St James Church - 173 King Street

St James Church

The Foundation Stone For This Building Was Laid In 1819. 

The Church Of St James , Designed By Francis Greenway, Was Consecrated In 1824 . John Verge Built The Vestries In 1832. The Exterior Reconstructed By Varney Parkes And Burcham Clamp Between 1852 And 1901

The Church Was Refurbished And The Chapel Glass Walls Were Installed In 1988. 

St. James, Sydney's Oldest Surviving Church Building, Continues To Stand As A Christian Witness To The City Of Sydney.

St. James' Church is a historic Anglican church located in Sydney, Australia. It is one of the oldest and most significant churches in the city, known for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Here's more information about St. James' Church:

History: St. James' Church was designed by the renowned colonial architect Francis Greenway. Construction of the church began in 1819 and was completed in 1824. The church's architecture is characterized by its Georgian style, featuring a simple yet elegant design with classical elements.

Architectural Features: The church's design incorporates elements such as a tall steeple, Doric columns, and a portico. Its sandstone exterior and interior reflect the prevailing architectural style of the time. St. James' is often praised for its harmonious proportions and the balance between its various architectural elements.

Significance: St. James' Church holds significant historical and cultural importance for Sydney and Australia as a whole. Some of its notable aspects include:

1. Oldest Church in Sydney: St. James' Church is one of the oldest churches in Sydney, dating back to the early years of the colony.

2. Greenway's Legacy: The church is one of the buildings designed by Francis Greenway, a talented architect who was a convict in the early years of the colony. Greenway's architectural contributions have left a lasting impact on Sydney's historic landscape.

3. Community Hub: Throughout its history, St. James' Church has served as a spiritual and community center. It has been a place of worship, weddings, funerals, and other important life events for generations of Sydneysiders.

4. Cultural Landmark: The church's architectural significance and historical associations have made it a recognized cultural landmark in the city.

Location: St. James' Church is situated on King Street, near Hyde Park in the central business district of Sydney. Its prominent location has contributed to its role as a historical and architectural focal point.

Heritage Status: The church is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, acknowledging its importance in the state's history and architecture.

Visitors to Sydney often appreciate the opportunity to explore St. James' Church and its surroundings. Its architectural charm and historical significance offer a glimpse into Sydney's colonial past and its ongoing cultural heritage.

In 1828 the fashionable parish Of Saint James Anglican church, near Hyde Park, saw nothing humorous about the events for Sunday sixth of July.

The bell had scarcely ceased ringing when the commotion began. 

Wild Mr Edward shall, editor of the “Monitor” newspaper, was rustling up the door of his high sided pew, while his motherless young daughters looked on in fright.

Mr Hall, who’s come to Sydney as a Free setter,  spent a lot of his time in goal for levelling the authorities.

He’s been applying a recent stretch of freedom by taking the pastor of Saint James Archdeacon Thomas Hobbes spot. Now the Archdeacon had retaliated by locking him out with his peers.

Pork not hesitate.

Living like a kangaroo, as he later posted, he went over the top, burst a few door, and hussled his brood to their seats.

The following Sunday three Beatles were standing guard is a few, stays at the ready. Call setting self and his daughters on the stone all the steps. Divine service proceeded, the congregation rustling the shop. But the archdeacon Scott, a former wine merchant him some suspected of hastening into holy orders so we could take up the rich living of Saint James won the battle.

He boarded up the pew like the deck of the ship. He and the fight fighting a little bit but then wage a long time inconclusive battle in the courts.

Pork not hesitate.

Living like a kangaroo, as he later posted, he went over the top, burst a few door, and hussled his brood to their seats.

The following Sunday three Beatles were standing guard is a few, stays at the ready. Call setting self and his daughters on the stone all the steps. Divine service proceeded, the congregation rustling the shop. But the archdeacon Scott, a former wine merchant him some suspected of hastening into holy orders so we could take up the rich living of Saint James won the battle.

He boarded up the pew like the deck of the ship. He and the fight fighting a little bit but then wage to long in inconclusive battle in the courts.

Francis Greenway, who are designed for James and 1819 at the courthouse, had been livid when commission to be made and converted into a substitute for the cathedral he on governor McQuarrie the planning.

Methodist chapel he grumbled as he went about his conversion.

But today with my the church for George and Grace. It has been much restored, from the Coppers she fell tower to the sandstone foundations, and always beautiful to the centre period.

Sydney Centenary - Celebrating 100 Years Of Settlement

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

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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

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 

George Street, Near Essex Street. This was A Stone Building Which Replaced The Log One Which Had burnt Down In February 1799. It Was Used Until June 1841, When Darlinghurst Was Opened. 

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 - Issac Nicholls - Sydney - New South Wales

The First Post Office in Sydney

Corner Of George Street And Alfred Streets, 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

The Lumber Yard 

Bridge Street, Southern Side, Between George And Pitt Streets 

Convict Tradesmen Were Employed In The Lumber. Yard, An Enclsoure Between George Street And The Tank Stream. 
An Interesting Character That Worked At The Lumber Yard Was William  Noah, From Shropshire, Who Had Been Sentanced 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 Overseerer 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.