York Street Synagogue - York Street - Sydney 

The York Street Synagogue, also known as the York Street Great Synagogue, is a historic Jewish synagogue located in Sydney, Australia. It holds a significant place in the history of Sydney's Jewish community and is recognized for its architectural and cultural significance. Here's an overview of its history:

Founding and Early Years:

• The York Street Synagogue was established in the mid-19th century, with the foundation stone laid in 1842.
• It was the first purpose-built synagogue in Sydney and served as a place of worship for Jewish immigrants who had settled in the city.

Architectural Features:

• The synagogue's design reflects the architectural style of the mid-19th century, characterized by its Georgian and Victorian influences.
• It features sandstone construction, arched windows, and a prominent portico entrance.

Significance for the Jewish Community:

• The York Street Synagogue became a central institution for Sydney's Jewish community, providing a place for religious services, community gatherings, and social activities.
• It played a crucial role in maintaining Jewish traditions and fostering a sense of belonging among Jewish immigrants.

Expansions and Renovations:

• Over the years, the synagogue underwent various renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing Jewish community.
• In the late 19th century, the synagogue's interior was redecorated in a more ornate and Victorian style.

Cultural and Religious Activities:

• The York Street Synagogue was not only a place of worship but also a hub for cultural and educational activities within the Jewish community.
• It hosted religious services, celebrations, lectures, and events that promoted Jewish heritage and values.

Decline and Revival:

• By the mid-20th century, the Jewish population of Sydney had shifted, and many Jews had moved to other areas of the city.
• The synagogue faced challenges and declined in terms of active membership and use.

Historical and Heritage Significance:

• Despite the challenges, the York Street Synagogue remained a historically significant building in Sydney's architectural and cultural landscape.
• Its preservation was important to maintaining the historical and heritage value of the city.

Current Status:

• In recent years, the York Street Synagogue has undergone restoration efforts to preserve its historical architecture and ensure its continued relevance.

The York Street Synagogue stands as a testament to the history of Jewish immigration and settlement in Sydney. Its architecture, cultural significance, and role as a religious and community institution highlight its enduring importance within the city's diverse heritage.

St Phillip's Anglican Church - 3 York Street - Church Hill - Sydney - New South Wales

St Phillip's Anglican Church - 3 York Street - Church Hill - Sydney 

 St Phillips Anglican Church - 3 York Street - Church Hill - Sydney - New South Wales 

The chaplain to the First fleet, Richard Johnson grieved secular spirit of Governor Philip who seem to care more about food and shelter for his people in their souls, said about getting his own church built. I wattle and door prefer costing about £40 it was set in the vicinity of the present to Hunter Street. It lasted five years until it was burnt in 1798, probably by convicts and revenge for the way there rations with Dr when they dodge Sunday services
first fleet, Richard Johnson grieved secular spirit of Governor Philip who seem to care more about food and shelter for his people in their souls, said about getting his own church built. I want to indoor prefer costing about £40 it was set in the vicinity of the present Hunter Street. It lasted five years until it was burnt in 1798, probably by convicts and revenge for the way there rations with Dr when they dodge Sunday services
The first regular Anglican church, Saint Phillips was begun on Church Hill by Governor Hunter, who attacked an ugly building to talk clocktower used by the military as an observatory. The tower was knocked down twice by storms before the church was open for worship in 1809. Are the storms rage to and in 1808 long before the building was consecrated it was used for a rowdy meeting of colonists planning to depose Governor Bligh.
Nobody seems to have been sorry when the barn like old church gave way and 1856 to the new Saint Phillips a table a tablet in Lang Park on Churchill marks inside of the first church. The new one place further west is one of the most of my works of Edmund Blackett best Gothic style. The stain glass windows installed a particularly beautiful; being lightly tinted, they allow a soft brightness to illuminate the interior even on the old days.
Saint Phillips eight years to complete. Fashionable Anglicans, no doubt depressed by the gloom and decay of the old church preferred Saint James down near Hyde Park. Funds were hard to raise there was more of a shortage of workmen. Unimpressed by the need for tributes to God, most of them had gone to work for an holl on the goldfields

