Observatory Hill - Fort Phillip - Sydney Observatory - Sydney - New South Wales

Sydney Observatory - Observatory Hill 

At Governor Debison's Instigation This Building Was Begun In 1857. The First Meridian Observations Commenced In June 1858

This is the sight of Sydney’s first Windmill. Also known as Fort Philip and Flagstaff Hill, eventually became known as Observatory Hill after the building of the sandstone Observatory in 1858.
While the colonies astronomers were making scientific observations from this building, local Sydneysiders knew it best for its timekeeping. Every day at 1 pm the ball on the top of the tower dropped, and a Canon blasters fired to the signal at the correct time. This was especially useful for ships import, enabling the accurate adjustment and calibration of marine chronometers

The Sydney Observatory is a historic astronomical observatory located in Sydney, Australia. It has a rich history dating back to the colonial period and has played a significant role in Australia's scientific and cultural development. Here's an overview of the history of the Sydney Observatory:

Early Establishment:

• The Sydney Observatory was established in 1858. Its primary purpose was to provide accurate timekeeping and meteorological observations for the colony of New South Wales.

Strategic Location:

• The observatory was strategically positioned on a hill overlooking Sydney Harbor, allowing astronomers to have an unobstructed view of the night sky.
• Its location also facilitated maritime navigation, as ships in the harbor could use the observatory's time signals to set their chronometers.

Instruments and Research:

• The observatory was equipped with a range of astronomical instruments, including telescopes and transit instruments.
• It conducted research on various celestial phenomena, such as comets, planets, stars, and the Moon.

Timekeeping and Signals:

• One of the observatory's key functions was to provide accurate timekeeping for Sydney and beyond. The time ball on top of the observatory's tower would drop daily at 1 p.m., allowing ships and the public to set their timepieces.
• The time signals were essential for coordinating activities, particularly in the days before standardized time zones.

Meteorology and Seismology:

• In addition to astronomy, the observatory collected meteorological data, including temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. This information was crucial for weather forecasting and understanding climate patterns.
• The observatory also played a role in seismology, monitoring and recording earthquakes and tremors.

Public Outreach and Education:

• The Sydney Observatory was not only a scientific institution but also a hub for public education and engagement. It held public lectures, stargazing events, and exhibitions to increase awareness and interest in astronomy and related sciences.

Challenges and Evolution:

• Over the years, the observatory faced challenges such as urban light pollution and encroaching development, which affected its astronomical observations.
• The observatory adapted to changing technologies, transitioning from visual observations to more advanced astronomical techniques.

Heritage and Restoration:

• The Sydney Observatory is recognized as a heritage site and is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
• Restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve its historic instruments, buildings, and artifacts.

Modern Day:

• Today, the Sydney Observatory continues to operate as an educational and cultural institution, offering public programs, guided tours, and interactive exhibits.
• Visitors can learn about astronomy, timekeeping, and the history of the observatory while enjoying stunning views of Sydney Harbor.

The Sydney Observatory stands as a testament to Australia's scientific heritage and its contributions to astronomy, meteorology, and navigation. Its role in timekeeping, navigation, and public engagement has left a lasting impact on the city and the country's cultural and scientific landscape.

Garrison Church - Lower Fort Street - Argyle Street - The Rocks

The Garrison Church
Corner Of Argyle street and Lower Fort street


This was the first official Military Church in NSW & serviced the Military Garrison at Dawes Point. Imagine the spectacle of Red Coats marching up Lower Fort Street from the artillery Barracks to attend morning prayer. 

The holy Trinity Church, designed by E.T Blacket, Was The First Garrison Church In Australia. The foundation stone was laid in 1840.

The Lord Bishop of Australia, assisted by the Reverend William Kalpa, senior chaplain of the parish of Saint Philip, perform the ceremony. The service commenced with the 123rd Psalm, the lesson from the first of people to the Corinthians, chapter 3, the collector for Trinity Sunday after which the stone was lowered into place, and which of the following inscription –

This foundation stone of the church in honour of the holy Trinity, erected with the aid of her majesties government by the inhabitants of the parish of Saint Philip was laid by the right Reverend Father in God, William Lord Bishop of Australia, on the 23rd day of June 1840. Philip was laid by the Roman Australia

The location of this foundation stone today is unknown

The Sydney morning Herald on 3 November 1842 said-

The garrison Church of the holy Trinity is of next Gothic order, about 100‘ x 55‘. The height of the walls is about 45 feet. There has been much discussion as to who was responsible for the plans of the garrison church. Morton Herman common, architect, wrote in the Blackett –

The architect was Henry gin, who had attended the laying of the foundation stone on 23 June 1840. Lack of funds cause a delay which prevented him from getting even a small portion of the native roof in until 26 May 1844. The small roof portion served until 1855, when Blackett appearedEd. 

