Celebrating Kilmore – The Story Behind The Street Names.
Located in one of Victoria’s oldest townships, Broadstead has been designed to celebrate Kilmore – it’s proud heritage, natural beauty, and the rare idyllic lifestyle it offers today.
That’s why, one of the first things our team did after acquiring Broadstead was reach out to the Kilmore Historical Society to learn more about the towns celebrated past, and to name several streets in the project after pioneering individuals.
The knowledge shared by the historical society, also inspired the project name which celebrates the rich heritage and pioneering spirit of the Broadhurst family, along with the picturesque homestead which Broadstead’s vision takes to a contemporary setting.
Alongside prominent pioneering occupations, and natural surrounds here are some of the names you’ll stumble across at Broadstead that pay homage to its incredible history.
BROADHURST, Eliza
Originally settling in Kilmore, the Broadhurst family rapidly grew and joined other like-minded families through marriage and business. They owned significant squatting runs one called Long Hills, the
other Swinton. They had a home called Bellevue which was considered grand.
Their name was immortalised in Broadhurst Creek, Broadhurst Ave and Eliza Broadhurst was prominent in establishing reform for women getting to vote.
WHEELER, John
Built the first ‘public house’ in Kilmore – the Kilmore Inn in 1841 on the NW corner of Sydney and Foote Streets, also known as O’Grady’s Castle. He died in 1850, aged 31, and is the first recorded burial in the Kilmore General Cemetery in an unmarked grave. In 2021 the Kilmore Historical Society placed a plaque in his honour in the cemetery.
SMEATON, William
A Blacksmith from Scotland, born 1820, arrived in Kilmore in the early gold rush years. As there was so much work for a man of his trade the family settled in Kilmore. Originally they lived in tents and in 1853 built Whitburgh Cottage which remained the family until 1968 occupied by two unmarried daughters. The cottage is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and is owned by the Shire of Mitchell and is currently undergoing restoration. Smeaton’s blacksmith business was on the north-west corner of Piper and Powlett Streets. A substantial Smeaton/Howard grave is the resting place of the family in the Kilmore General Cemetery. William died in 1910 in Kilmore age 89 years
PAXMAN, Thomas
From Whitby in England arrived in the colony in 1848 and a year later took up residence in Kilmore, where he resided for the rest of his life until his death. His was the first marriage solemnised by Rev William Singleton of Christ Church. An ardent teetotaller and a member of the Kilmore Total Abstinence Society. Also a member of the Wesleyan Church and was a liberal supporter. Of kind, gentle disposition he was universally respected. He died in Kilmore 1893 age 71 years.
STIMSON, Leonard & Jane
Born in Bedfordshire England. Opened the All Nations Hotel in 1870 in Sydney Street, Kilmore. He was a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Cemetery Trust for 36 years. Also a gold miner, grocer and councillor of the Kilmore Shire from 1874-1886. He was a contributor to musical and dramatic entertainment in the town and a member of the Kilmore Rifle Club. Died in Kilmore in 1906 age 68 years.
Choose from a range of land, and house and land packages at Broadstead Kilmore. View the latest land release here.