Two new commemorative signs have been unveiled in Langford to honour the Spencer family, whose name holds historical significance in the area, after eight original brass plaques erected in 1979 were stolen from the site in 2020.
Installed in Oak Tree Court in Langford at the existing granite monument, the new signs pay tribute to the Spencer family’s historical contributions, recognising their impact on the local community and its early development.
The Spencer name is, of course, well-known within the area, having inspired the naming of Spencer Road, which is a major road linking Burslem Drive in Thornlie with Nicholson Road in Langford.
Charles and Elizabeth Spencer, early settlers of the Swan River Colony who arrived at Cockburn Sound on 5 August 1829, settled along the Canning River in the 1830s and were granted land in what is now Langford in 1852.
The new commemorative plaques were unveiled on the 195th anniversary of their arrival, 5 August 2024, recognising their legacy.
As a descendant of Charles and Elizabeth Spencer, unveiling the new commemorative markers on the anniversary of their arrival held personal significance for City of Gosnells mayor Terresa Lynes.
“It is such an honour to see the commemorative markers installed after the original plaques were stolen in 2020,” Mayor Lynes said.
“The Spencer family played a significant role in establishing the area we now know as Langford, and it’s important that we honour their legacy so that current and future local residents can learn about their history.”
The new signs include one that describes the Spencer family’s history and their link to the region and another that displays the Spencer family tree.
