Historic Images of Singleton's Mill at Layburys Creek
aka Gunderman, Laybury Creek, Laybury's Creek, Asterley Mill, Asterly, Singletons Mill
Singleton Mills homepage > Laybury Creek Watermill > Historical photos and paintings of Layburys Creek mill
James Singleton established a tidal watermill at Laybury Creek, 12km southwest of Wisemans Ferry, NSW, in 1834. Situated on a picturesque bend of the Hawkesbury River, the watermill became a prominent landmark in the area, until it was finally removed in the early 1900s.
Above, the site where James Singleton established his watermill at Laybury Creek in 1834.
The charm of the Laybury's Creek mill building attracted many artists and photographers to this location. As a result, we are fortunate to have a wealth of paintings and photographs of this particular old historical tidal watermill. Few images survive of any of the other mills established by the Singleton Family.
On this webpage, we present a comprehensive collection of these images. Les Dollin of SingletonMills has analysed these images in detail and discovered new information about the structure and function of this watermill. Some of his insights are outlined briefly below.
We warmly thank the Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society (DLHHS Facebook Group) for their help with this research, in particular, Robert Cunneen, who actively contributes to these Wisemans Ferry mill investigations.
We especially wish to thank Matthew Kenny, Treasurer of the Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society, who found a number of the rarer online images in this collection, has made high resolution copies of undigitised paintings and photographs of this mill in the State Library of NSW, and has shared his outstanding research with us.
Sincere thanks too to Dr Matt Lohmeyer who contributed photograph (3c) with its exceptional detail.
These paintings and photographs of Singleton's Laybury Creek watermill were created from a variety of viewpoints. They also capture the mill, the mill house, and associated buildings in a variety of periods, ranging from the late 1800s through to the early 1900s.
To make it easier to compare the images, we present them below in four groups:
1. Southern view
2. Eastern view
3. Northern view
4. Western view
1. Southern view of Singletons Mill
These images show the side wall of the mill that faces Laybury Creek.
(1a) Painting by John Black Henderson, 1879.
This is one of the earliest images that we have so far. It appears to be low tide, and you can see a flow of water coming into the millpond in the foreground, through the channel underneath the mill building. In: Album of watercolour sketches [of New South Wales], ca. 1871-1891 / by J.B. Henderson, State Library of NSW.
(1b) **NEW** Photograph by William Slade, 1888.
Matt Kenny took these excellent images of this high resolution, mounted photograph by William Slade, dated 1888, at the State Library of NSW. Matt notes that William Slade and his business partner, Henry King, established a photographic studio at 316 George Street, Sydney, in 1880. Royal Australian Historical Society: New South Wales and Canberra photographs and drawings, ca. 1870-1955, State Library of NSW.
Detail of the mill building from the above photograph:
The timberwork of the mill, which is beginning to fall into disrepair, can be clearly seen in this 1888 photograph. Matt Kenny points out the following newspaper description of the mill: 'The old mill known as Singleton's at Lower Hawkesbury, which has been an old land-mark for many years, is fast falling into decay... The building was erected some 80 years ago by the late Mr James Singleton, senr... and until about 11 years ago [ca. 1888] the mill was kept in good working order. Mr. James Singleton, junr, who died about nine years ago, successfully worked the mill for a long time, but after his death nothing more was done with it.' (Hawkesbury Advocate, 15 December 1899)
A white sign is on the mill wall, above the waterwheel. This excellent close-up view of the waterwheel shows that it has paddles on it, not buckets.
Detail of the mill houses from the above photograph:
Matt Kenny notes that these two miller's buildings can be seen to be made from weatherboard with stone footings. The roofs are shingle or possibly slate. An interesting small slab building stands near the water.
(1c) Painting by Julian Rossi Ashton, 1889.
This is a particularly beautiful painting of the mill with the miller's house on the left. The painting shows the idyllic setting of the mill and the beauty of Laybury Creek. There is an old rough log bridge over the waterway in the foreground, possibly part of an old road. A small dip in the wall of the mill pond may be a small breach caused by flooding. Matt Kenny points out that there are three small shacks or sheds to the left of the mill building along the fence line.
(1d) Photograph by William Hall, taken between 1894 and 1909.
You can see that this photograph is later than the previous ones, because the mill wheel paddles have now gone. A bridge that was constructed over part of the mill wall is well shown in this photograph. Australian National Maritime Museum Collection.
(1e) **NEW** Photograph entitled 'Maid of the Mill', 1905.