In the 19th century, several churches clustered on the hill will impact say.
Saint Phillips Anglican church was The first, built in 1798 after convicts burnt down the colonies very first church near Sydney Cove.
The current Saint Phillips on York Street dates from around 1848.
To the south, the Scots Presbyterian Church opened in 1826 but was demolished in 1926 to make way for the approaches to the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Its replacement was built in 1929 and converted into apartments in 2005.
To the north, St Patrick’s was built in the 1840s on land donated by William Davies, I’ll contact you are taking part in the Irish rebellion in 1798.
Saint Patrick‘s with Sydney second Catholic Church. It’s parishioners came from the colonies boisterous Irish work in class. Today St Patrick’s is the oldest remaining catholic Church in Sydney

The foundation stone was laid by Governor Hunter in 1798

Petty’s Hotel - York Street

 Petty’s Hotel 

The fire spirit of Dr John Dunmore Lang come out with a medical Scotsman we found the first Presbyterian church in Jemison Street in 2027, 20 Church Hill. Do you line newline. Locklin thoughtFor prefer a cheap convict labour migrants from Beggars him.

On site 36 becomes a pity, attending to my special place in town, particularly patronised family came back to Langford castigated.

On site 36 becomes petty, attending to my special place in town, particularly patronised family came back to Langford castigated.

Distinguished from overseas for sumptuously looked after. His final lodging. The 21-year-old princess Lily Decon day of the Royal house are friends died there in 1866. He was on a tour of Asia and the Pacific when he visited Sydney and Port a fatal chill. Body was preserved for shipping back to France. Before a requiem mass was held in Saint marries the coffee and stayed in petty surmounted by silver box holding the Princess band heart.

Hong Kong House - 80 Druitt Street - Sydney - New South Wales

Hong Kong House




Built - 1891
Board.



Architect - Ambrose Thornley


For Well Over 100 Years, Hong Kong House Has Been A Central Feature In The Cityscape And Development Of  Sydney.. A Beautiful Example Of Victorian Architecture, The Building's Ornate Facade Gives A Special Place In The City's Cultural And Heritage Landscape. Hong Kong House Occupies A Prominant Site At The Corner Of Druitt Street And York Street, Adjacent To Two of Central Sydney's Most Important Landmarks - The Town Hall And The Queen Victoria Building.


Constructed in 1891 To A Design By Architect Ambrose Thornley, The Building Was Originally Named Central Hotel, And Became The Gresham Hotel in 1906. For Much Of Its Life It Was A Hotel, With A Banking Chamber On the Ground Flor Of The York Street Frontage. The Building Was Converted Into Office Suites In The Late 1980's, And Purchased By The Hong Kong Government In The Mid 1990's, When It Became The Hong Kong Economic And Trade Office, The Hong Kong Trade Development Council And The Hong Kong Tourism

Queen Victoria Building - George Street, York Street, Market Street

The Queen Victoria Building 

The Queen Victoria Building Was Designed By City Architect George McRae, As Sydney's Central Markets, & Was Constructed Between 1893 And 1898. Being Planned &
erected At The Height Of The Reign Of Queen Victoria and It Was Named In Her Honour & In Celebration If Her Golden Jubilee In 1887 & Diamond Jubilee In 1897
The Site Is Bound By George Street, Market, York & Druitt Streets


The Plan Of The Building Was Direct & Simple; A Long Rectangle at a Which An Entry Was Provided At Each End & At The Centre  Of Each Long Side. The Markets Occupied The Basement & Were Serviced By Stairs & A Hydraulic Lift. There Were Shops & Apartments On The Ground & a First Floors, Warehouses, Showrooms & An Art Gallery On The Second, & Further Apartments & A Photo Gallery on
The Third Floor. 
At The Northern End Of The Building, Extending Through Several Storeys, Was A Large Hall Used For Concerts & Balls. 

