Governor Arthur Phillip's Canvas House - Bridge Street, In Front Of The Departrment Of Lands
In This Vicinity was erected the canvas house brought in frames from England to serve as Governor Arthur Phillip's Temporary home. Carpenters commenced work on it from January 29th 1788, And The Governor went into Residence On February 18th 1788
Governor Arthur Phillip Lived On the Warship Sirius Until the 18th February 1788
"When He Left The Sirius And Took Up Residence On Shore"
Before Leaving London The Governor Had Ordered, At A Cost Of 125 Pounds From Smith Of St George's Fields, A Canvas House To Be Erected On Numbered Frames And Used As A Temporary Residence
David Collins, Judge Advocate, Wrote In The Account Of The English Colony
"A Portable Canvas House, Brought Over For The Governor, Was Erected On The East Side Of the Cove... .WhereAlso A Small Body Of Convicts Was Put Under Tents. The Detatchment Of Marines Was Encamped At The Head Of The Cove Near The Stream, And On The West Side Was Placed The Main Body Of Convicts."
This Government House Was Built Where, Governor Phillip Wrote
"Ships Can Anchor Close To Shore. At A Very Small Expense Quays May Be Constructed At Which The Largest Vessels May Unload. The Cove Is About A Half Mile In Length, And A Quarter Of A Mile Across The Entrance. "
Governor Arthur Phillip, In Honour of Lord Sydney,
"Distinguished It By The Name Of Sydney Cove"
Lord Sydney Was Was Secretary Of The Home Department, And The Governor's Immediate Superior.
David Collins Wrote -
"The Spot Chosen, Was At The Head Of The Cove, Near The Run Of Fresh Water, Which Stole Silently Along Through A Very Thick Wood, The Stillness Of Which Had Then, For The First Time Since Creation, Been Interrupted By The Rude Sound Of The Labourer's Axe, And A Downfall of Its Ancient Inhabitants - A Stillness And Tranquility Which From That Day Were To Give Place To The Voice Of Labour, the Confusion Of Camps And Towns....."
