Sydney Garden Palace - Part 1 - Macquarie Street - Sydney - New South Wales

 

Sydney Garden Palace - Macquarie Street - Sydney - New South Wales 

The Sydney Garden Palace was a grand exhibition building that once stood in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Here's everything you need to know about the Sydney Garden Palace:

1. Construction and Purpose: The Sydney Garden Palace was constructed in 1879-1882 as the centerpiece for the Sydney International Exhibition, showcasing the achievements of industry and culture from around the world. It was designed by architect James Barnet in the Victorian architectural style and built in the Sydney Royal Botanic Garden.

2. Architecture and Features: The Garden Palace was an impressive structure, covering an area of approximately five acres (two hectares) and standing over 210 feet (64 meters) tall. It featured a combination of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural elements, with grand arches, domes, and intricate ornamentation.

3. Exhibition: The Sydney International Exhibition, held from September 1879 to April 1880, was a significant event in Sydney's history. The Garden Palace housed a vast array of exhibits, including industrial products, fine arts, agricultural displays, machinery, and cultural artifacts from various countries. It attracted visitors from Australia and around the world.

4. Destruction: Tragically, on September 22, 1882, just two years after the exhibition, the Garden Palace was destroyed by a massive fire. The fire, believed to have started in the basement, rapidly spread and consumed the entire building. The destruction of the palace was a significant loss to Sydney's architectural heritage.

5. Loss of Archives: The Garden Palace housed important collections and archives, including valuable Aboriginal artifacts, scientific specimens, historical records, and the New South Wales state library. Unfortunately, the fire resulted in the loss of much of this cultural heritage, making it a great tragedy for Australia's history and memory.

6. Legacy: Despite its short existence, the Sydney Garden Palace left a lasting impact on Sydney's cultural and architectural history. Its destruction highlighted the need for fire safety regulations and disaster prevention measures in public buildings. The loss of the archives and artifacts also underscored the importance of preserving and safeguarding historical and cultural treasures.

7. Commemoration: Today, the site where the Garden Palace once stood is marked by a monument known as the Garden Palace Ruins. The monument consists of a series of sandstone steps leading to a bronze plaque, commemorating the site and its historical significance.

The Sydney Garden Palace remains an intriguing part of Sydney's past, evoking the grandeur and cultural significance of the Sydney International Exhibition. While the physical structure is no longer standing, its memory serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and cherishing cultural heritage

There Are Very Few Photos Of The Sydney Garden Palace, Located Within The Royal Botanic Gardens & The Government Domain. Located At The Royal Botanic Gardens. 

The Sydney Garden Palace Was Built To Hold The World Exhibition In September 1878. It Was The Most Magnificent Building In Sydney For The Time, Far Outweighing The Queen Victoria Building

The Palace Was Composed Almost Entirely Of Iron, Glass, With Wood Used Only In The Fittings & Floorboards. 

The Construction Used 

2,300 Cast Iron Girders 

358 Wrought Iron Trusses To Support The Roof

3230 Hollow Cast Iron Columns, Which, As Well As Being The Primary Supporting Infrastructure, Served As Water Pipes To Carry Off Rainwater...
From The 54.7km Of Guttering. 

325 Kilometres Of Sash Bars Supporting Glass Weighing More Than 406 Tonnes

The Final Structure Was 563m Long & 124m Wide With A Central Transept 22m Wide & Rising To 32.9m, 

Specially Designed To Enclose Within The Building A Grove Of Tall Elms That Public Opinion Would Not Allow To Be Cut Down.

The Garden Palace Covered Over 7 Hectares And Covered 934,560 Cubic Metres, While Galleries Added Another 2 Hectares To The Floor Area.

Opening Day Was A Sensation.... 

Visitors Came To The Exhibition In Numbers That First Alarmed, Then Surprised, & Finally Delighted The Organisers....

Other Statistics Add To The Legend Of The Exhibition. It Attracted Far More Than 6 Million Visitors During The 141 Days It Was Open To The Public

The Exhibition Also Achieved Some Other Firsts For Australia.....  Including 

£1769 To The Overall Profit Of £186,000

£2 Million 

It's Hard To Believe When Walking Through The Wrought Iron Gates At The Royal Botanical Gardens, That One Of The Grandest Buildings In Australia Once Stood There. 

& The Following Weeks Exceeded All Expectations. 
Men, Women & Children Came...
They Came Singly....
They Came In Families...
They Came....
In The End in Droves. 
On One Day In October Over 109,915 People Were Admitted Into The Exhibition. .
- Many From Overseas.....
An Incredible Number Considering A Population Much Lower.... & Poorer Than Today
And Limited Transport Options
There Were No International Flights Or Bus Tours 
The First Public Toilets.... Which Brought A Contribution Of  
The Total Value Of The Exhibits Was Estimated At About 
Not Including The Koh-i-Noor (Mountain of Light) Diamond.

Not Surprisingly The Phenominal Success Encouraged International Emulation & The Rest Of The World Quickly Followed Suit.


