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Level of Significance

  • File
  • Local
  • Regional
  • State
  • National

Age

125yrs

Trees

1

Diameter

1m

Height - 15m

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Details

Common name
Black Bean Tree
Botanical name
Castanospermum australe
Other name
Mafeking Tree
Type
Specimen
Condition
Good
Municipality
Hinchinbrook Shire (QLD)
Location
37 Palm Terrace Ingham QLD 4850
Access
Unrestricted
Significances
  • Landscape (Social)
  • Landmark (Social)
  • Contemporary association (Social)
  • Park/Garden/Town (Historic)
  • Commemorative (Historic)
  • Event (Historic)
  • Person/Group/Institution (Historic)
  • Attractive (Aesthetic)
Date of measurement
01 Jan 2013
Date of classification
11 Oct 2014

Statement of Significance

This tree is of state significance for its high aesthetic value and contribution to landscape. It commemorates an occasion.

Notes

On the 25 May 1900, the Ingham community planted this tree as a gesture to celebrate the relief of the besieged city of Mafeking, held by British and Australian troops during the Boer War. The Mafeking Tree was planted by Stephen Tanzwell Simpson, Postmaster at Ingham. Stephen Simpson, a former Colour Sergeant of the 28th Regiment of Foot and a retired British army soldier, died suddenly after recovering from an illness at the age of 57. His son, Private John (Jack) Simpson, saw action during the War in South Africa (Boer War) 1899-1902. On his return he became a renowned horseman, adventurer, a successful mine manager and businessman. He later on died in 1939 from silicosis and malaria. His grandson, Cpl John James (Jack) Simpson, (John Simpson's son) died in the defense of Australia at Gona, Papua New Guinea in 1943.(Photo taken 2012)