Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Marcus Clarke Building - Railway Squre - George Street And Pitt Street - Sydney - NSW

The Marcus Clarke Building, located in central Sydney, Australia, is a historic commercial building with a rich history. It stands as a testament to Sydney's architectural heritage and urban development. Here's an overview of the history of the Marcus Clarke Building:

Construction and Architectural Style:

The Marcus Clarke Building was constructed between 1926 and 1928. It was designed by architects John Van Der Meulen and Ludwig Becker.
The building is an excellent example of the Interwar Art Deco architectural style, characterized by its geometric shapes, decorative motifs, and emphasis on modernity.

Named after Marcus Clarke:

The building is named after Marcus Clarke, an Australian author and novelist known for his influential work "For the Term of His Natural Life." Clarke's literary contributions played a significant role in shaping Australian literature and culture.

Commercial Use:

The Marcus Clarke Building was initially used as commercial office space and was home to various businesses, including law firms, financial institutions, and other professional services.

Distinctive Features:

The building's façade features intricate decorative elements, including geometric patterns, sculptural reliefs, and stylized ornamentation, which are characteristic of the Art Deco style.
The use of contrasting materials, such as brickwork, rendered surfaces, and metal detailing, contributes to the building's visual appeal.

Surviving through the Years:

The Marcus Clarke Building has withstood the test of time and remains an integral part of Sydney's urban fabric.
Despite the changing architectural trends and urban development, the building's unique design and historical significance have ensured its preservation.

Heritage Status:

The Marcus Clarke Building is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, recognizing its architectural and cultural importance.

Modern Use:

While the building was originally used for commercial purposes, its use has evolved over the years.
Today, the Marcus Clarke Building continues to be used for office and commercial space, providing modern amenities while retaining its historical charm.

The Marcus Clarke Building at Central Sydney stands as a fine example of Art Deco architecture and serves as a link to the city's architectural and cultural past. Its presence contributes to the diversity of architectural styles that define Sydney's urban landscape and reflects the dynamic evolution of the city over the years.

NSW Supreme Court - King Street - Queens Sqaure - Sydney - NSW

NSW Supreme Court - King Street - Queens Sqaure - Sydney - NSW

The New South Wales Supreme Court building is a historic and significant structure located in Sydney, Australia. Its history is closely tied to the development of the legal system in the colony and the architectural evolution of the city. Here's an overview of the history of the NSW Supreme Court building:
Early Legal Institutions:
Prior to the construction of a dedicated courthouse, legal proceedings in the colony of New South Wales were conducted in various makeshift locations.
The legal system was established under the Royal Charter of Justice of 1823, which paved the way for the creation of the NSW Supreme Court.
Design and Construction:
The NSW Supreme Court building was designed by colonial architect Mortimer Lewis. Lewis was influenced by the neoclassical architectural style prevalent during that period.
Construction of the building began in 1819 and was completed in 1828, making it one of the oldest public buildings in Sydney.
Architectural Features:
The building's architectural style is characterized by Georgian architecture, with neoclassical elements such as columns, pediments, and symmetrical design.
The sandstone exterior adds to the building's grandeur and historical significance.
Role in the Legal System:
The NSW Supreme Court building has served as a hub for legal proceedings, including civil and criminal cases, appeals, and trials.
It played a vital role in establishing and upholding the rule of law in the colony and later the state.
Modifications and Restoration:
Over the years, the building underwent modifications and restoration projects to maintain its structural integrity and accommodate the evolving needs of the legal system.
The tower and spire, for example, were rebuilt in the late 19th century after being damaged by lightning.
Symbol of Justice:
The NSW Supreme Court building is not only a functional courthouse but also a symbol of justice and the rule of law in New South Wales.
Its prominent location on Queen's Square in Sydney's central business district underscores its significance in the city's landscape.
Heritage and Cultural Significance:
The building is recognized as a State Heritage-listed site due to its architectural and historical significance.
It stands as a testament to the colonial heritage of Sydney and the importance of legal institutions in shaping society.
Modern Day:
The NSW Supreme Court building continues to function as the highest court in New South Wales. It hosts a wide range of legal proceedings, and its historic courtroom is used for significant cases and events.
The building remains a focal point of legal activities, civic ceremonies, and cultural events.
The New South Wales Supreme Court building's history is a testament to the enduring legacy of colonial architecture and the role of legal institutions in shaping the development of the state and the city of Sydney.

