William Street, Morphett Vale

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Although a large suburb today, Morphett Vale had a very different beginning. It was a series of farmland estates. Enterprising and trend-setting settler Alexander Anderson subdivided his land and sold allotments. A number of heritage places representing the early settlement remain to this day. Its main concentration is along William Street.



Morphett Vale Institute , a significant civic building, was constructed of bluestone in 1878. Additions were later made to the front with limestone walls and rendered brick quoins.



Next to the institute was a Free Presbyterian Church built gothic-style approximately 20 years earlier. It was built by those preferring not to worship at St Andrews Presbyterian Church. A school also stood nearby. It comprised a hall and a teacher's residence.



Walking a little further down the street, you'll find the former courthouse and police station with a parapeted portico. Cells, plus an enclosed courtyard, were attached at the rear. After the construction of the courthouse, a stable was built not far away to cater for the police horses. In 1962, Morphett Vale Court moved to Christies Beach and the building eventually became part of St Hilary's Anglican Church.



These historic buildings, though few, still give us an insight into Morphett Vale's past. Feel free to take a stroll along William Street next time you're in the vicinity. For those who'd like to walk further, a commemoration of Alexander Anderson can be found near his now-demolished residence The Lodge.



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