Governor Arthur Phillip's Canvas House - Bridge Street, In Front Of The Departrment Of Lands

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....."

The New South Wales Lands Department - Bridge Street - Old Sydney Town

The NSW Lands Department - Bridge Street -  Green Plaque - Historical Marker 3

Well This Is Some Pics I Took Of The NSW Lands Department In Bridge Street

The Lands Department - Sydney Historical Marker Number 3 - Bridge Street - Sydney

The Lands Department - Bridge Street - Sydney - Sydney Historical Marker 3 - 

The history of the Lands Department building on Bridge Street in Sydney is closely tied to the development of New South Wales and its colonial administration. The Lands Department, responsible for managing and regulating land ownership, allocation, and transactions, played a crucial role in the expansion and development of the colony. Here's a brief overview of the history of the Lands Department building:

Early History and Development: The origins of the Lands Department can be traced back to the early days of European settlement in Australia. As the colony of New South Wales began to establish itself, the need for a structured system of land management became evident. In 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip arrived with instructions to allocate land to settlers and convicts, which marked the beginning of land ownership in the colony.

Establishment of the Lands Department: The formal establishment of the Lands Department took place in 1833, when the Colonial Secretary's Office was reorganized to create separate departments, including the Surveyor-General's Office and the Registrar-General's Office. These offices were responsible for managing land surveys, land sales, and land title registration.

Construction of the Lands Department Building: The Lands Department Building, located at 22-33 Bridge Street in Sydney, was constructed to accommodate the growing administrative needs of the Lands Department. The original section of the building, known as the "Registry Building," was completed in 1877. The building was designed in the Renaissance Revival architectural style and featured ornate detailing, including elaborate facades and decorative elements.

Role in Land Management: The Lands Department played a pivotal role in managing the allocation and ownership of land in New South Wales. This included conducting surveys, maintaining land records, managing land sales, and overseeing the process of granting land titles. The department's activities were essential for facilitating settlement, supporting agriculture, and driving economic development in the colony.

Modernization and Changes: Over the years, the Lands Department underwent modernization and changes in its organizational structure. Advances in technology, such as computerization and digital record-keeping, transformed the way land transactions and records were managed. The department's responsibilities expanded to include environmental and heritage management.

Heritage Significance: The Lands Department building on Bridge Street is of historical and architectural significance. Its ornate design and prominent location reflect the importance of the department's role in the development of New South Wales. The building is a testament to the colonial administration's efforts to establish an organized system of land management.

As of my last update in September 2021, the Lands Department building was repurposed for different uses, including housing various government offices. For the most up-to-date information about the building's current status and any developments that have occurred after 2021, I recommend checking with local historical sources, government websites, or relevant authorities in New South Wales.