Matt Kenny found this fascinating photograph of Laybury Creek Mill in Trove. It shows the mill, now falling into serious decay, viewed from the far side of the millpond. The 'Maid of the Mill' is leaning on a railing, which appears to be a bridge built over Laybury Creek. From: 'A Holiday on the Hawkesbury', The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 13 Dec 1905, Page 1499.
(1f) **NEW** Photograph, William A Bennett collection, ca. 1910.
Matt Kenny found this interesting image in an undigitised collection of photographs by William A. Bennett in the Mitchell Library, State Library of NSW. It shows the view out onto the Hawkesbury River from the Laybury Creek millpond in about 1910. Matt comments that the sign on the two-masted steam launch reads 'J. L. Phegan'. Matt also notes that W. A. Bennett, a ship's captain, was a well known shipping and navigation identity, a Sydney Harbour Pilot, and a keen amateur photographer, who died in 1922. Collection of photographs of the Hawkesbury River District / collected by William A. Bennett, State Library of NSW.
(1g) **NEW** Photograph by James Jervis, 1924–1937.
Matt Kenny photographed this image from a glass plate negative by James Jervis. The mirror-like reflections of the mill buildings in the millpond make this a very attractive image. Unfortunately the image is slightly double exposed, which has blurred the fine detail. Substantial areas of woodwork are missing on the southern wall of the mill at this stage. However, in the image below, the mill perhaps has slightly more missing woodwork.
Matt's research found that James Jervis (1883-1863) was a teacher, local historian and author who wrote a number of local history books. He held executive positions with the Parramatta and District Historical Society, and the Royal Australian Historical Society. This photograph is from Series 03: James Jervis glass negatives of residences and mills in New South Wales, ca. 1924-1937, ON 313 negative 3, Singleton, B. Singleton’s mill on the Hawkesbury, State Library of NSW.
A number of historical texts state that the Laybury Creek mill was demolished by 1910. However, Matt Kenny's research suggests that the Laybury Creek mill was actually still standing in the 1920s. Photographs of the mill in this gallery by James Jervis (1g and 4b) and by Frank Walker (1h) are dated during the 1920s. Furthermore, the mill is mentioned as still standing in newspaper reports up to at least 1926.
(1h) Photograph, Frank Walker collection, dated 1925.
This appears to be the latest image of Singletons Mill that we have found so far. This is a high resolution copy that we ordered from a collection of photonegatives by Frank Walker of the Royal Australian Historical Society. 'Singleton's Mill, Hawkesbury. February 1925', Frank Walker, collection of photonegatives of Sydney, particularly the lower North Shore and New South Wales, State Library of NSW.
Detail of the mill building from the above photograph:
The mill building is severely deteriorating now. However, this allows us to see the huge axle that the mill wheel rotated on. It also is an excellent demonstration that this tidal watermill building was built suspended over the water, supported by stone walls. There are two water channels underneath the mill building. The right-hand channel was where the water flowed back and forth to turn the mill wheel. The left-hand channel was similar to a safety valve, to handle excess water in the system that otherwise may have damaged the mill wall.
2. Eastern view of Singletons Mill
These images show the end wall of the mill and the waterwheel, from a viewpoint on the Hawkesbury riverbank downstream from the mill.
(2a) Painting by John Black Henderson, dated 1877.
This idyllic painting shows two people enjoying a view of Singleton's Mill and the Hawkesbury River beyond. Another building can be seen behind the mill along with its gardens, while ducks play in the mill pond. A dramatic outcrop of rock can be seen on the summit of the hill behind the mill. Dated 1877, this seems to be the earliest image of Singletons Mill that we have found so far. State Library of NSW.
(2b) Postcard photograph, possibly late 1870s.
On the far right hand corner of the stonework in front of the wheel you can see a vertical structure which was the winch that opened and closed the sluice gate across the water channel. This is taken at a relatively low tide as seen by the tide mark on the stonework. The image also clearly shows the 'crib' construction used in the section of the mill wall nearest to the building. The section of the wall in the foreground has been damaged by flooding. From 'Aussie Mobs' on Flickr.
George Collingwood did a lovely wood engraving picture of Laybury Creek Mill, which very closely resembles the above photograph. This engraving is not included in this gallery because some details have been altered and/or simplified, and the photograph is a more accurate image of this scene. The Collingwood woodcut is shown in the 'Hornsby Shire Recollects' image gallery.
(2c) Photograph, possibly 1880s.
The mill building is starting to deteriorate although the wheel's paddles are intact. The mill roof appears to be made of shingles. There seems to be a temporary rough log bridge over the creek near the foreground. Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society collection.
