The County of Manchester is a cadastral entity in South Australia covering the north-east Eyre Peninsula and land to its north. It was proclaimed on 21 May 1891 and named after George Montagu, 6th Duke of Manchester, father-in-law of the Earl of Kintore, then Governor of South Australia. Port Augusta West and Iron Knob are its principal localities.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | South Australia |
| Region | North-east Eyre Peninsula |
| Proclaimed | 21 May 1891 |
| Named after | George Montagu, 6th Duke of Manchester |
| Area | about 5,000 km² |
| Principal towns | Port Augusta West, Iron Knob |
| Local government areas today | City of Port Augusta (part), City of Whyalla (part), Pastoral Unincorporated Area |
Hundreds in Manchester County
- Hundred of Castine
- Hundred of Copley
- Hundred of Gillen
- Hundred of Handyside
- Hundred of Jenkins
Towns and Localities Today
Iron Knob, a former iron-ore mining town, and Port Augusta West sit within Manchester County, alongside smaller coastal points at Commissariat Point, Blanche Harbor and Douglas Point. Whyalla and Port Augusta’s built-up areas extend into the county’s south and east. Grazing, mining and defence training (the Cultana Training Area) are its main land uses, and the Stuart Highway, Eyre Highway and Trans-Australian Railway all cross it.
Geography
Manchester County is bordered by Hore-Ruthven County to the west, York County to the south, and Newcastle County and Spencer Gulf to the east.
History
Manchester County was proclaimed in 1891 as the Eyre Peninsula’s north-east was surveyed for pastoral and later mining use. Its name honours George Montagu, 6th Duke of Manchester, whose son-in-law, the Earl of Kintore, was Governor when the county was created.
FAQ
Is Manchester County still used?
Cadastral divisions like Manchester County remain in South Australian land titles and property descriptions, but the county itself has no government or administrative function today.
What towns are in Manchester County?
Iron Knob and Port Augusta West are its main settlements.
Which council areas cover Manchester County?
Parts of the City of Port Augusta and City of Whyalla; the rest is unincorporated pastoral land.