Thursday, March 23, 2023

Instructions from Lord Sydney - Home Secretary to Captain Arthur Phillip - Sydney 1788

We, reposing especial trust and confidence in your loyalty, courage and experience in military affairs, do, by these presents, constitute and appoint you to be Governor of our territory called New South Wales, extending from the Northern cape or extremity of the coast called Cape York, In the latitude of 10 degrees 37 ' South, to the southern extremity of The said territory of New South Wales or South Cape, in latitude 43 degrees 39' South, and all the country inland and westward as far as the one hundred and thirty fifth degree of longitude, reckoning from the meridian of Greenwich, including all the islands adjacent in the Pacific ocean, within the latitude aforesaid of 10 degrees 37' South and 43 degrees 39' South, and of all towns, garrisons, castles, forts and all other fortifications or other military works, which now are or may be hereafter erected upon this said territory. You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty of Governor in and over our said territory by doing and performing all and all manner of things thereunto belonging, and we do hereby strictly charge and command all our officers and soldiers who shall be employed within our said Territory, and all others whom it may concern, to obey you as our Governor thereof; and you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from us, or any other your superior Officer according to the rules and discipline of war, and likewise such orders and directions as we shall send you under our signet or sign manual, or by our High Treasurer or Commissioners of our Treasury, for the time being, or one of our Principal Secretaries of State, in pursuance of the trust we hereby repose in you.

given at our Court at St James, the Twelfth Day of October 1786, in the 27th year of our reign

By His Majesty's Command.

Sydney

Phillip writes to Lord Sydney

" I have the honour to enclose your Lordship the intended plan for the town. The Lieutenant Governor has already begun a small house, which forms one corner of the parade, & I am building a small cottage on the east side of the cove, where I shall remain for the present with part of the convicts and an officers guard. The convicts are distributed in huts, which are built only for immediate shelter. On the point of land (Dawes Point) which forms the west side of the cove, an observatory building, under the direction of Lieutenant Dawes, who is charged by the Board of longitude with observing the expected comet. We now make very good bricks, and the stone is good, but do not find either lime stone or chalk. The principal streets are placed so as to admit a free circulation of air, and are 200ft wide"

HMS Sirius - The Lead Ship Of The First Fleet And Transport To Norkfolk Island

HMS Sirius - Her Final Voyage

HMS Siriius didnt' bring any convincts to the colony, but did transport on the voyage to Norfolk Island in March 1790

- 96 Convict Men

- 65 Convict Women

- 24 children of Convct women

- 39 Members of Detatchment of the Port Jackson Garrison, including 4 Marines Wives, 1 marine child, and three Civil Appointments.

- 100 Crew Members.

on 19th March 1790 At 12 Noon HMS Sirius shipwrecked on Norfolk Island. There were no convicts aboard, the crew were able to get one boar alongside and send safely ashore Captain Cook's timepiece ans 2 marines wives, pregnant Maria Nash and Margaret Gilbourne. Captain Hunter then ordered the mast be cut away by cutting the lanyards and rigging.

Mary Reibey - Famous Australian Convict - And Helped Shape New South Wales

Mary Reibey (née Haydock) was an English convict who was transported to New South Wales as a young woman in the late eighteenth century. After gaining her freedom, she became a successful businesswoman and landholder in Sydney, and her life reflects the changing opportunities of the early colony.

Mary Haydock - Reibey

- Convict
Tried - 24th July 1790 - Stafford - 7 Years
Mary married 1 Aug 1794 at St Phillips Sydney to Thomas Reibey - Naval Officer - Brtiannia 1791
Thomas Reibey in 1809 was recorded as Harbour Master and Pilot of Sydney Cove. He died in 1811, buried at the Old Sydney Burial Ground and later reinterred to the Devonshire Street Cemetery.
After Thomas's death in 1811 Mary carried on his merchant and shipping business. Mary soon became recognized as a leader in business matters and a prominannt land holder in Sydney Town and was held a respected place in society. She was easily able to hide her convict background as with her business dealings, Mary had become a part of high society in Sydney
1822 - Mary was listed as "Came Free" 1821 this being correct as she had returned to England, but does hide her convict past.
1825 - Free by Servitude, per Royal Admiral 1792 Householder - Campbelltown.
Mary Haydock (aka James Burrows) was tried for horse stealing in August 1791 at Stafford with a Sentance of 7 years Transportation. It was only after the court case that it was noticed that she was a female.
Mary Haydock joined the 'Royal Admiral" as a female being only 15 years old. Upon arrival to Sydney she was assigned to Lieut Grose.
Mary Haydock married 1st August 1794 - St Phillips - Sydney to Thomas Reibey. Witnesses at the marriage was Sarah Higginson, Convict - Royal Admiral. Sarah placed her marlk (X) on the Registry, and this is the only record relating to Sarah Higginson in the colony.
Mary was involved with the formation of the Bank Of New South Wales in 1817. This Bank is now called Westpac and one of the biggest banks today..
Aprt from her landholdings in Sydney and the Hawkesbury, Mary also bought land for her sons in Tasmania.

