HISTORY OF GLENROY HOMESTEAD
The Royal family settled the Sanderston area in the 1800s and built Glenroy Homestead in around 1902.
John Royal was born in England on December 24, 1814 in the county of Somerset.
John became and agricultural worker, and at the age of 24 he married Elizabeth Dowden at the Church of St.Mary Le Port, in Briston. Elizabeth was born on August 9h 1814. Three children were born to them: Charles, Elizabeth, and William. With these three children they came to Australia on the ship "Sir Edward Parr", arriving at Port Adelaide on January 21st 1849.
A new holding was bought from the government at the foot of the hills where Sanderston now is, and called "Glen Roy". The native pines were very thick there, and a patch had to be cleared before the wagon could be turned around. A pug house, using the abundant pines, was built on the far side creek. Here John Royal's grandson Arnold lived when he came down from the hills.
While working on "Glen Roy", Arnold met the local teacher, Ursula Lewis, they married in Kent Town Methodist Church on June 21st 1903.
The pug house was pulled down and stone was brought down from the hills for a new one. The present house was built on the side of the creek nearer to the hills in appoximately 1902.
The following children were born to Arnold and Ursula: Elva Mignon, Arnold Leith, Reginald Charles, Morris Stoneham, George Wilred, Clarice Marguerite, Kennerly and Ursula Ada.
"Glen Roy", during the years while the family was growing up, must have been and incredibly busy place. Seven children, an occasional grand-parent, and at times eight working-men, added up to an astonishing amount of food and planning.
Leith Royal was born at Lyndoch in 1905, the eldest of seven children born to Arnold and Ursula Royal. He married Lynda Roesler and they lived at Glen Roy for two years, before it was sold to Mr Greenslade, who also had land at Balaklava. The depression set in, and Mr Greenside wanted Royals to take the property back. Leith and Lyn, without a penny to bless themselves with, took on the challenge.
Leith's involvement in local affairs covered many areas over many years. He was Chairman of the Advisory Board of Agriculture; Member of the District of Agricultural Committee; and Life Member of the Onkaparinga Racing Club. He held a position for eighteen years. Leith was also a Chairman of the school Council, and was on the Institute and Sports Committee and more.
Lyn's involvement included Red Cross, Women's Agricultural Bureau, Bowls, Golf, Bridge and Ladies' Guild.
Leith and Lyn moved from the farm in 1967 to Mt. Pleasant to retire, and Trevor took over the property of Glen Roy. After several years Trevor sold the property and it was divided up, the Homestead was brought by Mr & Mrs John Hamilton in the 1970's, becoming a holiday camp for school children.
Mr Walter Verschoor brought the property in 1980's and was used as a corporate venue for his business and as his private residence in later years.
Glenroy was brought in 2008 by Mr & Mrs Penny who lived there with their family for four years.
In June 2012 the property was purchased by Bill & Jan Broughton of Jillban Enterprises who are committed to keeping the integrity and history of Glen Roy Homestead as well as adding a modern touch to an already historic and tranquil setting.
John Royal was born in England on December 24, 1814 in the county of Somerset.
John became and agricultural worker, and at the age of 24 he married Elizabeth Dowden at the Church of St.Mary Le Port, in Briston. Elizabeth was born on August 9h 1814. Three children were born to them: Charles, Elizabeth, and William. With these three children they came to Australia on the ship "Sir Edward Parr", arriving at Port Adelaide on January 21st 1849.
A new holding was bought from the government at the foot of the hills where Sanderston now is, and called "Glen Roy". The native pines were very thick there, and a patch had to be cleared before the wagon could be turned around. A pug house, using the abundant pines, was built on the far side creek. Here John Royal's grandson Arnold lived when he came down from the hills.
While working on "Glen Roy", Arnold met the local teacher, Ursula Lewis, they married in Kent Town Methodist Church on June 21st 1903.
The pug house was pulled down and stone was brought down from the hills for a new one. The present house was built on the side of the creek nearer to the hills in appoximately 1902.
The following children were born to Arnold and Ursula: Elva Mignon, Arnold Leith, Reginald Charles, Morris Stoneham, George Wilred, Clarice Marguerite, Kennerly and Ursula Ada.
"Glen Roy", during the years while the family was growing up, must have been and incredibly busy place. Seven children, an occasional grand-parent, and at times eight working-men, added up to an astonishing amount of food and planning.
Leith Royal was born at Lyndoch in 1905, the eldest of seven children born to Arnold and Ursula Royal. He married Lynda Roesler and they lived at Glen Roy for two years, before it was sold to Mr Greenslade, who also had land at Balaklava. The depression set in, and Mr Greenside wanted Royals to take the property back. Leith and Lyn, without a penny to bless themselves with, took on the challenge.
Leith's involvement in local affairs covered many areas over many years. He was Chairman of the Advisory Board of Agriculture; Member of the District of Agricultural Committee; and Life Member of the Onkaparinga Racing Club. He held a position for eighteen years. Leith was also a Chairman of the school Council, and was on the Institute and Sports Committee and more.
Lyn's involvement included Red Cross, Women's Agricultural Bureau, Bowls, Golf, Bridge and Ladies' Guild.
Leith and Lyn moved from the farm in 1967 to Mt. Pleasant to retire, and Trevor took over the property of Glen Roy. After several years Trevor sold the property and it was divided up, the Homestead was brought by Mr & Mrs John Hamilton in the 1970's, becoming a holiday camp for school children.
Mr Walter Verschoor brought the property in 1980's and was used as a corporate venue for his business and as his private residence in later years.
Glenroy was brought in 2008 by Mr & Mrs Penny who lived there with their family for four years.
In June 2012 the property was purchased by Bill & Jan Broughton of Jillban Enterprises who are committed to keeping the integrity and history of Glen Roy Homestead as well as adding a modern touch to an already historic and tranquil setting.