York - Western Australia

York is the oldest inland town in Western Australia, situated east of Perth, and is the seat of the Shire of York. Home to 2,088 people at the 2006 census, it was settled in 1831, only two years after Perth was settled in 1829.

History

With the increasing population of the then Swan River Settlement in 1829, it became evident that suitable land would have to be discovered for the growing of cereal crops needed to provide necessary food.

Robert Dale, a 21 year old officer of the 63rd Regiment, was assigned the making of the first exploratory journey over the Darling Range during the winter months of 1830 into what was later to become known as the Avon Valley.

As a result of these explorations, Governor Stirling decided that the new district would be thrown open for selection and this was done by Government Notice on 11 November 1830.

Named after the city of York in England, the first settlers in the district reached the valley on 15 September 1831, and immediately set about the construction of huts, the preparation required for their stock and the cultivation of new land.

The first decade of settlement in the Avon Valley showed steady progress and a clear indication that the whole district should develop into a rich and prosperous farming area.

A township did not begin to appear until 1836 when an army barracks and store were built. It then began to take shape and great improvements were noted as private and Government buildings were erected.