(2d) **NEW** Drawing by John Black Henderson, 1884.
Matt Kenny found and photographed this 1884 sketch of the mill, in a fragile, undigitised album of JB Henderson artwork in the State Library of NSW. Note that an 1877 Henderson painting of a similar scene is shown above (image 2a). Sketches by J.B. Henderson Book No. 6, State Library of NSW.
(2e) Painting by Julian Rossi Ashton, possibly 1886.
This is a black and white photograph of a watercolour painting. The tide seems to be particularly low in this view of the mill. According to this painting, the water level in the channel underneath the water wheel would have been some distance below the bottom of the wheel at very low tide. Therefore, the wheel would have stopped for a period during the lowest tide, allowing adjustments of the machinery inside the mill. Matt Kenny points out the tiny boathouse building to the right of the mill.
(2f) Painting by Julian Rossi Ashton, 1898.
This painting shows the mill at very low tide, and, as in the previous image, the level of the water in the channel underneath the waterwheel appears to be significantly below the bottom edge of the wheel. Matt Kenny pointed out that the lower half of the verandah of the miller's house appears to have been enclosed – compare with the Henderson painting in 1879 (image 1a). Matt also comments that the shape and style of the miller's cottage is shown particularly clearly in this image.
(2g) Photograph, William A Bennett collection, possibly 1890s.
Matt Kenny located and copied this image in a collection of William Albert Bennett photographs in the State Library of NSW. It shows the new wooden bridge that was built over the creek in later years. The crib structure of the remaining part of the mill wall is also well shown. The waterwheel paddles are intact but the building is starting to deteriorate. Collection of photographs of the Hawkesbury River District / collected by William A. Bennett, State Library of NSW.
(2h) **NEW** Photograph by Arthur Judges, 1903.
Matt Kenny found this 1903 photograph by Arthur Judges in a newspaper article in Trove. The digitised photograph was unfortunately very dark. However, we have succeeded in restoring part of the image in Photoshop, as shown above. The angle of this photograph reveals previously unseen detail of the miller's property behind the mill, with a post and rail fence crossing through a cleared area. Australian Town and Country Journal, 2 September 1903, page 22.
(2i) Photograph by William Hall, taken between 1894 and 1909.
The mill building is showing substantial deterioration now and the wheel's paddles have gone. However, the mill roof now seems to be covered with corrugated iron. The stonework underneath the mill is clearly shown. Two particularly large stone blocks, on the lower left underneath the man, would have been part of a massive wall supporting the heavy machinery of the mill. The massive square axle of the waterwheel, passing through the mill wall, can also be seen. Australian National Maritime Museum Collection.
(2j) Photograph by William Hall, taken between 1894 and 1909.
The freshly built wooden bridge with its neat side rails are clearly shown in this photograph. Australian National Maritime Museum Collection.
3. Northern view of Singletons Mill
These images show the side wall of the mill that faces the Hawkesbury River.
(3a) Woodcut based on a sketch by "Mr. Collingridge, Sydney", 1881.
The gap under the mill building, where water flowed to and from the river, can be seen in this image. There appears to be heavy vegetation along the river bank that is not seen in other images. From Sketches of a trip up the Hawkesbury' first published in The Australasian Sketcher. Published by Alfred May and Alfred Martin Ebsworth. State Library of Victoria.
(3b) Photograph, possibly 1880s or earlier.
This is a detailed early view of the northern side of the mill building. The wooden planks of the mill walls are covered with oil, which may have been done to preserve the building. There is a short low wharf with two white posts in front of the mill building. This wharf would have been used by river boats that were delivering wheat and picking up flour. The enclosed front verandah of the mill house can also be seen in this image. Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society collection.
(3c) Drawing by CH Hurt, 1881.
This charming picture provides one of the best views of the mill house and detached kitchen. The post and rail fence going up the hill behind the mill house is also clearly shown. The white posts of the wharf can be seen in front of the mill building, and the large waterwheel with its paddles. The protective oil on the mill building walls is visible too. The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 19 November 1881.
(3d) Photograph, about 1893 or 1894.
This exceptionally high resolution photograph of Singleton's Mill was found, prepared, and kindly contributed by Dr Matt Lohmeyer, President of the Fairview Homestead Association of Mangrove Creek, NSW. The image, taken by WH Maguire of Bathurst, is from the Mitchell Library collection, State Library of NSW (Call No. ON/16). Library records suggest it was taken in 1893 or 1894, but it may have been taken as late as 1901.
