Bear's Castle, Fortified house in Yan Yean, Australia
Bear's Castle is a fortified house in Yan Yean with parapets and turrets at each corner. The structure was built on a stone foundation using cob materials and is registered as a heritage building.
The building was constructed in 1846 by Hannaford and Edwards from Devon, England, at John Bear's request to build a castle on his property. This ambitious project represented early European settlement in the region.
The building shows English construction methods adapted to Australian conditions using local earth, clay, and timber. The way it was built reflects how settlers from abroad brought their home traditions to a new land.
Access is mainly through guided tours organized by the Whittlesea Historical Society, which happen about once per year. Visitors should check ahead and register early since spots are limited.
The second floor of this small fortress lacks flooring and is now just an open frame. During the 1970s, walls were reinforced with chicken wire and mud to stabilize the deteriorating structure.
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