A fine example of Victorian colonial architecture

Oakwal, designed by James Cowlishaw, was built by the Petrie firm in the 1860s and James Cockle purchased the property in 1864 from Daniel Somerset.

RH Mearns, a descendant of Somerset, has recorded a story of the purchase of Oakwal that was told to him by his great-aunt Mrs RG Petty (Daniel Somerset’s daughter).

One day Mr D.R. Somerset and Mr Justice Cockle were riding to their homes along what is now Bowen Bridge Road, when Mr Justice Cockle said – ‘What do you think that place of yours is worth now, Somerset?’ Daniel named a figure, and no more was said at the time. Not long afterward, Cockle turned up one day to buy the house at the figure which had been named. Somerset had not had any intention of selling at the time Cockle had asked him what he thought it was worth; but, supposing that Cockle had made an offer to buy it at the price named, Somerset, rather than go back on his word, sold it to Cockle. At all events, James Cockle, Chief Justice of Queensland is shown as the owner on Certificate of Title dated 21 October, 1864.

From Beres McCallum, Windsor Wakens: residents and notables of the 1860s (2004).

The name Oakwal

It is not known whether James and Adelaide Cockle chose the name of Oakwal or inherited it from the previous owner. It has been speculated, however, that since the Cockle family home in Essex was called Great Oakley and Mrs Cockle’s family home was Walton, the name is most likely derived from a combination of the two.

Oakwal and Sir James Cockle Kt

Cockle was well-respected, although he is said to have remained aloof from the community, perhaps to ensure its faith in his impartiality.

In his fourteen years of service in Queensland, Justice Cockle never missed a day on the Bench. It is recorded that he walked to the Courts every day from his home at Windsor wearing a white suit.

‘An erect white clad figure, he walked daily to and from the court three miles from his home Oakwal … where with Lady Cockle he gave an annual picnic for local school children’.

From Janet Hogan, Historic Homes of Brisbane (1979).