and placed on the beach, but most washed back into the sea when another storm developed. The wreck of LOCH ARD still lies at the base of Mutton Bird Island. Much of the cargo has now been salvaged and some was washed up into what is now known as LOCH ARD Gorge. Cargo and artefacts have also been illegally salvaged over many years before protective legislation was introduced. One of the most unlikely pieces of cargo to have survived the shipwreck was a Minton porcelain peacock - one of only nine in the world. The peacock was destined for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880. It had been well packed, which gave it adequate protection during the violent storm. Today, the Minton peacock can be seen at the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum in Warrnambool. From Australia's most dramatic shipwreck it has now become Australia's most valuable shipwreck artefact and is one of very few 'objects' on the Victorian State Heritage Register. Flagstaff Hill’s collection of artefacts from LOCH ARD is significant for being one of the largest collections of artefacts from this shipwreck in Victoria. It is significant for its association with the shipwreck, which is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR S417). The collection is significant because of the relationship between the objects, as together they have a high potential to interpret the story of the LOCH ARD. The LOCH ARD collection is archaeologically significant as the remains of a large international passenger and cargo ship. The LOCH ARD collection is historically significant for representing aspects of Victoria’s shipping history and its potential to interpret sub-theme 1.5 of Victoria’s Framework of Historical Themes (living with natural processes). The collection is also historically significant for its association with the LOCH ARD, which was one of the worst and best known shipwrecks in Victoria’s history. Painting of 1873 sailing ship the "Loch Ard". Oil painting on board behind glass, framed in white painted timber. Artist is C Smith. Inscription on back. "Loch Ard launched 1873, sunk near Pt Campbell, with loss of 52 lives 1878" "C. Smith" "Loch Ard" flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, loch line, loch ard, captain gibbs, eva carmichael, tom pearce, loch ard gorge, maritime oil painting, c. smith, sailing vessel

The mantel clock has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. These smaller clocks were designed during an age when people wanted elegant timepieces that fit on mantels or shelves. Their compact size and decorative designs made them a popular choice for homes of the time. They graced the mantelpieces or tables in homes, serving as both functional timepieces and sophisticated decorations. These clocks often feature ornate wooden carvings and intricate designs, with their gentle ticking and chimes adding a cozy ambiance to living spaces. It is from the home of Mr and Mrs Parker. It belonged to Mr Parker senior.A very ornately carved dark timber mantel pendulum clock with a white face and a brass clock face surround. It has black roman numerals and black metal hands. The Ansonia Clock Co. Manufacturers USA Trademark A is printed on the face. It has an ornate brass pendulum and the internal workings are visible. The very ornately embossed in gold decorated glass front door opens. There are two spirit plumb levels inside, one is aluminium metal and is attached to the wall, the other is brass with Wm Hunt Level Co with a triangle on top stamped on it. There is a brass key No.7 with two holes on the top of the winder handle. The Ansonia Clock Co. Manufacturers USA Trademark A. printed on the dial. Wm Hunt Level Co. stamped on the level.mantel clocks, clocks, timepieces, shelf clocks

The mantel clock has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. These smaller clocks were designed during an age when people wanted elegant timepieces that fit on mantels or shelves. Their compact size and decorative designs made them a popular choice for homes of the time. They graced the mantelpieces or tables in homes, serving as both functional timepieces and sophisticated decorations. These clocks often feature ornate wooden carvings and intricate designs, with their gentle ticking and chimes adding a cozy ambiance to living spaces. It was used by Henry and Martha Sebire at Mont De Lancey. It was part of the original furnishings of the dining room. Marie Colling (Sebire) is the great granddaughter of Henry and Martha Sebire.A dark brown wooden carved cased pendulum mantel clock with a highly decorated floral and column transfer design on the hinged glass front and black roman numerals and hands on the white face. It chimes on the hour.Marked inside "Ansonia Clock Co"clocks, mantel clocks, shelf clocks

