Rupertswood Mansion

Birthplace of the Ashes. "Rupertswood"was built as a residence for Sir William Clarke (1874) and became a power seat in the great English tradition. Ashes Rupertswood holds a place in the great sporting rivalry between Australia and England, as it was on a field at "Rupertswood"that the "Ashes"were created. On Christmas Eve of 1882, after a congenial lunch, Sir William Clarke suggested a social game between the English Cricket team and a local side, made up largely of Rupertswood staff. By all accounts, it was an enjoyable game with no one really keeping score, however, it was generally agreed that the English won. Pat Lyons, a worker at "Rupertswood", clearly remembered the afternoon many years later. It was his understanding that Lady Clarke, at dinner that evening, had presented Ivo Bligh with a pottery urn. It was purported to contain the ashes of a burnt bail. This was a light hearted gesture to commemorate England's win at "Rupertswood". The property is no longer open to the public. It is part of the Salesian College secondary college and is now private property.