Then incumbent of holy Trinity, the Reverend Wilkinson, had got together sufficient money to roof in the whole name and this was done two packets design

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When William Grant brought in, only Bishop of Australia, call the parish meeting in the old Saint Phillips church, on Church Hill, in December 1839 He had a pressing problem.

Phillips was overcrowded; the church must give you a Millers point to take the overflow. The rocks area of the points one for sailors, not a churchgoing agreed

The Bishop had them in mind when you’re dressed as a parish office is the new church holy Trinity wants to be for Mariners.

Primarily a soldiers church. In 1843 service as we can in the part finished building design by Henry gym. Regularly attend the morning service.

The holy Trinity was in large to go pick designs by Edmund Blackett. The applicants have been a ramshackle building simulator gift, notably a rich east window, and memorial to the grandparents David Mitchell.

The holy Trinity was in large to go pick designs by Edmund Blackett. The elegance into what has been a ramshackle building stimulated gift, notably a rich east window, and memorial to the grandparents David Scott Mitchell.

The garrison churches to curious features in its history. One is that for 30 years no collection plate was passed around, offerings been taken at the Sure. The other is at the church with never consecrated. Holy Trinity is now circle monument as well as a parish church. It has a regular Sunday congregation and he’s always pack when you anniversary of laying of the foundation stone on 23 June 1840 is commemorated.

This was the first original official Military Church in New South Wales and serviced the Military Garrison at Dawes point.

This was the first original official military church in New South Wales and serviced the military garrison at Dawes point.

Imagine the spectacle of redcoats marching up lower Fort Street from the military Valley Barricks and attending morning prayer.  Although the church was officially called the holy Trinity Church, it continues to not be known as the garrison church. Military flag still doing the churches interior

Argyle Street - Millers Point

This Roadway Was Cut Through Solid Rock in the 1840's To Give Access ToCircular  Quay To millers Point. 

The old people of Millers point, modern community Centre, have a view of something more in keeping with age.

Before then prim as an old-fashioned Posey, exciting Village Green charm, lies the cities last truly picturesque patch of its domestic past.

Actresses in a cottage or two, frames like valentines in the Tory 91 space a tiny part of all trees.

Most of the houses were built in the decade 1814 to 1850. For every century nobody thought much about them. Then in the 1961, two astonishment of the tenants Utan for generations, their landlords, the Maritime Services board, I did buy the National trust, moved in with gallons of tasty cheese and paint.

The colours, with white, the old houses acquired a new status. This, citizens begin to tell one another, was a part of old Sydney but it would be fine to see swept away in the modernising of the area, although there is a touch of irony in preserving anything so girls and respectable is the house is available place is a symbol of the rocks.

Behind them coming down the east first slime , I think Stu with a reputation as evil as it stench . Chanting houses stuff like wasps nests to the rock slopes .

There was no running water, no sanitation. Water had to be stripped out of Roxy peach or bought by the bucket from the visit in contact. That’s one define times; they are more numerous than the rate of children, the outnumbered by rats.

Towards the end of the century. These memories house like a shadow of a Carreon pro across the smiling little square

The old people of Millers point, drafting in front of the hideous modern amenities centre, have a new something more in keeping with the age. Before them, prim as an old-fashioned Posey, excluding Village Green charm lies the cities last truly picturesque patch of its domestic past.

A row of George and type terraces in a cottage or two framed like valentines in Victorian I and lace face a tiny part of all trees.

Most of the houses were built in a decade 1840 to 1850.

For over a century nobody thought much about them. Then in 1961, to the astonishment of the tenants-some families have lived there for four generations, their landlords, the Maritime services board, prodded by the national trust, moved in with gallons of tastefully chosen paint.

This, citizens begin to tell one another, was a part of old Sydney that it would be a crime to see you swept away in the modernising of the area, although there is a touch of irony in preserving anything so Das and respectable is the houses of Argyle Place as a symbol of the rocks.

