The Lords of Lyndoch

The Lords of Lyndoch

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Posted 2016-08-22 by Steve Hudsonfollow
The relaxed and peaceful town of Lyndoch at the traditional entrance to the Barossa Valley is renowned for some great cafes, stunning wines and wonderful gardens. And in recent years, Lyndoch has also become popular as a destination where cyclists in the annual Tour Down Under do battle for sprint or stage prizes. Ironically this history of battle and the name Lyndoch stretches back over 200 years. Let me explain.



The Battle of Barrosa was fought in Spain in 1811, with the English division being led by Sir Thomas Graham, the 1st Baron of Lynedoch and later to be known more commonly as Lord Lynedoch. But it was an admirer and fellow soldier, Colonel William Light, that came to a valley just north of Adelaide in December 1837 and named it and the town in honour of the Lord. Miscommunications and mis-spellings resulted in the valley being known as the Barossa and the town being called Lyndoch.



A stroll today through the beautiful town of Lyndoch and one could be forgiven for thinking that the above story is a myth. But the evidence does exist, and a quick tour on the Lyndoch Heritage Walk reveals details of the past, some which are clouded in mystery.



At the top of a small incline, and befitting a Lord is the well maintained St John's Church. With an outside that looks something like an amazing castle , this Church has stood on this site for almost 100 years, and replaces an earlier Church which was demolished to make way for this grand building.



Demolition or extensive renovation is common in country towns as building standards and client needs evolve, and the original Lord Lyndoch Inn was an example of this where nothing remains of this Inn with the area now used for shops. However, the name continued for some time with a new Lord Lyndoch Hotel being built in 1855. This hotel evolved over the years into the Temperance Hotel, the local deli, a coffee palace, a boarding house and is now a private residence.



Today the only hotel still trading in the town is the Lyndoch Hotel. A modest affair in the centre of town, the Lyndoch Hotel is famous for its ghost , the former projectionist from the Lyndoch Cinema who unfortunately passed away in the Hotel on Valentines Day in 1959.



Not so eerie, and also in the centre of town is a newer establishment known as The Lord Lyndoch. Serving contemporary meals and coffee, and specialising in quality Angus Beef, this pleasant bistro / cafe is built within old walls and structures alongside the former Post Office.



Adaptive re-use is common in other parts of the town as well with the former Lyndoch Delicatessen evolving into the Table Cafe , and the old Lyndoch Garage becoming the popular Lyndoch Bakery and Restaurant, where the bee-sting cake is something that should not be missed.



Cycling in the Barossa Valley is a common activity, and the popular Jack Bobridge Track takes walkers and cyclists from Gawler to Angaston through many parks in gardens including the Village Green in the centre of Lyndoch.



Supplementing the Village Green in town are the War Memorial Gardens and the Pioneer Reserve with a number of other private gardens and businesses showing care and desire. Meanwhile just outside of town is the Lyndoch Hill estate where over 30,000 roses put on an annual display for all and the gorgeous Lavender Farm where a sea of purple greets visitors nearly all year round.



Lyndoch is 58km northeast of Adelaide and is situated midway between Gawler and Tanunda . It is a great spot to visit on a winery tour with some great wineries nearby, or perhaps as a base for a tour of the local Lavender Farm, Lyndoch Hill, Barossa Helicopters or the Whispering Wall .



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104799 - 2023-06-12 11:31:01

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