Sydney Centenary – Celebrating 100 Years of Settlement

Sydney’s centenary celebrations in 1888 commemorated one hundred years since the arrival of the First Fleet and the establishment of the British colony at Sydney Cove. The anniversary was marked by civic ceremonies, public festivities and the opening of Centennial Park.

SYDNEY CENTENARY -

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SETTLEMENT

Observatory Hill - Fort Phillip - Sydney Observatory - Sydney - New South Wales

Sydney Observatory - Observatory Hill 

At Governor Debison's Instigation This Building Was Begun In 1857. The First Meridian Observations Commenced In June 1858

This is the sight of Sydney’s first Windmill. Also known as Fort Philip and Flagstaff Hill, eventually became known as Observatory Hill after the building of the sandstone Observatory in 1858.
While the colonies astronomers were making scientific observations from this building, local Sydneysiders knew it best for its timekeeping. Every day at 1 pm the ball on the top of the tower dropped, and a Canon blasters fired to the signal at the correct time. This was especially useful for ships import, enabling the accurate adjustment and calibration of marine chronometers

The Sydney Observatory is a historic astronomical observatory located in Sydney, Australia. It has a rich history dating back to the colonial period and has played a significant role in Australia's scientific and cultural development. Here's an overview of the history of the Sydney Observatory:

Early Establishment:

• The Sydney Observatory was established in 1858. Its primary purpose was to provide accurate timekeeping and meteorological observations for the colony of New South Wales.

Strategic Location:

• The observatory was strategically positioned on a hill overlooking Sydney Harbor, allowing astronomers to have an unobstructed view of the night sky.
• Its location also facilitated maritime navigation, as ships in the harbor could use the observatory's time signals to set their chronometers.

Instruments and Research:

• The observatory was equipped with a range of astronomical instruments, including telescopes and transit instruments.
• It conducted research on various celestial phenomena, such as comets, planets, stars, and the Moon.

Timekeeping and Signals:

• One of the observatory's key functions was to provide accurate timekeeping for Sydney and beyond. The time ball on top of the observatory's tower would drop daily at 1 p.m., allowing ships and the public to set their timepieces.
• The time signals were essential for coordinating activities, particularly in the days before standardized time zones.

Meteorology and Seismology:

• In addition to astronomy, the observatory collected meteorological data, including temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. This information was crucial for weather forecasting and understanding climate patterns.
• The observatory also played a role in seismology, monitoring and recording earthquakes and tremors.

Public Outreach and Education:

• The Sydney Observatory was not only a scientific institution but also a hub for public education and engagement. It held public lectures, stargazing events, and exhibitions to increase awareness and interest in astronomy and related sciences.

Challenges and Evolution:

• Over the years, the observatory faced challenges such as urban light pollution and encroaching development, which affected its astronomical observations.
• The observatory adapted to changing technologies, transitioning from visual observations to more advanced astronomical techniques.

Heritage and Restoration:

• The Sydney Observatory is recognized as a heritage site and is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register.
• Restoration efforts have been undertaken to preserve its historic instruments, buildings, and artifacts.

Modern Day:

• Today, the Sydney Observatory continues to operate as an educational and cultural institution, offering public programs, guided tours, and interactive exhibits.
• Visitors can learn about astronomy, timekeeping, and the history of the observatory while enjoying stunning views of Sydney Harbor.

The Sydney Observatory stands as a testament to Australia's scientific heritage and its contributions to astronomy, meteorology, and navigation. Its role in timekeeping, navigation, and public engagement has left a lasting impact on the city and the country's cultural and scientific landscape.

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

—————————

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

Argyle Street - Millers Point

This Roadway Was Cut Through Solid Rock in the 1840's To Give Access ToCircular  Quay To millers Point. 

The old people of Millers point, modern community Centre, have a view of something more in keeping with age.

Before then prim as an old-fashioned Posey, exciting Village Green charm, lies the cities last truly picturesque patch of its domestic past.

Actresses in a cottage or two, frames like valentines in the Tory 91 space a tiny part of all trees.

Most of the houses were built in the decade 1814 to 1850. For every century nobody thought much about them. Then in the 1961, two astonishment of the tenants Utan for generations, their landlords, the Maritime Services board, I did buy the National trust, moved in with gallons of tasty cheese and paint.

The colours, with white, the old houses acquired a new status. This, citizens begin to tell one another, was a part of old Sydney but it would be fine to see swept away in the modernising of the area, although there is a touch of irony in preserving anything so girls and respectable is the house is available place is a symbol of the rocks.

Behind them coming down the east first slime , I think Stu with a reputation as evil as it stench . Chanting houses stuff like wasps nests to the rock slopes .

There was no running water, no sanitation. Water had to be stripped out of Roxy peach or bought by the bucket from the visit in contact. That’s one define times; they are more numerous than the rate of children, the outnumbered by rats.