Behind them, tumbling down to the harbour search in spreading East, what’s the colonies first slum, thieves stew with the reputation is evil it’s a stench. Chantey house is stuck like wasps nests to the precipitous rocks

behind them, tumbling down to the harbour surgeon spreading East, what’s the colonies first saw mum, Steve stew with the reputation as evil as it stands. Chantey house are stuck like wasps nests to the precipitous rock slopes. Many were painted with Robin how it’s for the worst element among visiting semen.

There was no running water, no sanitation. Water had to be scooped out of rock seepage or bought by the bucket from a visiting Carter. Goats swarmed with slimy parts; they were more numerous than the ragged children, the outnumbered by rats. Larrikin pushes terrorise the district towards the end of the century.

These memories past like a shadow of a Carreon Crow across the smiling little square.

The Orphan School - George St - Between Falley & Bridge St, Facing Grosvenor St

The Orphan School

George Street, Between Falley And Bridge Street, Facing Grosvenor Street

The female off at school

The female or from school was set up by Governor King in 1801 two houses just a tutte young girls.

It was officially opened on 17 August 1801, housing 31 girls between the ages of seven and 14. x 1829 there were 152 inmates, including some aboriginal girls

It was the first school to be established uaing public funds, and furthermore as a residential school to provide or care for orpahn destitute, neglected and abandoned girls. Theree are no admission registers, school rolls or requests for admission for this period of the Orphan School. 

When a new building was completed near the existing residence, there was room for more girls and on 31st December 1801 49 girls had been received into the Institution.

By 24th Msrch 1803 there were 54 girls. 

By 1806 - 6 Orphanss have been married, and portioned with 10 Pound each; and 11 have been bound Apprentices to Officers Wives. The reference to the 11 gurs who had been apprenticed indictaes a role which the Female Orphan School was to play in the colony. 

Sydney's Second Jail 

George Street, Near Essex Street. This was A Stone Building Which Replaced The Log One Which Had burnt Down In February 1799. It Was Used Until June 1841, When Darlinghurst Was Opened. 

Sydney’s First Newspaper - The Sydney Gazette - George St Near Alfred St - Circular Quay

Australia's First Newspaper

George Street, Eastern Side, Near Alfred Street, Curcular Quay 

The First Jssue Of "The Gazette" Was Piblished On March 5th 1803.

Captain David Collins Wrote  "In November, 1795, A Small Printing Press Which Had Been Brought Into The Settlement By Mr Phillip (Governor Phillip) .. Was Found Very Useful

The "Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser" holds the distinction of being Australia's first newspaper. Its establishment and subsequent history provide a glimpse into the early colonial period of New South Wales. Here's an overview of the history of the Sydney Gazette:

Establishment and First Issue:

• The "Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser" was first published on March 5, 1803.
• It was established by George Howe, who arrived in Australia as a convict and became the colony's first printer.

Purpose and Content:

• The newspaper served as a vital communication tool in the early colony, providing news, information, and announcements to the residents of New South Wales.
• The content of the Sydney Gazette included local and international news, official government announcements, shipping information, advertisements, and commentary.

Role in the Colony:

• In addition to disseminating news, the Sydney Gazette also played a role in shaping public opinion and conveying government policies and decrees.
• It was seen as a vehicle for disseminating information that would aid in the administration of the colony.

Government Influence:

• Given the newspaper's role and the early colonial context, it had close ties to the colonial administration.
• George Howe was officially appointed as the government printer, and the newspaper received financial support from the colonial government.

Expansion and Change:

• Over time, the Sydney Gazette expanded its coverage to include various topics, such as cultural events, literature, and societal issues.
• It also covered the challenges and developments of the early colony, including issues related to transportation, convicts, and exploration.

Competing Newspapers:

• While the Sydney Gazette held the distinction of being the first newspaper in Australia, it faced competition as other newspapers were established in the colony.
• The early colonial period saw the emergence of several other newspapers, each with its own editorial stance and readership.

Legacy and Influence:

• The Sydney Gazette holds immense historical significance as a primary source of information about the early colonial period of Australia.
• Its publications provide insights into the social, political, economic, and cultural landscape of the time.