Mary Died 30th May 1855 at her hoome in Newtown. She was buried beside her husband Thomas at the Devonshire Street Cemetery.
Mary Reibey is also featured on the Australian $20 Note.

Old Sydney Burial Ground - Town Hall Area - George Street - Sydney - New South Wales

The Old Sydney Burial Ground

The Old Sydney Burial Ground, also known as the Old Sydney Cemetery, was one of the earliest cemeteries in the city of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was established in 1792 and remained in use until 1820. Located in the heart of Sydney's central business district, the cemetery occupied the land bounded by George Street, Druitt Street, and Market Street.

The Old Sydney Burial Ground served as the primary burial site for the early European settlers in Sydney. It was a reflection of the city's colonial history and the challenges faced by the early inhabitants. The cemetery was predominantly used by convicts, soldiers, and other members of the early colony.

As Sydney developed and expanded, the cemetery became overcrowded and unsanitary. It was poorly maintained, and many of the graves were in a state of disrepair. In 1820, the cemetery was closed to further burials, and a new burial ground was established at Devonshire Street, which is now known as the Sydney Central Station.

Over the years, the land that once housed the Old Sydney Burial Ground underwent significant changes. In the 19th century, the cemetery was converted into a recreational space known as Hyde Park. The remains of those buried in the cemetery were relocated to other cemeteries, including the Devonshire Street Cemetery and later to other locations.

Today, there are few visible traces of the Old Sydney Burial Ground within Hyde Park. In 1889, a sandstone monument was erected in the park to commemorate the cemetery's existence. The monument, known as the "First Government House Monument," stands as a reminder of the site's historical significance.

While the Old Sydney Burial Ground no longer exists as a functioning cemetery, it holds great historical importance as one of the earliest burial grounds in Sydney. It provides insight into the early settlement period and the challenges faced by the early colonists in establishing a permanent settlement in Australia.

The Old Sydney Burial Ground was originally a garden owned by Captain Shea of the Marines
It is now occupied by the Sydney Towm Hall
This area was used for burials from September 1792 to the end of January 1820.

1789 - Shea ; John

1792 - Edwards ; William

1792 - welch ; James

1793 - Allain - Allen ; John

1793 - Bishop ; Thomas

1793 - Clough ; Richard

1793 - Finn ; Mary

1793 - Robinson ; George

1793 - Nation ; Gabriel

1794 - Welch ; John

1795 - Thandy - Thodie - Thoudy ; James

1795 - Webb ; Thomas (Headstone)

1795 - Welsh ; James

1795 - West ; John

1796 - Henry Brewer - 10th July 1796, Sydney Midshipman HMS Sirius 1788. David Collins - He came out with Governor Phillip as his clerk. and on our landing was appointed to act as provost marshal in the room of the person Appointed by the Crown, Mr Alexander who never came out. Mr Brewer aftewards received His Majesty's Commission Appointing him into the vacancy.

1797 - Baughan ; John

1797 - Brooks ; Jane

1797 Stewart ; Margaret

1798 - Hill ; Mary

1798 - McManus ; James

1799 - Eggleton ; Mary

1799 - Penny ; John

1799 - Webb ; Robert

1801 - Clayton ; Edward

1801 - Stodgell ; John

1803 - Carroll ; Mary

1804 - Bloodworth ; James

1804 - Humphries ; Edward

1804 - Smith - Smyth ; Thomas

1805 - Barnes ; Samuel - 12th January 1805 - Sydney Gazette 13 January 1805- Death and Funeral Notice. Arrived Free on The Golden Grove1788 as Personal Clerk to Reverend Johnson.

