Rediscovering Ginninderra:
Private school of Alfred Rich
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Alfred Mainwaring Rich
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The exact location of the private school operated by Alfred Mainwaring Rich at Ginninderra between 1881 and 1892 is unknown. It was probably a slab hut, difficult to trace in the archaeological record.
Oral tradition from the family places it very close to the modern Burgmann Anglican School. The only certainty is that it was next door to the Gribbles' homestead, which became known as The Valley. The Gribbles were Anglican stalwarts and seem to have invited Rich to take up a position in Ginninderra, perhaps in their original slab homestead. It would seem therefore that the site has a long history in education and Anglicanism.
Related Photos
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References
- Gillespie, L. L., Ginninderra: Forerunner to Canberra, Campbell, 1992
- Gillespie, L. L., Early Education and Schools in the Canberra Region, Campbell, 1994
- Heffernan, K. and J. Klaver, 'A Conservation and Management Plan for the Gribbles' Homestead Ruin, "The Valley", Gungahlin, A.C.T.', report to the ACT Heritage Section of the ACT Government, Canberra, 1995.
- Lea-Scarlett, E., Gundaroo, Canberra, 1972
- McDonald, J., 'Migration as an Opportunity for Reinvention: Alfred and Margaret Rich of Gundaroo', Obituaries Australia, Australian National University, 2015.