Built On A Hill Which Was Originally Used As A Run For The Governor's Livestock, The Garden Palace Stood Proudly Along Macquarie Street, Above The City, It Stood As A Symbol Of Sydney & The Colonies Encouraging Growth & Maturity As A Nation. 

The Palace Was Designed By James Barnet For The Sydney International Exhibition Of 1879 - 1880. 
He Had Little Time To Waste & Had Less Than 10 Months To Erect What Was Originally Planned As A Temporary Building. 
Over 3,000 Labourers Were Employed On The Construction Site. Special Carbon Arc Electric Lighting Was Imported From England To Light Up The Site At Night, Allowing Work To Continue Around The Clock. 
The Only Hitch In His Rush Job Was A Strike That Occurred Following The Death Of A Worker. 
Most Of The Carpenters Walked Off The Job Demanding Higher Wages, but Returned A Few Days Later When They Realised The Government Wasn't Going To Give In To Their Demands. 

The Garden Palace Was Completed One Week Before The Exhibition Began. 

150th Anniversary Of Settlement I’m Australia - Sydney Morning Herald -

 

 150th Anniversary Liftout From The Sydney Morning Herald 

Queens Chambers - Cnr Of Macquarie St & King St - Sydney - New South Wales

The Queens Chambers - Corner Of Macquarie Street & King Street - Sydney - NSW

The Queen's Chambers on Macquarie Street in Sydney refers to a historic building that once stood at that location. Here's some information about the Queen's Chambers:

1. Location: The Queen's Chambers were located on Macquarie Street, which is a major street in the central business district of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Macquarie Street is known for its significant heritage buildings and is home to various government institutions and cultural landmarks.

2. History: The Queen's Chambers were constructed in the late 19th century. The building was designed in the Victorian architectural style, reflecting the architectural trends of that era.

3. Purpose: The Queen's Chambers served as commercial offices, housing various businesses and professionals over the years. It was named in honor of Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch during the time of its construction.

4. Architectural Features: The Queen's Chambers featured ornate detailing, including decorative facades, intricate stonework, and elegant interiors. The building showcased the craftsmanship and architectural grandeur of the late 19th century.

5. Demolition: Unfortunately, the Queen's Chambers no longer exist today. Like many historic buildings in Sydney, the Queen's Chambers were demolished due to urban development and city planning initiatives. The exact date of its demolition is unclear.

6. Heritage and Preservation: While the Queen's Chambers itself is no longer standing, the preservation of heritage buildings on Macquarie Street remains a priority. Macquarie Street is lined with numerous historic structures that have been preserved and protected due to their architectural, historical, and cultural significance.

It's important to note that the information provided is based on general knowledge of historic buildings in Sydney, and without more specific details or additional research, it may not capture the complete history or intricacies of the Queen's Chambers on Macquarie Street.

 
The Queens Chambers 

DEMOLISHED 

History Of Dubbo - New South Wales

The History Of Dubbo  - New South Wales 

 

Dubbo - New South Wales 

Dubbo is a city located in the Orana region of New South Wales, Australia. Here's an overview of the history of Dubbo:

1. Indigenous History: The Dubbo region has a long history of human occupation by the Wiradjuri people, who are the traditional custodians of the land. They have lived in the area for thousands of years and have a rich cultural heritage.

2. European Settlement: European exploration of the Dubbo area began in the early 19th century. In 1818, John Oxley, an explorer and surveyor, visited the area and named the river nearby the Macquarie River after Governor Lachlan Macquarie. It was Macquarie who later established a town on the site.

3. Establishment of Dubbo: The town of Dubbo was established in 1849 when the New South Wales Surveyor-General, Sir Thomas Mitchell, selected the site for a township on the banks of the Macquarie River. The town was named after a village in Ireland.

4. Growth and Development: Dubbo grew steadily, benefiting from its strategic location as a crossing point on the Macquarie River and along major stock routes. It served as an important center for pastoralists, gold miners, and those seeking new opportunities in the expanding western regions of New South Wales.

5. Infrastructure and Services: Over time, Dubbo developed essential infrastructure and services. In 1871, the railway line reached the town, connecting it to Sydney and facilitating transportation of goods and people. The town also established educational institutions, hospitals, and other amenities.

6. Economic Activities: The local economy of Dubbo has been predominantly based on agriculture, particularly sheep and cattle farming. The region is known for its agricultural productivity, including wheat, wool, cotton, and other crops.

7. Cultural Heritage: The Wiradjuri people have a significant presence in Dubbo, and their cultural heritage is celebrated and respected. Dubbo is also home to the Dubbo Observatory, which offers stargazing opportunities and promotes astronomy education.

8. Tourism: Dubbo has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its attractions such as the Taronga Western Plains Zoo, the Old Dubbo Gaol (a former prison turned museum), and various outdoor recreational activities.

Today, Dubbo is a thriving regional center, serving as a hub for commerce, education, health services, and tourism. It continues to grow and evolve while preserving its historical and cultural significance.

