The
Kaurna people were the original inhabitants of the area. On 21 October 1840, Richard Blundell was granted the title to Section 801 of the
Hundred of Noarlunga, after the area had been surveyed. one of many parcels of land bought through his agent Sir
John Morphett (including two town acres between
Currie and
Hindley streets in the
city blocks, hence the naming of Leigh Street). A vineyard was created by 1849, probably by John or George Morphett.
Edward Peake bought the winery from Leigh, built the first cottage on the site, and sold it to Joseph Gillard, who owned it for 40 years, selling most of the wine to
Penfolds. The winery complex was converted into a
conference centre in the 1970s. By 1866 the town was described as a regional centre "in the midst of a fine agricultural district, where wheat, peas, and potatoes are largely grown". The Clarendon area,
Coromandel Valley and
Kangarilla focused on
orchards,
market gardens and
timber production in the early years, but after revised farming practices were introduced after the 1860s,
vineyards were planted at Clarendon and other areas, and many
wineries began producing and exporting wine. Early trade was built around local vineyards and around proximity to the
Onkaparinga River, and from 1894 to 1896 the Clarendon Weir was constructed, enhancing the local economy. ==Heritage buildings==