Towards the end of the century. These memories house like a shadow of a Carreon pro across the smiling little square

The old people of Millers point, drafting in front of the hideous modern amenities centre, have a new something more in keeping with the age. Before them, prim as an old-fashioned Posey, excluding Village Green charm lies the cities last truly picturesque patch of its domestic past.

A row of George and type terraces in a cottage or two framed like valentines in Victorian I and lace face a tiny part of all trees.

Most of the houses were built in a decade 1840 to 1850.

For over a century nobody thought much about them. Then in 1961, to the astonishment of the tenants-some families have lived there for four generations, their landlords, the Maritime services board, prodded by the national trust, moved in with gallons of tastefully chosen paint.

This, citizens begin to tell one another, was a part of old Sydney that it would be a crime to see you swept away in the modernising of the area, although there is a touch of irony in preserving anything so Das and respectable is the houses of Argyle Place as a symbol of the rocks.

Behind them, tumbling down to the harbour search in spreading East, what’s the colonies first slum, thieves stew with the reputation is evil it’s a stench. Chantey house is stuck like wasps nests to the precipitous rocks

behind them, tumbling down to the harbour surgeon spreading East, what’s the colonies first saw mum, Steve stew with the reputation as evil as it stands. Chantey house are stuck like wasps nests to the precipitous rock slopes. Many were painted with Robin how it’s for the worst element among visiting semen.

There was no running water, no sanitation. Water had to be scooped out of rock seepage or bought by the bucket from a visiting Carter. Goats swarmed with slimy parts; they were more numerous than the ragged children, the outnumbered by rats. Larrikin pushes terrorise the district towards the end of the century.

These memories past like a shadow of a Carreon Crow across the smiling little square.

The Orphan School - George St - Between Falley & Bridge St, Facing Grosvenor St

The Orphan School

George Street, Between Falley And Bridge Street, Facing Grosvenor Street

The female off at school

The female or from school was set up by Governor King in 1801 two houses just a tutte young girls.

It was officially opened on 17 August 1801, housing 31 girls between the ages of seven and 14. x 1829 there were 152 inmates, including some aboriginal girls

It was the first school to be established uaing public funds, and furthermore as a residential school to provide or care for orpahn destitute, neglected and abandoned girls. Theree are no admission registers, school rolls or requests for admission for this period of the Orphan School. 

When a new building was completed near the existing residence, there was room for more girls and on 31st December 1801 49 girls had been received into the Institution.

By 24th Msrch 1803 there were 54 girls. 

By 1806 - 6 Orphanss have been married, and portioned with 10 Pound each; and 11 have been bound Apprentices to Officers Wives. The reference to the 11 gurs who had been apprenticed indictaes a role which the Female Orphan School was to play in the colony. 

Sydney's Second Jail

Before Darlinghurst’s big sandstone gaol became the prison people mean when they say “the jail,” Sydney kept its civil prisoners at the corner of George and Essex Streets in The Rocks. Governor John Hunter ordered gaols for Sydney and Parramatta in the mid-1790s. The Sydney timber gaol of about 1797 — cells plus a separate debtors’ building — burned in early 1799. It was rebuilt on the same site in sandstone: the “second” Sydney jail of this post’s title, behind high walls at George and Essex.

That sandstone gaol held men and women convicted of offences within the colony (it was not mainly a holding pen for new transportees). Public hangings took place in the grounds; the timber gallows rose high enough to be seen from outside the walls and from a hill to the west. By the 1830s the building was overcrowded, insecure and widely regarded as an eyesore on a street turning commercial. Prisoners went to the new Darlinghurst Gaol in 1841, and the George Street gaol was subsequently demolished.

The site was archaeologically investigated in a 1979 rescue excavation before hotel development; the corner is now the Four Seasons Hotel (formerly the Regent). An RAHS Green Plaque later commemorated the site of Sydney’s first gaol. Keep this post clearly about the George / Essex gaol — not Darlinghurst, not Cockatoo Island.

Sydney’s First Newspaper - The Sydney Gazette - George St Near Alfred St - Circular Quay

Australia's First Newspaper

George Street, Eastern Side, Near Alfred Street, Curcular Quay 

The First Jssue Of "The Gazette" Was Piblished On March 5th 1803.

Captain David Collins Wrote  "In November, 1795, A Small Printing Press Which Had Been Brought Into The Settlement By Mr Phillip (Governor Phillip) .. Was Found Very Useful

The "Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser" holds the distinction of being Australia's first newspaper. Its establishment and subsequent history provide a glimpse into the early colonial period of New South Wales. Here's an overview of the history of the Sydney Gazette:

Establishment and First Issue:

• The "Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser" was first published on March 5, 1803.
• It was established by George Howe, who arrived in Australia as a convict and became the colony's first printer.