Sydney Hospital - Macquarie Street - August 2021

Sydney Hospital August 2021

Sydney Hospital, also known as Sydney Hospital and Sydney Eye Hospital, is one of the oldest hospitals in Australia. Here's some information about Sydney Hospital:

1. History: Sydney Hospital was established in 1788, making it the oldest hospital in Australia. It was founded just months after the arrival of the First Fleet, which established the British colony of New South Wales. Initially, it provided medical care for convicts and military personnel.

2. Location: Sydney Hospital is located in Macquarie Street, in the heart of Sydney's central business district. It occupies a prominent position near the Royal Botanic Garden and is surrounded by other significant landmarks, including the State Library of New South Wales and the New South Wales Parliament House.

3. Services: Sydney Hospital is a general public hospital that offers a wide range of medical services. It provides emergency care, surgical procedures, specialized clinics, and outpatient services. The hospital is known for its expertise in ophthalmology (eye care) and is home to the Sydney Eye Hospital, which is a dedicated eye care facility within the broader hospital complex.

4. Architecture: The main building of Sydney Hospital is an impressive example of Georgian architecture. Constructed from locally sourced sandstone, it features classical elements such as colonnades, porticos, and decorative detailing. The building has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years to accommodate the growing needs of the hospital.

5. Heritage Significance: Sydney Hospital is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and is recognized for its historical and architectural importance. The hospital has preserved some of its original structures and continues to provide healthcare services while maintaining its historical integrity.

6. Teaching and Research: Sydney Hospital has a strong association with medical education and research. It serves as a teaching hospital for medical students from the University of Sydney and other universities. The hospital is also involved in clinical research and contributes to advancements in medical knowledge and practices.

7. Community Engagement: In addition to its medical services, Sydney Hospital actively engages with the community. It participates in health promotion activities, organizes public lectures and events, and provides support for patients and their families.

Sydney Hospital holds a significant place in the history of Australian healthcare and continues to provide essential medical services to the community. Its central location and rich heritage make it an iconic institution in Sydney's medical landscape.

Albert The Good Statue - Queens Square - Hyde Park Barracks Vicinity - Macquarie Street - Sydney - NSW

 

Albert The Good Statue - Queens Square - Hyde Park Barracks Vicinity - Sydney - NSW

This statue of Albert the Good by English sculptor William Theed (1804-91) stands in Queens Square however, when it was first unveiled by the Governor Sir John Young in April 1866, it was located at the entrance to Hyde Park. Albert the Good was the Prince Consort, the husband of Queen Victoria. During World War I, moves were made to have the statue removed as Prince Albert was a German, and anti-German sentiment was running high at the time. Those arguing for the statue's removal also pointed out that Prince Albert had never set foot on Australian soil and had done nothing to promote or assist in Australia's development (hardly the truth). The statue was moved to an out of the way corner of the Botanical Gardens. After the war, it was moved to its present location opposite the one of his partner, Queen Victoria, and managed to survive another demand for its removal during World War II

his statue of Albert the Good by English sculptor William Theed (1804-91) stands in Queens Square however, when it was first unveiled by the Governor Sir John Young in April 1866, it was located at the entrance to Hyde Park. Albert the Good was the Prince Consort, the husband of Queen Victoria. During World War I, moves were made to have the statue removed as Prince Albert was a German, and anti-German sentiment was running high at the time. Those arguing for the statue's removal also pointed out that Prince Albert had never set foot on Australian soil and had done nothing to promote or assist in Australia's development (hardly the truth). The statue was moved to an out of the way corner of the Botanical Gardens. After the war, it was moved to its present location opposite the one of his partner, Queen Victoria, and managed to survive another demand for its removal during World War II.  


Prince Albert Road 

Forming the eastern half of the semi-circle of road at the northern end of Hyde Park, Prince Albert Road serves no particular purpose than to provide balance and contrast to St James Road. Its name seems appropriate, given that it honours Albert the Good, the German born Consort and husband of Queen Victoria, who many believe served no particular regal purpose than to provide balance and contrast to Queen Victoria. The connection between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert accounts for the naming of Prince Albert Road, given its relationship with Queens Square. Queen Victoria is thought to have given him his title because he was German and not English, so their would have been some concern over the Queen marrying a foreigner. The title "Albert the Good" would have been part of Royal propaganda to winning the people around with the assurance that he was real a good fellow. 

Prince Albert never visited Australia and was little known in this country except for his straight-laced moral attitude, his devotion to his wife and her deep love for him. He was the mastermind of the Crystal Palace exhibition of 1851 which triggered a succession of imitative expositions around the British Empire including one in Sydney and another in Melbourne. He contracted typhoid fever and died shortly before Christmas 1861. Prince Albert's death devastated Queen Victoria who suffered a nervous breakdown. For the rest of her life she slept with a photo above her head, taken of him as he lay dead, and had his clothes laid out on the bed. The basin in his room was filled with fresh water every day until her death.

St Michael’s Church - Vaucluse - New South Wales

 

St Michael’s Church - Vaucluse