Yarrowee Hall

Yarrowee Hall is a large home in Darling Street, Redan.

The house is at 1 Darling Street. It is listed on the Victorian Heritage Database.

It was built c.1870 as the home for Robert Malachy Serjeant, who was the manager of the Band and Albion Mine.

Attempted burglary
In July 1898 a attempted burglary was foiled by the occupants: "An exciting encounter with a burglar was experienced at an early hour yesterday morning by Mrs R. M. Serjeant, Redan. The lady was disturbed about half-past two by seeing a glimmer of light from one of the rooms of her borne. She left her room in order to investigate, and noticed a dark figure slip hurriedly into the pantry. The discovery was naturally a great shock to Mrs Serjeant, but, with great presence of mind, the simply commanded the marauder to come out immediately. He did so, but at the same time he made a dash for the outer door, and succeeded in getting away just as Mr Serjeant, who had been aroused by the unusual sounds, appeared on the scene, armed with a loaded revolver."

Arson attack
In July 1908, a local man was charged with attempting to burn the house down: ALLEGED INCENDIARISM. Edward Bond, an elderly man, described as a mining investor, was, at the Ballarat Court on Friday, charged with attempting to burn down "Yarrowee Hall," at Campbell-crescent, Redan, the residence of Mr. W. H. Sewell, chairman of the Star of the East and other companies. Sub-Inspector Ryan prosecuted, and Mr. Fred. Ham defended the accused, who appealed on bail. Mr. Sewell gave evidence that on going to bed on the night of the 1st inst. he smelt something burning, but did not detect the cause. The box containing splintered wood and bark saturated with kerosene (produced), which was found against the wall of the house, was shown to him on the following day. He undoubtedly regarded it as a serious matter. He did not know accused at all. One of the companies on which he was a director was the British Lion. He had told all his friends that the shares were worth buying. Mr. Ham objected to the line of examination on the part of Sub-Inspector Ryan, who replied that he was desirous of showing that the shares had become worthless. Mrs. Sewell gave evidence corroborative of the testimony of her husband as to the firebox having been found on the verandah, close to the wall of the main building.

Thos. E. Greenhalgh, fruiterer, carrying on business at 508 Skipton-street, and living in Yarrowee-parade said that accused rented the back portion of the shop premises. On one occasion prisoner made inquiries regarding Mr. Sewell, and he went to have a look-at him. On returning, however, he told witness Mr. Sewell had boarded a tramcar, and he could not see him. Witness stated that he remembered Bond returning home on the evening of 1st July between 5.30 and 6 o'clock. Witness left for his own home shortly afterwards, and know nothing of Bond's subsequent movements. A short end of paling, said to have been found in the firebox, was fitted into a length alleged to have been found in Bond's room, and they corresponded perfectly.

Alfred G. Serjeant, mine manager, deposed that about three months ago he had had a conversation with Bond about British Lion shares, telling him, on the authority of Mr. Sewell, that they were "all right," and that Mr. Sewell had advised him (witness) to buy shares himself. Bond told witness that he bought shares, but whether, before or after this incident witness was unable to say. Mr. Sewell had told witness that he had bought 1,200 shares. They were quoted at the time at 1s. 8d. and 1s. 10d. Witness did not buy the shares, which came down a little later to 4d. Bond seemed upset once when witness was sitting in Greenhalgh's shop, he fancied he heard Bond exclaim, "My God! What have I done, to be robbed like this!" He was unable to say that this remark had anything to do with the British Lion transaction. A deal of other evidence having been heard, the Bench committed Bond for trial, bail being allowed in the sum of £100.

Other websites

 * Victorian Heritage Database