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Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Lieutenant Governor’s Residence - George And Grosvenor St


Lieutenant Governor’s ResidenceCorner of George And Grosvenor Streets, Southern Corner


A Stone Residence For The First Lieutenant Governor, Major Robert Ross, Was Erected On This Site In 1788. It Was Occupied By His Successors, Grose & Paterson. In 1820 It Became The Sydney Hotel. In 1833 Samuel Lyons Built Auction Rooms On The Site Which Were Not Demolished Until 1912. 
Just Something Else That Should’ve Been Preserved From Old Sydney. 
Major Robert Ross Arrived On The First Fleet At Botany Bay In January 1788, Having Been Appointed Lieuetenant Governor In October 1786, Ross Was Unhappy In New South Wales & Declared That 
"In The Whole World There Is Not A Worse Country Than What We Have Seen Of This". He Returned To England In December 1791 And Died There On The 9th June 1794.
As Commander Of The Newly Formed New South Wales Marine Corps, Major Francis Grose Landed In Sydney In February 1792. In December Of That Year, When Phillip Returned To England, Grose Became Lieuteanant Governor






Lieutenant Governor's Residence
George And Grosvenor Streets Southern Corner 


Lieutenant Governor's residence a stone residents are for the first lieutenant Major Robert Ross was erected on this site in 1788 it was occupied by his successors grows and Patterson in 1820 it became the Sydney Hotel in 1833 Samuel Lions are built auction rooms on the site which were not demolished until 1912.
Major Robert Ross arrived with the first Fleet at botany Bay in 1788 having been appointed Lieutenant Governor in October 1786 Ross was unhappy in New South Wales and declared that in the whole world there is not a worse country than what we have yet seen of this returned to England in December 1791 and died there on 9 June 1794 as commander of the newly formed New South Wales corpse Major Francis grows landed in Sydney in February 1792 in December of that year when Phillip returned to England Gross became Lieutenant Governor it was an unhappy choice and gross made many blunders before returning home in 1794 where he died in 1814. 
The next document of major Rosses corner was captain William Patterson who arrived in October 1791 with the New South Wales corpse after a term on Norfolk Island Patterson in December 1794 six seeded gross as Lieutenant Governor until relieved in September 1795 by Governor John Hunter on 21 June 1810 on the voyage home Patterson died of a heart attack new Que porn Ross is corner was acquired BISA John Jamerson as a town residents until on 20 March 1820 Mr Stillwell acquired see John's block and named it the Sydney hotel and coffeehouse next on the scene was William Cummings aged 40 who arrived in the colony as a free man in 1822 with his wife Mary and their son William he announced in the Sydney Gazette on 9 June 1825 that he had installed hot and cold water in 1828 Cummings was listed as a hotel keeper McQuarrie place owning 1008 acres 40 head of cattle and 60 sheep later tenant was Samuel Lyons London Taylor who reached Sydney in January 1815 serving a life sentence he reformed and by adding 28 was an option nearing George Street lions died on 3 August 1851 aged 59 and was interred in the Jewish burying ground he left in large unencumbered property which was divided equally between his two sons and a daughter the oldest son was a barrister in England the Lieutenant Governor's house still on the corner of George Street and Charlotte Place a name retained under until March 1889 when it became Grosvenor Street the present building on the site is occupied by the union steamship company of New Zealand a proper o'clock proclaims it as the sight of the first Lieutenant Governor's house from 1788 to 1809

The Auction Rooms Were Approximately 80 Years Old When They Were Demolished. & That Was in 1912.... 





The Lieutenant Governor's House, located at the intersection of George Street and Grosvenor Street in Sydney, has a significant history tied to the colonial administration of New South Wales and the development of the city. Here's an overview of its history:

Early Establishment:

  • The Lieutenant Governor's House was built in the early 19th century as the official residence for the lieutenant governors of New South Wales.
  • The house was intended to provide accommodation for the colony's administrators and officials.

Governor Lachlan Macquarie:

  • One of the notable figures associated with the house is Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who served as the fifth governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821.
  • Macquarie and his wife, Elizabeth, resided in the house during his tenure. He undertook significant reforms and development projects in the colony, shaping the early growth of Sydney.

Architectural Significance:

  • The house was designed in a Georgian architectural style, which was common for colonial buildings of the era.
  • The design featured symmetrical facades, decorative details, and a sense of grandeur befitting a residence for colonial administrators.

Later Use and Transformation:

  • After Macquarie's time, the house continued to serve as a residence for various lieutenant governors.
  • Over the years, the house underwent changes and renovations to adapt to changing needs and preferences.

Governor-General's Residence:

  • In the mid-19th century, the house ceased to serve as the official residence for colonial governors and lieutenant governors.
  • It was later used as the residence for visiting dignitaries, including Governor-Generals of Australia.

Transformation into a Hotel:

  • By the 20th century, the house was no longer used as a residence for government officials.
  • In the 1980s, the building was converted into the Sir Stamford Circular Quay Hotel, a luxury hotel that preserved its historical facade and certain architectural features.

