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Monday, December 16, 2019
Early Sydney Settlers - First Fleet Onwards
Early sydney settlers first fleet onwards
Governors Of New South Wales
1788 - 1793- Arthur Phillip
1810 - 1821 - Governor Macquarie
Richard Jones Mansion - Pitt Street south western side near Hunter Street
- judge Therry's Home
- Samuel Terry's Home
FAMOUS INNS OF SIN
- The Brown Bear
- the Cat and Fiddle
- The Jolly Sailor
- The Rose Of Australia
- The World Turned Upside Down
- The Whaler's Arms
- The Hero Of Waterloo
PEOPLE OF INTEREST
- Morris Asher - THE RAT PIT - Dog and Rat Fighting.
- Richard Jones - President Of The Bank Of NSW And Founder of The Bank Of Australia
- Major Robert Ross - lieutenant Governor October 1786
- Captain Tench Of The Marines
- Captain John Hunter
- Phillip Gidley King
- Robert Campbell - (Father Of Australian Commerce) - Campbell's Wharf
- Captain John Piper - "The Prince Of Australa" - John Pipers House At Point Eliza Now called Point Piper
- John Cadman
- Francis Greenway Residence - And A List Of The Buildings The He Designed
- Joseph Foveaux
- John Palmer
- Simeon Lord - former Convict And Later Merchant - Had A Mansio.
- Mary Haydock
- Captain Reiby
- Frederick Goulburn - First Colonial Secretary
- David Collins - Judge Advocate
- James Underwood and Underwoods Ship Building Yard
- Isaac Nicholls - Australia's First Postmaster On April 25th 1809
- lieutenant Willam Kent - 1751 - 1812
- John Dunmore Lang - The Australian College
George Crossley
- John Watts - Architect
- James Bloodsworth - Emancipated Convict And Master Builder
Aboriginal Land Names Across The Eastern Beaches
- Every Day Along The Eastern Beaches Of Sydney We Speak Words That Continue To Connect Us With The Cadigal People, The Traditional Owners (TO's) Of Cadigal Country
- Aboriginal Place Names Are Spread Across Australia From Coast To Coast, Derived From The Various Languages & Dialects That Once Dominated Their Respective Landscapes. Some Of The Names Were Adopted By Colonisers & Have Been Subsumed Into Mainstream Australian Culture, Others Are Still Used By TO's, Some Are No Longer Used At All, But Have Been Recorded Historically, & There Are Many That Have Been Lost From Memory.
Thursday, November 7, 2019
50 Martin Place - Government Savings Bank Of NSW
50 Martin Place - Martin Place
Built 1925 - 1928
When 50 Martin Place Opened In 1928 As Head Office for The Government Savings Bank of NSW. It Was The City's Tallest, And Most Expensie Building With The Worlds Largest Banking Chamber. It Has Since Been Transformed As The Global Headquarters Of Macquarie Group.
From The Street, The Buildings Beaux - Arts Facade Showcases A Solid red Granite Base, Topped with Four Columns And Pilasters, Clad In Pink Glazed Ceramic Tiles. Twelve Storeys In Height, It Was Crowned Originally With A Two Storey Attic, And, intriguinly, A Rooftop Rifle Range.
At Ground Level, The Grand Hall And Banking Chamber Are Lavishly Detailed In The NeoClassical Style, Featuring Marble And Scagliola - A Form Of Plaster - On Massive Stylised Columns.
Inside The Atrium Are Two Futuristic Circular Glass Lifts
An Extraordinary Eight Storey High Installation By Artist Nike Savvas, Colours Are The Country, Can Be Seen During The lift Journey, Straddling The Atium Is A New Steel Framed Glass Dome, Designed As A Fifth Facade To Be Seen From Thwe Neighbouring Builddings As A Shimmering Lantern.
Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Hyde Park Barracks - Macquarie Street
Hyde Park Barracks - Queens Square - Macquarie Street.
Hyde Park Barracks & The Government Horse Stables Located Near Government House On Macquarie Street Were The Two Great Accomplishments Of Francis Greenways Work Under The Authority Of Governor Macqaurie.