Cessation:

• The Sydney Gazette continued to be published under various names and with different ownerships for many years.
• The newspaper ceased publication in 1842, marking the end of an era in Australian journalism.

The Sydney Gazette's role as Australia's first newspaper and its coverage of the early colonial period make it an invaluable resource for historians and researchers interested in understanding the origins of Australian media, society, and government.

Sydney's First Post Office - George Street - Issac Nicholls - Sydney - New South Wales

The First Post Office in Sydney

Corner Of George Street And Alfred Streets, Circular Quay West 

Isaac Nichols Became Australia's First Postmaster On April 25th 1809

The Lumber Yard - Bridge Street - Southern Side - Between George & Pitt Streets

The Lumber Yard 

Bridge Street, Southern Side, Between George And Pitt Streets 

Convict Tradesmen Were Employed In The Lumber. Yard, An Enclsoure Between George Street And The Tank Stream. 
An Interesting Character That Worked At The Lumber Yard Was William  Noah, From Shropshire, Who Had Been Sentanced to Death For Burglary, Reprieved, And Banished To Botany Bay For Life
On The 28th April 1818 Governor Macquarie Wrote - "Because Of His Long And Faithful Services As Clerk Overseerer Of The Lumber Yard, I Have Agreed To Pay William Noah A Salary Of Fifteen Pounds Sterling, From This Date."
And In That Year Governor Macquarie Gave Him A Full Pardon. 

Royal Exchange Of Sydney - Bridge Street - Between Pitt And Gresham Street - Sydney

The Royal Exchnage Of Sydney
Cnr Bridge St &Gresham St

An Exchnage Was Established In 1861. 

When The Estuary Of The Tank Stream Was Reclaimed At Bridge Street It Paved The   Way For Building Some Impressive Buildings 

Foremost In Archeatectyral Beauty Waa The Royal Exchange - Almost Opposite Macquarie Place   

The Sydney Exchange, also known as the Sydney Stock Exchange or the Sydney Stock and Futures Exchange, has a history closely tied to the financial and economic development of Sydney, Australia. It played a pivotal role in facilitating the trading of securities and financial instruments. Here's an overview of its history:

Early Beginnings:

• The Sydney Exchange traces its origins back to the mid-19th century. The first organized stock trading in Sydney occurred in the 1830s, but it was relatively informal.
• The official establishment of the Sydney Stock Exchange took place in 1871. It was created to provide a central marketplace for the trading of stocks, bonds, and other securities.

Early Location:

• The exchange was initially located in various buildings in the central business district of Sydney. It operated in rented premises as trading volumes and the number of participants grew.

Rise in Importance:

• Over the years, the Sydney Exchange gained prominence as Australia's major securities trading platform. It facilitated capital raising for companies and offered investors a venue for buying and selling financial instruments.

Formation of the Australian Associated Stock Exchanges (AASE):

• In 1937, the Sydney Exchange joined forces with other Australian stock exchanges to form the Australian Associated Stock Exchanges (AASE). This federation aimed to streamline regulations and facilitate inter-exchange trading.

Modernization and Technological Advancements:

• The latter part of the 20th century saw significant changes in trading practices due to technological advancements.
• Electronic trading platforms emerged, gradually replacing traditional open-outcry trading methods.

Merger and Transition:

• In 1987, the Sydney Stock Exchange merged with the stock exchanges of Melbourne and Adelaide to form the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).
• The ASX became Australia's primary securities exchange, bringing together trading from different cities into a unified platform.

Global Influence:

• The ASX grew in importance on the global stage as it attracted foreign investors and companies seeking to list their shares on an established exchange.

Continued Evolution:

• The ASX continued to evolve, embracing electronic trading and adapting to changes in financial markets.
• The ASX's role expanded to include trading in derivatives, commodities, and other financial products.

Milestone Developments:

• In recent years, the ASX has considered adopting blockchain technology for settlement and clearing of trades, showcasing its commitment to innovation.

Present Day:

• The Sydney Exchange, now part of the ASX Group, remains a vital component of Australia's financial landscape.
• The ASX continues to operate as a comprehensive securities exchange, serving as a platform for capital raising, trading, and investment.

The history of the Sydney Exchange reflects the growth and sophistication of Australia's financial markets. From its early origins as a modest stock exchange to its integration into a national exchange group, it has played a crucial role in shaping Sydney's economic landscape and contributing to the development of the country's financial sector.