In 1910 The City Markets Were Transferred Southwards To An Area Still Referred As The Haymarket, & The Queen
Victoria Building Was Subjected To An Unfortunate Successions Of Alterations Which
drastically Changed Its Architectural Character. 
Major Transformation Of The Interior If The Building were Made Between 1917
And 1930. The Original Gallery Was Destroyed & The Building
was Robbed Of Its Splendid Interior. The Glass Roof, No Longer Used For Light, Was Replaced By Galvanised Iron. 
In The 1950's, The City Council Contemplated Demolishing It & There Was Little Evidence Of Public Opposition.

By  
The Architectural style Chosen By George McCrae For His
markets Building Became Known As American Romanesque
The design & Erection Of The Queen Victoria Building a Was A Major Architectural Achievement, The More So When Considered In relation To The Depressed State Of the Australian Economy. 





By Good Fortune The Queen Victoria Building is Grouped With Its  Victorian Fellows - The Sydney Town Hall - & St Andrews Cathedral.

Romanesque, Neo Classic And Gothic Styles Merge Under The Influence

Fine Craftsmanship In Stone, Has Rarely Been More Lavishly
employed In Australia for This Late Victorian Building


Another Example Of The Work George McCrae Is This Red Brick
Building  In Hay Street Sydney. 
A Third Building Built By
McCrae, The Eastern Market Stood In Forbes Street Woolloomooloo, But Has Since Been Demolished. 
Such a Multiplicity Of Copper Domes, The Green  their Patina Varying In Intensity With Changing Moisture Or Light. The Building Can Boast Some Twenty Domes. 

The External Surface Of The Sandstone Shell Is Elaborately Decorated. Despite The Variety Of Elements Which Make The Expansive Facades - Windows & Door Openings In A Great Range Of Sizes & Groupings, Intricate & Ornate Mouldings, Projecting Bays & Recesses, Curbed & Square Wall Surfaces - There Is Consistency Of a Decoration Which Contributes To Rather Than Detracts From The Visual
unity As A Whole

The Queen Victoria Building (QVB) is a majestic and historic shopping center located in the heart of Sydney, Australia. It stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural heritage and has a fascinating history. Here's an overview of the history of the Queen Victoria Building:

Construction and Purpose:

• The Queen Victoria Building was constructed in the late 19th century, between 1893 and 1898.
• It was designed by architect George McRae in the Romanesque Revival style, reflecting the architectural trends of the time.

Named in Honor of Queen Victoria:

• The building was named in honor of Queen Victoria, who ruled the British Empire for over six decades.
• Its design incorporated various elements and symbols associated with the Victorian era.

Market and Shops:

• The QVB was originally built as a market hall and housed a wide range of shops, vendors, and traders.
• The central dome area, known as the "Domes," was particularly grand and impressive, with a glass roof allowing natural light to illuminate the interior.

Transformation and Decline:

• In the early 20th century, the QVB underwent various changes and renovations, including modifications to the interior layout.
• Over time, the market's popularity declined, and the building faced challenges due to changing shopping trends and economic shifts.

Threat of Demolition:

• By the mid-20th century, the QVB was facing the possibility of demolition due to proposals for urban redevelopment.
• However, public outcry and preservation efforts led to the building being saved from destruction.

Restoration and Revival:

• In the 1980s, the QVB underwent a significant restoration effort that aimed to restore its original grandeur while adapting it to modern retail needs.
• The restoration work included repairs to the structure, refurbishing of decorative elements, and updates to ensure safety and accessibility.

Reopening as a Shopping Center:

• In 1986, the Queen Victoria Building reopened as a modern shopping center with a mix of high-end boutiques, specialty stores, cafes, and restaurants.
• It became a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a unique shopping experience within a historical setting.

Heritage Status and Recognition:

• The QVB is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and holds significance as an architectural masterpiece and a reflection of Sydney's history.

Today, the Queen Victoria Building stands as a beautifully restored and thriving shopping center that seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary retail offerings. It remains an iconic landmark in Sydney, embodying the city's cultural heritage and architectural excellence