When Commissioner Bigge Arrived In Sydney In 1820 To Conduct His Investigation Of Governor Macquarie & What Was Going On With The Emancipast Reform In The Colony. The Two Buildings Which Threw The Most Anger At Colonial Government Decadence Was The Government Horse Stables Which Was Close
Hyde Park Barracks Is One Of Only 2 World Heritage Sites In Central Sydney. The Hyde Park Barracks Was Built By Convicts, For Convicts.
Old Convict Sites
Hyde Park Barracks is a historic site located in Sydney, Australia, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a rich history and has served various functions over the years. Here's an overview of the history of Hyde Park Barracks:
Construction and Purpose:
- Hyde Park Barracks was designed by architect Francis Greenway and completed in 1819.
- It was built to accommodate male convicts who were assigned to government labor and needed housing in Sydney.
Convict Accommodation:
- The barracks provided accommodation for convicts who were assigned to various government projects and labor, such as building roads, bridges, and other infrastructure.
- It played a significant role in the convict system of the early colonial period.
Design and Layout:
- The building's design is in the Georgian architectural style and features a long and symmetrical facade.
- It consists of three floors with rooms that were used for sleeping and communal spaces.
Overcrowding and Changes:
- Over the years, the barracks became overcrowded, and the conditions for the convicts were often harsh.
- In the mid-19th century, the building's use shifted to house immigrant women and girls, known as "female immigration depot."
Adaptations and Uses:
- In the late 19th century, the building was used for various purposes, including a courthouse and government offices.
- It was also used as a part of the university and a repository for legal documents.
Preservation and Restoration:
- In the 20th century, efforts were made to preserve Hyde Park Barracks as a historic site.
- The building underwent restoration to bring it closer to its original appearance during the convict era.
World Heritage Status:
- In 2010, Hyde Park Barracks was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Australian Convict Sites" World Heritage property.
Museum and Interpretive Center:
- Today, Hyde Park Barracks operates as a museum and interpretive center that provides insights into the lives of convicts, immigrants, and the building's historical context.
- It offers visitors a chance to learn about the experiences of those who lived and worked within its walls.
Hyde Park Barracks is not only a historic building but also a place of education and reflection, offering a glimpse into Australia's colonial history and the lives of those who shaped the nation's development
Wednesday, September 11, 2019
Martin Place - Sir James Martin - Sydney - New South Wales
Martin Place
Everyone Who Lives In Sydney Knows Martin Place
But As With All Our Australian Heritage No one Can Remember Or Care Why.
The Story Of Sir James Martin Is Such An Inspiring Story Its a Real Shame His Story Hasn't Been Told To The Generation Of Today
Sir James Martin was Born To Poor Parents Who Lives At Parramatta
He Was Very Smart And Was Accepted Into The Sydney School On College Street Which Later Became Sydney Grammar.
He Walked From Parramatta To School And Back Everyday
Sir James Martin Was Also The Only Person In Australian History To Be Premier If New South Wales, 3 times in Fact, Attorney General Of New South Wales, And Chief Justice Of NSW
The City Council Had Designed & Planned This Long Pedestrian Thoroughfare as "The Financial & Insurance Centre" Of Sydney. The Widening & Extension Through To Macquarie treet Began In 1923 But Didn't Finish Until 1935.
The initiasl Martin P;lace was the section between George Street and Pitt Street, and it was offically opened in 1892, and was named in honour of Sir James Martin, the three time Premier of New South Waleds, asnf the Chief justice of The Supreme Court of New South Wales.
Today's Martin Place was built in several stages. Until the 19th Century ponly the section between Pitt Street & Castlereagh Street existed in anything rresembling thre present form, as a short street named Moore Street. Between Pitt Street 7 George Street there wass only a small laneway
In 1863, construction begabn on the present General Post Office building on the South Side of the Laneway. The bvyuilding was constructed in stages,7 when the design changed to provide for a main faczaade on the longer nothern stages , there were commitments proposals to widen the existing laneway into a street connnected to Moore Street.
Martin Place has a large collecrtion of buildings in various styles, from neo classical ro contemporary
The Sydney General post Office - number 1 Martin Place id located at the Western end of Martin Place between george Street 7 Pitt Streets. Designed by thre Architect James Barnet, the building was constructed in stages from 1866 to 18891.