Detail of the mill building from the above photograph:
This glass negative photograph, from a large format camera, provides excellent detail. A door on this northern side of the mill can be seen. There are also several windows to let natural light into the mill. Some are covered with shutters. A strong stone wall supports the shaft of the waterwheel. Its length also creates a channel to direct water onto the waterwheel during both the incoming and outgoing tides. The large water channel underneath the mill building permits water to pass in and out of the mill pond freely, if needed - otherwise the mill pond wall might be at risk of being washed away in heavy rain. The bedrock platform that supports two thirds of the mill building is clearly seen.
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We also hold a copy of a quite low resolution image, showing a similar view of the mill, from a set of newspaper clippings and extracts from the Evening News, dating from 1890s by G. B. Barton, State Library of NSW. Copy held in Hawkesbury Library Service.
(3e) **NEW** Photograph by Alice M Haigh, early 1900s.
Matt Kenny identified this photograph of the mill in a collection of digitised, silver gelatin photoprints by Alice M. Haigh in the Dixon Library, State Library of NSW. It is another view of Singleton's Mill in about the 1900s showing the remains of the waterwheel and the structures on the river bank. This photograph was taken at lower tide than the previous photograph and shows the height of the stone wall that supports the waterwheel. [Old Sydney & N.S.W.] by Alice M. Haigh, ca. 1910-1925, Image 29, State Library of NSW.
(3f) **NEW** Photograph by Alice M Haigh, early 1900s.
Matt Kenny identified this photograph of the mill in a collection of digitised, silver gelatin photoprints by Alice M. Haigh in the Dixon Library, State Library of NSW. It is another view of the northern side of Singleton's Mill in the early 1900s. An additional lower level of supporting stone work can be seen in front of the mill, going out into the river. [Old Sydney & N.S.W.] by Alice M. Haigh, ca. 1910-1925, Image 27, State Library of NSW.
(3g) **NEW** Photograph, 1905.
Matt Kenny found this interesting 1905 photograph of the mill in a newspaper photographic feature. The caption was, 'Singleton's Mill, which is made entirely of hardwood. This applies even to the large wheels. The mill is now in decay.' This photograph was from 'A Holiday on the Hawkesbury' in The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser, 13 Dec 1905, Page 1499.
(3h) **NEW** Photograph in article by Frank Walker, 1908.
Matt Kenny found this excellent photograph in an article by Frank Walker in a 1908 building magazine in Trove. The photograph caption was, 'Australia’s Oldest Mill. This old watermill is situated at Mill Reach, on the Hawkesbury River. The old grinding stones were still in position when the photograph was taken the other day.' Matt commented that the sandstone rock foreshore platform would have helped form a wharf for small boats to unload grain and supplies, and pick up the ground flour. It shows the mill at a fairly low tide, and reveals that about a third of the mill building stretches out over the water, supported on a strong, low stone wall. 'Early Australian Architecture. – VII' by Frank Walker M.I.A, in Building: the magazine for the architect, builder, property owner and merchant, Vol 2(12), 15 August 1908, page 70, image 76.
4. Western view of Singletons Mill
These images show the other end wall of the mill, from a viewpoint on the Hawkesbury riverbank upstream from the mill.
(4a) Painting by William Lister Lister, created after 1888.
This gorgeous watercolour painting, with spring flowers on the river bank beside the pathway, shows an unusual view of the mill. There are two windows in the western wall of the mill and the paling fence on this side of the mill is very clearly shown. There appear to be two steam boats moored behind the mill building, with smoke coming out of the funnels of both boats. Matt Kenny points out that the miller's house would be up the hill to the right of the mill, out of the view of the painting.
(4b) **NEW** Photograph by James Jervis, 1924–1937.
Matt Kenny photographed this image from a glass plate negative by James Jervis in the State Library of NSW. The photograph was probably taken in the 1920s. Although the glass plate negative has sustained some damage (black areas), the image is a rare photograph of the mill in its final years, showing the southern and western sides. The timberwork on the western wall shows quite a few gaps, but the roof still looks sound and the upper part of the southern wall looks reasonably intact. The upper floor may have still been in use at this stage as a storeroom. On the left side of the mill building, three people can be seen, who appear to be standing on the deck of a boat.
Some history books state that this mill building did not survive beyond 1910. However, Matt Kenny has suggested that newspaper reports from the period, and photographs such as this one, indicate that the mill was still standing in the 1920s. This photograph is from Series 03: James Jervis glass negatives of residences and mills in New South Wales, ca. 1924-1937, ON 313 negative 4, Singleton, B. Mill on the Hawkesbury, State Library of NSW.
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