Enoggera Historical Society

Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. The story of Dr Tom’s tannery

The Enoggera & Districts Historical Society Inc. (EDHS) welcomes continuing contributions from local residents about stories and identities, for our region, from years gone by.

This month, we relay some information about Dr Tom Bancroft and his tannery.

During the Boer War, Dr Bancroft was based at Deception Bay and had a contract to supply the Australian Government with tinned meat for soldiers.

In 1906 he moved to the Alderley-Enoggera area and lived in a house at the present day ‘triangular’ location bordered by Pickering Street and South Pine Road. He started a long-running tannery nearby. While the tannery continued its operations, Dr Bancroft also pursued Government medical work, the collection of natural science specimens and photography.

In later life he lived for a while on the Atherton Tablelands before eventually settling in Eidsvold in the Burnett region.

Near the tannery on Kedron Brook, a Mr Simpson ran a knackery. He later moved the Bancroft house, for his own residence, to land which became known as Royal Parade Estate (now the vicinity based on present day Royal Parade, Alderley).

Bancroft Park, Kelvin Grove is named after Dr Tom Bancroft’s father, Joseph – another earlier settler in North West Brisbane.

Keep those stories coming in! Visit the Enoggera Memorial Hall any Thursday morning between 9.30am and 1pm. Or visit our Facebook page.

Take care, everyone. Andrew McMicking - President

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Leanne Burns - 0401 391 326

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