07/06/2026
The Martin Cairn, when in its original location at the corner of Clifton and Martin Streets, marked the place of the first house in Kelmscott, built in 1830 by the military stationed there.
🐎From about 1842, the property belonged to Mr Henry Martin who lived there until his death. Mr Martin, with his family, was a farmer, horse breeder and timber carter.
🎖️To commemorate the centenary of the 63rd Regiment, a Cairn with a Centenary Tablet was constructed circa 1930. It was unveiled in 1931.
👷In 1962 – 63 the Cairn was relocated and rebuilt in Clifton Street opposite Martin Street and can still be seen there.
📸 Image 1:
1930 - Image shows the original location of the cairn on the farming property belonging to the Martin family along Clifton Street, Kelmscott.
Standing L-R: Elsie Martin, Jim Martin, Frances McCallum, Mrs Hilda Martin (with baby Dorothy), Alf Martin, George Hicks.
Front: Fred Martin. Sitting: Laurie Hymus (?), Henry and Joyce Martin.
📸 Image 2:
After 1931 when the memorial was unveiled - The marble inscription was removed from the top of this first cairn which was situated on the property and re-attached to the new cairn which was built on the verge outside of Lot 26 Clifton Street, Kelmscott.
Standing L-R: Mr Fred Martin, Jack Hicks Jnr, Alfred Martin and Hilda Martin.
Courtesy of Birtwistle Local Studies Library.
