Built early 1800's. Located at intersection of Great Western Highway & Wallgrove Road, Eastern Creek.
A typical stone-capped beehive well built in the early 1800's. There
were once many of them scattered around the region, however very few
remain. This particular example is likely to be the best condition of
those left. Other excellent examples can be found elsewhere in the
state. They were built for the use of settlers and travellers (the
latter were generally convict built), as the area was first developed.
The beehive well top is made from fired brick and coarse cement.
Rainwater would collect in the well, staying cool. A square at the top
allowed one to dip a bucket into the well. The beehive cover also helped
keep the water clean.
This particular well was built by ex-convict and early settler William
"Lumpy" Dean (so named for his very large size) and was likely
originally used by the occupants of a homestead that was nearby (now
demolished).
Sources:
Town Talk, Blacktown City Advocate, 14th September 2005
Mystery Mound Covered Well, Blacktown City Advocate, 21st September 2005
See Water Holes in Historic Tour, Blacktown City Advocate, 2n April 2003