The mantel clock has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. These smaller clocks were designed during an age when people wanted elegant timepieces that fit on mantels or shelves. Their compact size and decorative designs made them a popular choice for homes of the time. They graced the mantelpieces or tables in homes, serving as both functional timepieces and sophisticated decorations. These clocks often feature ornate wooden carvings and intricate designs, with their gentle ticking and chimes adding a cozy ambiance to living spaces. It was used by Harold and Jean Parker.An antique wooden mantel clock made in USA with an Australian made Duff brand oak case with a plain angled top with round shaped pillar styled sides. It has a white ceramic dial face with black digits and black metal hands. The dial is covered by a glass and gold trimmed covering that may be opened on the right side. Inside the case is a Waterbury Clock Co of USA key and the internal workings are visible. It is not in working order.'Duff' brand brass plaque on back of cover. The key has 'Waterbury Clock Co USA' stamped on it.clocks, timepieces, clock components, clock keys, mantel clocks

The mantel clock has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. These smaller clocks were designed during an age when people wanted elegant timepieces that fit on mantels or shelves. Their compact size and decorative designs made them a popular choice for homes of the time. They graced the mantelpieces or tables in homes, serving as both functional timepieces and sophisticated decorations. These clocks often feature ornate wooden carvings and intricate designs, with their gentle ticking and chimes adding a cozy ambiance to living spaces.A small vintage decoratively carved dark timber steeple mantel pendulum clock with a white cardboard face, black roman numerals and black metal hands. There is a brass trim around the face. The turned wooden frame at the front has has It is in working order. The very ornately white painted pattern on the glass door has a leaf and floral pattern. The door opens with a small decorative brass catch to reveal the inner workings. It has an ornate hanging brass pendulum and the internal workings are visible.There are two spirit plumb levels inside, one is aluminium metal and is attached to the wall. There is a brass key which does not wind the mechanism. clock keys, clock components, timepieces, clocks, mantel clocks

The mantel clock has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. These smaller clocks were designed during an age when people wanted elegant timepieces that fit on mantels or shelves. Their compact size and decorative designs made them a popular choice for homes of the time. They graced the mantelpieces or tables in homes, serving as both functional timepieces and sophisticated decorations. These clocks often feature ornate wooden carvings and intricate designs, with their gentle ticking and chimes adding a cozy ambiance to living spaces. It was owned by Lance Sebire.A black wooden cased mantel clock with Roman classical design on the front and sides. It has a hinged brass and glass face cover. The face has a blue floral decoration.mantel clocks, clocks, timepieces

The mantel clock has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century. These smaller clocks were designed during an age when people wanted elegant timepieces that fit on mantels or shelves. Their compact size and decorative designs made them a popular choice for homes of the time. They graced the mantelpieces or tables in homes, serving as both functional timepieces and sophisticated decorations. These clocks often feature ornate wooden carvings and intricate designs, with their gentle ticking and chimes adding a cozy ambiance to living spaces. It was used by the Manders family. Peter Mander.A wooden steeple cased mantel clock with a hinged highly decorative glass front, black roman numerals and metal hands on the enclosed white face. It has a decorative brass pendulum with an eight sided star with a woman's face design on the star. Brass trimmings are seen throughout the mechanism.mantel clocks, clocks, timepieces, shelf clocks

Book, hard cover. First edition. Melbourne, Vic., Cheshire, 1962. By Joan Lindsay. 216 pages. BMDHS Location: AR/SU63/S2non-fictionThe Australian writer and artist Joan Lindsay lived in Bacchus Marsh for a number of years in the 1930s. She and her husband, the artist Daryl Lindsay lived in a house in Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. They called the house 'The Laurels. This house was demolished in 1983 but the Lindsay's memories of living in the house and in Bacchus Marsh during the 1930s are recounted in parts of this book. See in particular chapter 7, 'Retreat to Bacchus Marsh'. joan lindsay 1896-1984, authors, bacchus marsh history