Barnet's building features Neo- Classical sandstone facade, with a colonade running arou nd the building ast street level,. Above the centre of the 100 metre Martibn Place Facade is the Clocktower.This building was the Headquarters Of the NSW postal sysrtem until 1996 ,, when it was sold off and refurbuished.
- the Bank Of Australiadsia Building - Number 2 Martin place - in a RFomanesque building standing on the corner of George Street & Martin Place. This bank merged into ANZ in 1951.
- Challis House - Number 4 Martin Place - It stands on land bought in 1906 for 500 Pounds per square foot by the University of Syxdney from the University Endowment DFunds.
The Building was designed by W. L. Vernpon, Government Architect and Robertson 7 Marks, Architects and was completed in 1907. The Building was named after Henry Challis, who in 1880 hasd bequesathed his estate valued at 276,000 Pounds (Over $30 - $50 Million Today) to the university.
This art deco building is adorned with the Sydney University crest above the doo, and forms one of the most important parts of the university's property portfolio.
The Commonwealth Trading Bank Building - Number 5 Martin Place - Is on the Corner of Martin Place & Pitt Street. Built in 1916, this 12 Storey building was designed & project Managed by the Sydney Architectural FirmJ & H Kirkpatrick. The building was the first large scale all steel framed "skyscraper" in Australia.
known as the "Sydney Bank" within the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, it was built to be the Headquarters of the Commonwealth bank of Australia.
The MLC Centre - Number 9 Martin Place - It sits upon the Old Site of the Australia Hotel. which wqas demolished tgo make way for this 228 metre reinforced concrete skyscraper, designed by Harry Seidler. At the time when it was opened it was the tallest reinforced concrete officre building in the world, 7 was the tallest building outside North America.
Construction of the building was controversial bevause it caused the demolityion of several historic landmark buildings.
The Henry Davis York Building -0 number 38 - 46 Martin Place - It is an 11 Storey Art Deco builfing on the corner of Castlereagh Street And Martin Place. It was the former Headquarters of MLC, and was taken over by the national Australia bank i n2000.
The State Savings Bank Building - Number 48 Martin Place - Later also owned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. It was built as the Headquarters of the Government Savings Bank of NSW & was opened in 1928. the Interior features Large Scagliola Columns, Extensive use of marble and a plaster and pressed metal ceiling. The buildings square Trading Hall was orignally one of the lasrgest in the world. A stately Vault in Housed in the Basement.
The Australian Provincial Assurance Building - Number 53 - 63 Martin Place - Is A 14 Storey art Deco building on the Corner of Elizabeth Street & Martin Place
The Colonial Building was the headquzaarters of The NSW State Bank - This 1986 post modern Building with its dark glass facade featurres a 36 storey tower atop a 2 storey Atrium.
Its the Headquarters for the Reserve Bank of Australia, Australia's Central bank, including a money museum.
Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Proclamation - Sir Richard Bourke - Governor Of New South Wales - Terra Nullius 1835
PROCLAMATION
By His Excellency Major-General Sir Richard Bourke, K.C.B. Commanding His Majesties Forces, Captain General And Governor In Chief Of The Territory Of New South Wales And Its Dependancies, And Vice Admiral Of The Same &c &c
Whereas, It Has Been Represented To Me, That Divers Of His Majesty’s Subjects HaveTaken Poessession Of Vacant Lands Of The Crown, Within The Limits Of This Colony, Under The Pretence Of A Treaty Bargain, Or Contract, For The Purchase Thereof, With The Aboriginal Natives; Therefore, I, The Governor, In Virtue And In Excercise Of The Power And Authority In Me
Vested, Do Hereby Proclaim And Notify To All His Majesty’s Subjects, And Others Whom It May Concern, That Every Such Treaty, Bargain, And Contract With The Aboriginal Natives, As Aforesaid, For The Possession, Title, Claim To Any Lands Lying And Being Within The Limits Of The Government Of The Colony Of New South Wales. As The Same Are Laid Down And Degined By His Majesty’s Commission; That Is To Say, Extending From The Northern Cape Or Extremity Of The Coast Called Cape York, In The Latitude Of Ten Degrees Thirty Seven Minutes South, To The Southern Extremity Of The Said Territory Of New South Wales, Or Wilson’s Promontory, In The Latitude Of Thirty Nine Degrees Twelve Minutes South, And Embracing All The Country Inland To The Westward, As Far As The One Hundred And Twenty Ninth Degree Of East Longtitude, Reckoning From The Meridian Of Greenwich , Including All The Islands Adjacent, In The Pacific Ocean Within The Latitude Aforesaid, And Including Also Norfolk Island, Is Void, And Of No Effect
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Saturday, November 24, 2018
The First Fleet Piano - The First Piano Brought To Australia
Monday, November 12, 2018
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Birth Of Captain Cook
Thursday, November 2, 2017
Australia Square - 264 George Street - Sydney
Australia Square - 264 George Street - Sydney
Built - 1961 - 1967
Architect - Harry Seidler - Harry Seidler & Associates
Australia Square Broke New Architectural Ground When It Was Completed In 1967. At 50 Storeys High, It Was Both Sydney's Tallest Building (Until 1976) And The World Tallest Reinforced Concrete Structure, Yet It Occupies Less Than A Quarter Of The Sote, Which Is Shared With A Low Rise Retail Plaza Building.
