SAFarming
Magill
A foothill village on the timber road that became known for wine.
1838Makgill Village advertised
WHAT STARTED IT
Robert Cock and William Ferguson laid out the Makgill estate in 1838 at the foot of the ranges, about four miles from Adelaide. It lay on one of the best roads from the Stringy Bark Forest, and was promoted to woodmen and carriers in the timber trade.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Dr Christopher Rawson Penfold and Mary Penfold planted vines at Magill in 1844, beginning the winery that became Penfolds. The government later built an orphanage and industrial school on the hillside, and orchards and vineyards covered the slopes until the suburbs reached them.
TURNING POINTS
1838Robert Cock advertises Makgill Village, four miles from Adelaide near the foot of the mountains.
1844Christopher and Mary Rawson Penfold establish their vineyard at Magill.
1856Dr Penfold becomes first chairman of the new District Council of Burnside.
1867The foundation stone of the Government Orphanage and Industrial School is laid.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
A suburb on Magill Road at the foot of the hills in Adelaide’s east. Houses now cover most of the orchards and vineyards that once surrounded the village.