Dundas ; Jane - 23rd December 1805. Headstone at Old Sydney Burial Ground - Sydney Gazette: - Wearing apparel and other property of the late J Dundas to be sold at auction by Mr David Bevan at his rooms in South Street, On Wednesdat next the 2nd Of April 1806 at 11 in the Forenoon. Sydney Gazette gives a full list of items.
Convict - Prince Of Wales 1788
Her headstone read - Mrs Jeanette Dundas, Housekeeper gto His Excellency The Governor King, Whose family deeply fament (sic) the loss of an honest, faithful, affectionate servant, wohcse character the deceased maintained during a service of 15 years. Obituary Dec 22ns 1815 - aged 47 years.
1805 - Price ; Rebecca - Died 12th February 1805 - Sydney Gazette 17th Feb 1805 - "Wife of Thomas Mayor." Rebecca Davidson - Convict - Lady Penrhyn 1788
1805 - Roegrs ; Daniel - Convict - Alexander 1788 married to Sarah Graham - Convict - Lady Juliana 25th October 1790 - Port Jackson - She Died 12 Nov 1812 and is also buried at the Old Sydney Burial Ground
1805 - Wordsdull ; Mary Ann - buried 17th ay 1805 - Headstone At the Old Sydney Burial Ground. Convict Mary Lawrence Lady Penrhyn Married William Worsdell, Convict, Charlotte 1788 31st May 1788 - Port Jackson. Her Headstone read "By Her Well Wishers, William Saunders. The young might like to know the tale of the grave could tell of parted joys, but of transparent love."
1806 Fitzgerald ; Jane
1806 - Stewart ; James
1807 - Cuckow ; William
1807 - Hall ; Margaret
1808 - Whiting ; William - Convict - Alexander 1788 - Married Mary William 1790
1808 - Wilks ; Mary - Other names - Wilks, Wilson, Turner. Lived with David Batty. She Arrived as a convict on Lady Penrhyn 1788
1809 - Horrall ; Rebecca
1809 - Sandlands ; Ann
1809 - Sideaway ; Robert
1810 - Roe ; John
1811 - Bayliss ; John - 30th August 1811 - Aged 60 - Free by Servitude - Convict Friendship 1788
1811 - Dennison ; Barnabas - 25th April 1811 - Aged 58 - Convict Alexander 1788
1811 - Wright ; Joseph - 30th Aug 1811 - Aged 44, died on 29th August 1811 - Arrived Convict Scarborough 1788 Married - 13th December 1790 Sydney Elenor Gott Neptune 1790
1812 - Colley ; Richard
1814 - Craddock ; Mary
1816 - Sheers ; Mary
1817 - Podmore ; Phoebe
1818 - Atkinson ; Mary
1818 - Archer ; John
1819 - Parsons ; Harry
1819 - Wood ; Ann (Possibly at the Devonshire Street Cemetery)

Australian Research Info - Old Sydney Burial Grounds

City Of Sydney - Old Sydney Burial Ground

The Old Sydney Burial Ground, also known as the Old Sydney Cemetery, was the first official cemetery established in Sydney, Australia. It holds a significant place in the city's history as a final resting place for early colonists, convicts, and other individuals who played a role in the early development of the colony. Here's an overview of its history:

Founding and Early Years:

The Old Sydney Burial Ground was established in 1792, just four years after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788.
It was situated near what is now the intersection of George and Druitt Streets in the heart of Sydney.

Usage and Significance:

The cemetery served as the primary burial ground for Sydney's inhabitants during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
It provided a burial place for convicts, early settlers, military personnel, and others who contributed to the colony's growth.

Overcrowding and Closure:

Over time, the Old Sydney Burial Ground became overcrowded, and by the 1820s, the space had nearly reached capacity.
Due to concerns about public health, hygiene, and the lack of space for new burials, the cemetery was closed for further burials in 1820.

Transformation into a Park:

In the mid-19th century, the decision was made to convert the burial ground into a public park, reflecting changing attitudes toward urban planning and public spaces.
The area was landscaped, and a park known as the "Burying Ground" or the "Sandhills" was created.

Rediscovery and Preservation:

The site of the Old Sydney Burial Ground was largely forgotten over the years, with subsequent development covering much of the original space.
In the 20th century, various archaeological surveys and excavations helped rediscover and document the history of the burial ground.

Recognition and Memorialization:

In recent years, efforts have been made to recognize and memorialize the Old Sydney Burial Ground's historical significance.
Plaques and markers have been placed to commemorate the site's history and the individuals interred there.

The Old Sydney Burial Ground serves as a poignant reminder of Sydney's early colonial history and the people who shaped the city's development. While much of the original site has been transformed, its significance continues to be acknowledged, offering insight into the lives of those who lived in the early days of the colony.

Search This Blog