Australia Square Was Not Only A Building Of International Standing, But A Global Collaboration As Well. Seidler Delivered His Round Tower With The Help Of World Renowned Engineer Pier Luigi Nervi. The Towers Circular Form And Street Setback Helped To Avoid What Seidler Called The "Dark Canyon Effect" Of Conventional Rectangular Towers. Its External Vertical Supports Left Large, Column Free Office Floor Plates. The Dramatic Transparent Lobby Was Designed As A Grand Circualr Promenade, With Glass Walls Open To The Street And Soaring Ceilings On Which Nervi's Interlocking Concrete Ribs Were Exposed.
The Lobby Displayed Artworks By Le Corbusier And Victor Vasarely To The Street; These Tapestries Were Replaced In 2003 (For Fear Of Fading) With A Mural By New York Artist Sol LeWitt. For The Plaza - An "Open But Contained Space" Based On the Medievil City - Seidler Commissioned A Sculpture By Alexander Calder, Crossed Blades.
I can remember when the Waterline came to crack the start of Crown Street and you could actually row your boat and more your boat at the start of Crown Street and I have the ability in my memory so that was 150 years ago
"Culwulla Chambers" - 67 Castlereagh Street Cnr King Street - Sydney
"Culwulla Chambers" - 67 Castlereagh Street - Sydney
Culwulla Chambers is a historic building located on Macquarie Street in Sydney, Australia. It is a distinctive architectural landmark with a rich history. Here's an overview of the history of Culwulla Chambers:
Construction and Purpose:
- Culwulla Chambers was constructed between 1911 and 1912.
- It was designed by architects Spain and Cosh in the Chicago School architectural style, characterized by its verticality, decorative terra cotta detailing, and large windows.
Architectural Features:
- The building's design features elements such as bay windows, decorative terracotta panels, and a prominent cornice.
- It was one of the first steel-framed buildings in Sydney, allowing for its tall structure.
Name Origin:
- The name "Culwulla" is derived from the name of an Aboriginal clan that once inhabited the area.
- The Chambers part of the name reflects its function as office spaces.
Early Use and Occupants:
- Culwulla Chambers originally housed professional offices and medical practices.
- It attracted a diverse range of tenants, including doctors, dentists, lawyers, and architects.
Modern Amenities:
- At the time of its construction, Culwulla Chambers was equipped with modern amenities such as electricity and elevators, reflecting the technological advancements of the era.
Historical Significance:
- Culwulla Chambers is recognized as a significant example of Chicago School architecture in Sydney.
- It is also one of the few remaining commercial buildings from the early 20th century in the Macquarie Street area.
Heritage Status:
- Culwulla Chambers is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and the Register of the National Estate due to its architectural and historical significance.
Preservation Efforts:
- In recent years, there has been a focus on preserving and restoring Culwulla Chambers to maintain its historical integrity.
Today, Culwulla Chambers stands as a well-preserved example of early 20th-century architecture and serves as a link to Sydney's history and development. Its distinctive design and historical significance make it a notable landmark along Macquarie Street, contributing to the city's architectural heritage