Historical Significance:

  • The Lieutenant Governor's House holds historical significance as a tangible link to the colonial administration of New South Wales and the development of Sydney.
  • It reflects the early efforts to establish an official presence and governance in the colony during its formative years.

The Lieutenant Governor's House at the corner of George Street and Grosvenor Street represents a part of Sydney's colonial heritage and the changing roles of historic buildings over time. Its transformation into a hotel has allowed its architectural and historical features to be preserved while also accommodating modern uses in the heart of the city.













Sunday, February 9, 2020

Frenchman’s Road - Eastern Suburbs - Randwick - Bond



Frenchman’s Road - Eastern Suburbs - Randwick 

Most people in the eastern suburbs in the 21st-century would know of Frenchmans Road.

I don’t know is that Frenchmans Road is pretty much one of the oldest tracks in Australia.

Right to the time that la Perouse came and set up camp at La Paroo‘s at Botany Bay. 














Australia Hotel - Castlereagh Street - SYDNEY




The Australia Hotel - Castlereagh Street Sydney















The Australia Hotel, located on Castlereagh Street in Sydney, was once a prominent and historic hotel that played a significant role in the city's hospitality and social scene. Here's an overview of its history:

Establishment and Early Years:

  • The Australia Hotel was established in 1891, during a period of economic growth and development in Sydney.
  • The hotel was designed by the architect William Wardell in the Second Empire architectural style, characterized by its elaborate façade and distinctive mansard roof.

Grandeur and Amenities:

  • The Australia Hotel was known for its grandeur and opulent interiors. It boasted luxurious amenities, including a large dining room, ballroom, bar, and accommodations for guests.
  • Its central location in the heart of Sydney made it a popular choice for visitors and locals alike.

Social Hub and Gatherings:

  • The hotel quickly became a social hub and gathering place for various events, meetings, and celebrations.
  • It hosted social occasions, weddings, balls, and other gatherings that attracted Sydney's elite and upper classes.

Accommodations and Services:

  • The Australia Hotel provided upscale accommodations for travelers and guests. Its elegant rooms and services catered to a discerning clientele.

Decline and Closure:

  • Over time, changing preferences and economic shifts impacted the hotel's viability. Modernization of accommodations and shifts in tourism trends led to decreased patronage.
  • The Australia Hotel faced financial difficulties and a decline in its reputation.

Demolition:

  • Despite efforts to preserve the historic building, the Australia Hotel was demolished in 1971.
  • Its demolition was met with public outcry and debates about heritage preservation.

Legacy:

  • The Australia Hotel's demolition marked the loss of a significant architectural and historical landmark in Sydney.
  • Its legacy continues to be remembered as an emblem of the city's history and a reminder of the importance of preserving heritage buildings.

While the Australia Hotel is no longer physically present, its history and impact on Sydney's hospitality industry and social life remain noteworthy. Its story serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of urban landscapes and the challenges of preserving historic structures in the face of modern development




















The renowned French actress Sarah Bernhardt's visit to Sydney and her stay at the Australia Hotel left a lasting impression on the city's cultural history. Sarah Bernhardt was one of the most famous actresses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for her exceptional talent and charisma on the stage. Here's an overview of her visit:

Visit to Sydney:

  • Sarah Bernhardt toured Australia as part of her international performance schedule. Her visit to Sydney took place in 1891.
  • At the time of her visit, she was already a legendary figure in the world of theater, celebrated for her roles in classic plays and her larger-than-life persona.

Staying at the Australia Hotel:

  • During her time in Sydney, Sarah Bernhardt stayed at the Australia Hotel, which was known for its luxurious accommodations and central location.
  • Her choice to stay at the Australia Hotel added to the hotel's prestige and drew attention to her presence in the city.

Theater Performances:

  • While in Sydney, Sarah Bernhardt performed at the Theatre Royal, captivating audiences with her performances.
  • She was known for her dramatic acting style and ability to portray a wide range of characters, from tragic heroines to comedic roles.

Cultural Impact:

  • Sarah Bernhardt's visit to Sydney created a significant cultural buzz. Her performances were widely covered by the media, and her presence drew large crowds and admirers.

Reception and Legacy:

  • The people of Sydney welcomed Sarah Bernhardt with enthusiasm and excitement. Her performances received positive reviews, and her visit was seen as a highlight of the city's cultural calendar.
  • Her time at the Australia Hotel and her performances left a lasting impact on the city's cultural scene and theater enthusiasts.

Continued Legacy:

  • Sarah Bernhardt's legacy as an iconic actress and her visit to Sydney are remembered as significant moments in the city's cultural history.
  • The Australia Hotel's connection to her visit adds to the hotel's historical importance and its role in hosting notable figures.

Sarah Bernhardt's visit to Sydney and her stay at the Australia Hotel provided an opportunity for the city's residents to experience the talent of a theatrical legend. Her impact on the cultural landscape of Sydney during her visit continues to be appreciated and remembered to this day.