Old Parramatta Government House Precinct – Parramatta – New South Wales

 

The Old Parramatta Government House Precinct preserves an important part of Parramatta’s colonial history in western Sydney. Parramatta is one of Australia’s oldest European settlements, established in the early years of the colony. The precinct’s surviving buildings and archaeological remains help show how the settlement developed.

Old Parramatta Government House Precinct - Parramatta - New South Wales 

Haymarket still smells like a market even when you’re only cutting through to Chinatown — fruit crates, discount jeans, the Saturday crush on Campbell Street. Paddy’s Markets take their name from a long Sydney habit of popular evening and weekend trading. In 1834 Governor Richard Bourke moved cattle, hay and grain markets to Campbell Street and created the district still called Haymarket. Around those official yards a fringe of food sellers, second-hand dealers and Saturday-night stallholders grew up; allowing late Saturday trading is widely treated as the start of the Paddy’s-style market culture locals later named after similar “Paddy’s” markets in Britain.

By the later nineteenth century the Campbell Street / Haymarket site was as much farm-produce and popular market as hay yard. Buildings were rebuilt and stalls relocated several times. When wholesale markets shifted to Flemington in 1975, a Paddy’s retail market was retained there — and the Haymarket Paddy’s also continued, remaining a Chinatown landmark rather than vanishing with the wholesale trade.

Todays Campbell Street / Haymarket Paddy’s is still a working market precinct within Sydney Markets’ operations, even as individual buildings and tenancies change.

Paddy’s Markets in Haymarket take their name from a long Sydney tradition of popular evening and weekend trading. In 1834 Governor Richard Bourke moved cattle, hay and grain markets to Campbell Street, creating the district still called Haymarket. A fringe of food sellers, second-hand dealers and Saturday-night stallholders grew up around those official markets; allowing late Saturday trading is widely treated as the beginning of the Paddy’s-style market culture that locals later named after similar Paddy’s” markets in Britain.

By the later nineteenth century the Campbell Street / Haymarket site was as much a farm-produce and popular market as a hay yard. Market buildings were rebuilt and stalls relocated several times (including moves associated with Belmore markets and twentieth-century market halls). When wholesale markets shifted to Flemington in 1975, a Paddy’s retail market was retained there — and the Haymarket Paddy’s also continued, remaining a Chinatown landmark rather than disappearing with the wholesale trade.

Today’s Campbell Street / Haymarket Paddy’s is still a working market precinct within Sydney Markets’ operations, even as individual buildings and tenancies change. Photographs here document the Haymarket market presence on Campbell Street.

Paddy’s Markets - Campbell Street - Haymarket - Sydney - New South Wales 

 

The Sydney Arcade

400 George Street - King Street - Sydney 

Designed by Thomas Rowe and built in 1881, The Sydney Arcade was a lesser known rival to the neighbouring Strand Arcade. Forming an unusual L-shape from 400 George Street to King Street, it was a 2 storey building with about 78 shops and offices over the 2 levels. The vaulted glass ceiling presented a light and ventilated arcade with an architectural difference to the other arcades in Sydney at that time. I'm still trying to work out when it was demolished.

The Strand Arcade is a historic shopping arcade located in the heart of Sydney, Australia. It is renowned for its architectural beauty, Victorian-era design, and role as one of Sydney's premier shopping destinations. Here's an overview of the history of the Strand Arcade:

Construction and Design:

• The Strand Arcade was built during the late 19th century and officially opened on April 1, 1892.
• The arcade was designed by architect John Spencer, who aimed to create a grand and sophisticated shopping space that would cater to the growing affluent population of Sydney.

Elegant Victorian Architecture:

• The Strand Arcade is characterized by its ornate and elaborate Victorian architecture. It features a glass roof, intricate iron lacework, and decorative tiles.
• The use of natural light from the glass roof was a novel feature at the time and added to the arcade's unique atmosphere.

Commercial Evolution:

• From its inception, the Strand Arcade was home to a variety of high-end boutiques, shops, and businesses catering to a discerning clientele.
• Over the years, the arcade has housed a diverse range of businesses, from fashion boutiques to cafes, jewelry stores, and specialty shops.

Resilience Through Time:

• The Strand Arcade has weathered various challenges and changes in consumer preferences over the decades. It has managed to maintain its charm and appeal, becoming a beloved fixture in Sydney's retail scene.

Renovations and Restoration:

• The arcade has undergone several renovations and restoration projects to preserve its historical features while modernizing its facilities.
• Efforts have been made to maintain the original design elements while accommodating contemporary shopping needs.

Heritage Significance:

• The Strand Arcade is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.
• It is considered one of the few remaining examples of Victorian-style shopping arcades in Australia.

Modern Shopping Experience:

• The Strand Arcade continues to offer a unique shopping experience, blending the elegance of the past with contemporary retail offerings.
• The arcade attracts both local shoppers and tourists, drawing them in with its combination of heritage and modernity.

Cultural Landmark:

• The Strand Arcade has become more than just a shopping destination; it is a cultural and architectural landmark that contributes to Sydney's identity and history.

Today, the Strand Arcade stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of timeless architecture and the role of historic structures in shaping the character of a city. Its rich history and ongoing commercial success make it a cherished part of Sydney's urban fabric.

 

The Lord Dudley Hotel - 1895 - Woollahra - New South Wales 

Enjoying a pint outside the Lord Dudley in Woollahra, the late, great Anthony Bourdain fell in love with a uniquely Aussie tradition. "Daytime drinking is really underrated," Bourdain observed. 

And we agree, few things are better than a pint of ale on a sunny Sydney afternoon and there are few places better than this eastern suburbs classic. 

Since 1895, this Tudor-like pub with creeping-vine exterior has been a drinker's paradise (a foodie's too, with scotch eggs, 

Guinness pies and lamb-fry). And if the sun ain't shining then park yourself by the ornate wooden bar, the dartboard or the open fireplace.

Historical Pubs And Hotels - Sydney