Purpose and Content:

• The newspaper served as a vital communication tool in the early colony, providing news, information, and announcements to the residents of New South Wales.
• The content of the Sydney Gazette included local and international news, official government announcements, shipping information, advertisements, and commentary.

Role in the Colony:

• In addition to disseminating news, the Sydney Gazette also played a role in shaping public opinion and conveying government policies and decrees.
• It was seen as a vehicle for disseminating information that would aid in the administration of the colony.

Government Influence:

• Given the newspaper's role and the early colonial context, it had close ties to the colonial administration.
• George Howe was officially appointed as the government printer, and the newspaper received financial support from the colonial government.

Expansion and Change:

• Over time, the Sydney Gazette expanded its coverage to include various topics, such as cultural events, literature, and societal issues.
• It also covered the challenges and developments of the early colony, including issues related to transportation, convicts, and exploration.

Competing Newspapers:

• While the Sydney Gazette held the distinction of being the first newspaper in Australia, it faced competition as other newspapers were established in the colony.
• The early colonial period saw the emergence of several other newspapers, each with its own editorial stance and readership.

Legacy and Influence:

• The Sydney Gazette holds immense historical significance as a primary source of information about the early colonial period of Australia.
• Its publications provide insights into the social, political, economic, and cultural landscape of the time.

Cessation:

• The Sydney Gazette continued to be published under various names and with different ownerships for many years.
• The newspaper ceased publication in 1842, marking the end of an era in Australian journalism.

The Sydney Gazette's role as Australia's first newspaper and its coverage of the early colonial period make it an invaluable resource for historians and researchers interested in understanding the origins of Australian media, society, and government.

Sydney’s First Post Office – George Street – Isaac Nichols – Sydney – New South Wales

Before there was a grand General Post Office on Martin Place, Sydney’s first official post office was simply the George Street house of emancipist Isaac Nichols. He was appointed Postmaster of New South Wales on 25 April 1809 — during the post–Rum Rebellion interim administration and Governor Macquarie confirmed the appointment in June 1810. The point was order: ships’ mail had been scrambled for on the wharves, with theft and chaos. Nichols was authorised to board arriving vessels, take charge of letters and parcels, and issue them from his premises at fixed rates; he published recipients’ names so mail could be collected in order. On 26 June 1809 he boarded the brig Experiment for the first bag of mail from Britain — often cited as the birth of Australia’s organised postal service.

This was Nichols’s own dwelling on lower George Street in The Rocks (near the Circular Quay end of the street), not a purpose-built GPO. Nichols remained postmaster until his death in 1819. The house photographed in the later nineteenth century was demolished in 1889; later General Post Office buildings on George Street / Martin Place are successors in function, not the same fabric.

Photographs here relate to that early George Street post-office site and its memory.

The First Post Office in Sydney

Lower George Street, The Rocks, near present Circular Quay West

Isaac Nichols Became Australia's First Postmaster On April 25th 1809

The Lumber Yard - Bridge Street - Southern Side - Between George & Pitt Streets

There’s nothing to see on the south side of Bridge Street now — offices, traffic, the usual CBD scramble — but this block between George and Pitt, running toward the Tank Stream, was the Government Lumber Yard. A short walk from the early bridge that gave the street its name. An earlier yard elsewhere was destroyed by fire; the Bridge Street complex became the main Sydney lumber yard from around the turn of the nineteenth century and was the colony’s central convict workshop. Sawyers, carpenters, blacksmiths, wheelwrights, coopers, tinsmiths, tailors, shoemakers and other gangs turned out tools, fittings, furniture, clothing and ironwork for government use.

Overseers and clerks kept the place running under military and civil supervision; convicts were marched to and from barracks. Governor Macquarie’s papers record a reward to long-serving clerk-overseer William Noah: a salary arrangement in 1818 and a pardon that year after “long and faithful services.” By about 1832 the Bridge Street yard closed and works shifted toward a smaller establishment near Hyde Park Barracks; the George–Bridge corner was subdivided and sold in the early 1830s. Nothing of the lumber-yard enclosures survives above ground. This is site-memory only, not a standing heritage building.

The Lumber Yard 

Bridge Street, Southern Side, Between George And Pitt Streets 

Convict Tradesmen Were Employed In The Lumber Yard, An Enclosure Between George Street And The Tank Stream. 
An Interesting Character That Worked At The Lumber Yard Was William  Noah, From Shropshire, Who Had Been Sentenced to Death For Burglary, Reprieved, And Banished To Botany Bay For Life
On The 28th April 1818 Governor Macquarie Wrote - "Because Of His Long And Faithful Services As Clerk Overseer Of The Lumber Yard, I Have Agreed To Pay William Noah A Salary Of Fifteen Pounds Sterling, From This Date."
And In That Year Governor Macquarie Gave Him A Full Pardon.