The Argyle Cut - Argyle Street-Millers Point

THE ARGYLE CUT - THE ROCKS 

Do you go cut is a striking example of conflict public works. It was a colonial effort to overcome a challenging landscape, providing a more level crossing between the rocks and Millers point.

In 1843, convict labour was deployed to cut the roadway through the rocky peninsula. It was completed in 1959 with the use of explosives and council labour. Bridges over the cup were completed later.

The Uncle cup was also taken in the 1920s with the construction of the approaches to the Sydney Harbour Bridge

The Argyle Cut is A striking example of convict Public works. It was a Colonial effort to overcome a challenging Landscape, providing a more level crossing between The Rocks & Millers Point,

In 1843, convict labour was deployed to cut the roadway through the rocky peninsula. It was completed in 1859 with the use of explosives

Whenever I Happen To Pass The ARGYLE CUT I Always Think What An Amazing Piece Of Work It Is. Can You Imagine The Hundreds Of Comvicts All Chained Together In Chain Gangs. With Nothing More Than Blunt Picks Hitting The Sandstone. 

Walking Through The Cut You Just Can't Imagine Gravity Of Human Labour to Cut This Straight Out Of The Rock. 

Also Hard To Imagine The Bits Of Broken Sandstone Being Either Carried By Hand Or Using A Wheelbarrow Style Tool... 

Down To The Coastal Estuary Called Circular Quay And Tipped Into The Tidal Flat. The Reclaimed Land Has Added About 50 Metres To The Quay, And the Semi Circular Walls Were Built. 

When You See The Sandstone Sea Wall That Goes Right Around The Working Harbour From Millers Point, Dawes Point To Circular Quay And What Would Have Been Fort Macqaurie. 

"This Square Forms A Part Of An Area Of Old Sydney Called The Rocks, Once Famous As A Residential District And A Notorius Haunt Of Sailors. Argyle Street Was Named By governor Macquarie In 1810 After His Native Country. 

In The Cut Itself - High On The Wall There Is ThisNotice 

" Chas Moore -Mayor- 1867 - 1868

Above This Spot A Bridge Known AsThe  Princes Street Bridge Spanned The Original  Argyle Cut. As A Memorial Of The Bridge, The Above Stone, Which Formed Part Of It, Is Placed Where The Shadow Of The Bridge 

Francis Greenwaay's Residence - George Street, Cnr Argyle Street - The Rocks - Sydney -

Corner of George & Argyle Streets, South Western Corner 

Francis Greenway, Pioneer Of ClassicalGeorgian  Architecture in Australia, Was Born At Bristol, England In 1777. 

In 1811 Greenway forged An Endorsement On a Contract In An Attempt To Extract An Extra £250 Off His Client colonel Richard Doolan. He Was Arrested,  Imprisoned In Newgate, Found Guilty And On The 28th March 1812 Sentenced To Be executed. Later His Sentance Was Commuted To Transportation To New South Wales For 14 Years. He Arrived In Port Jackson On The "General Hewitt" On 7th February 1814

Fortunately The Wise Governor Macquarie Realised The Value Of A Trained Architect To Carry Out His Ambitious Building Plans. And In March 1816 Greenway was Appointed Acting Colonial Architect. 

With The Job Went Free Rations, A House, coals, A Convict Servant, A Horse And A Salary Of Three Shillings A day. In June 1819 Greenway Was Granted a Full Pardon to Celebrate The Completion of The Hyde Park Barracks He Was Invited to Dine At Government House. 

Greenway Prospered Until September 1819, When John Thomas Bigge Arrived From England As. A Royal Commissioner  To Investigate Governor Macquaries Administration And To Make Suggestions For Improving The System Of Governing The Colony. Bigge Hated Convicts And Emanciposts, And. A Bad Report From

him Resulted In Greenway Being Saceked In June 1822 

Some of His Well Remembered Buildings were 

- Hyde Park Barracks 

Francis Greenway's residence on George Street in Sydney, Australia, is a historically significant building associated with the renowned colonial architect Francis Greenway. Greenway was a convict architect who played a pivotal role in shaping the architectural landscape of early Sydney. Here's an overview of the history of his residence:

Early Life and Conviction:

• Francis Greenway was born in England in 1777. He trained as an architect and was later convicted of forgery in 1812.

Transportation to Australia:

• Greenway was transported to Australia as a convict in 1814 and arrived in Sydney.
• Due to his architectural skills, Governor Lachlan Macquarie recognized his talents and appointed him as the government architect.

Architectural Contributions:

• As government architect, Greenway designed and oversaw the construction of numerous important buildings in Sydney and beyond.
• His architectural style was characterized by Georgian and neoclassical influences, and his designs had a significant impact on the city's early colonial architecture.

Construction of the Residence:

• Greenway designed and built a residence for himself on George Street in the heart of Sydney.
• The residence showcased his architectural prowess and incorporated neoclassical elements that he favored in his designs.

Design and Features:

• The residence reflected Greenway's architectural principles, featuring symmetry, proportions, and elegant detailing.
• It was a two-story sandstone building with a distinctive facade and ornate wrought ironwork.

Later Years:

• After completing his sentence, Greenway was granted a full pardon in 1817, and he continued his work as an architect.
• He designed and contributed to a range of significant buildings in Sydney, including churches, government offices, and private residences.

Legacy:

• Francis Greenway's residence on George Street is a testament to his architectural legacy and his role in shaping Sydney's early architecture.
• The building's design and historical significance showcase Greenway's enduring influence on the city's architectural heritage.

Preservation and Recognition:

• The building has undergone various changes over the years but remains a recognizable landmark.
• It is recognized as a heritage-listed site and is protected for its historical and architectural value.

Francis Greenway's residence on George Street serves as a reminder of his impact on Sydney's architectural history. As a key figure in the city's colonial development, Greenway's designs continue to influence the way we perceive and appreciate the architectural heritage of early Sydney.

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