An Historical Guide to Sydney's Green Plaques
Take a walk through history with the compliments of the Royal Australian Historical Society . In 1988, one hundred and one green plaques were erected around Sydney, celebrating historic places, people and events. Start walking and experience the Sydney of yesterday today.
1. Campbell's Bank
Circular Quay West. The Rocks. On this site in 1819 Robert Campbell, Sydney's leading merchant, opened Australia's first savings bank. He accepted shillings, dollars, dumps, rupees. And convicts.
2. History House
133 Macquarie Street. Built in 1871 for the Parramatta politician George Oakes, History House is now the home of the Royal Australian Historical Society. They'll help you to find out more about historic Sydney. find out more
3. The Lands Department
Bridge St. Between Gresham and Loftus Sts. You can explore your local history at this treasure house of property maps, and you can look at the many statues of Australian explorers in the niches outside. find out more
4. Treasury & Audit Office
Bridge St, cnr. Macquarie St. A most refreshing historical stop - it's now the Inter-Continental Hotel. A wonderful combination of old and new, where you can dine in the Treasury Restaurant, have a drink in the courtyard or hold a meeting in the Premier's Room. find out more
5. The First Execution
Cnr. Essex & Harrington Sts. In 1788 convict Thomas Barrett stole butter, pease and pork from camp provisions. This is as far as he got. A gallows tree located here between the male and female convict camps was used for the deed.
6. St James' Church
King St., near Macquarie St. This church is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture. It was originally intended to be a court house, but there must have been a sign from above, for it was converted into a church at an early stage of construction. find out more
7. Tank Stream
Hunter Street. When the First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove, it was this 'fine stream of fresh water' which attracted them. Over the years the Tank Stream became severely polluted by the people of the new colony. It now serves as a storm water channel running underneath the city streets. find out more
8. Mort's Wool Store
Young St., cnr. Albert St. Before Thomas Mort established specialised wool sales on this site, local trading was disorganised. Buyers often stopped wool growers on the road to Sydney and persuaded them to sell their wool before they could find out the real market price.
9. Legislative Assembly Chamber
Parliament House, Macquarie Street. The home of Australian democracy actually had its beginnings as the Surgeon's Quarters of the Rum Hospital. find out more
10. The Supreme Court
Elizabeth St., cnr. King St. This building was the first permanent seat of justice in New South Wales. In the early days the wind whistled through the rooms and the noise of horses and carriages outside made working difficult. find out more
11. General Post Office
Martin Place. This imposing building is famous for the richness of its carvings. Look for the carving of a postman handing a letter to a smiling young woman. In the 1880s this was considered suggestive and caused a public outcry. The GPO is now part of the Westin Hotel. find out more
12. Strand Arcade
Between George and Pitt Sts. The shopping arcades popular in Sydney in the later 19th Century were grand examples of high Victorian architecture.
The Strand is the sole survivor. Although damaged by fire three times - most recently in 1976 - it stands in all its original charm. find out more
13. City Railway
St. James and Museum Stns. When this, the first underground railway in Australia, opened in 1926 it was proclaimed 'one of the most up-to-date products of civilisation'.
14. Palace Garden Gates
Entrance to the Botanic Gardens, Macquarie Street. Large international exhibitions were popular in the late 19th Century. When Sydney was host in 1879 the massive Garden Palace Exhibition Building was built. But it didn't stand for long. The building was totally destroyed by fire on 22 September 1882. find out more
15. Bridge Street Bridge
Bridge St., cnr. Pitt St. The Tank Stream divided the first settlement at Sydney into two camps. Convicts built a wooden bridge, joining the two sides, and later replaced it with a more permanent structure. At the time it was just as important as the Sydney Harbour Bridge is today.
16. The Observatory
Observatory Point. For over 100 years the time ball at the Observatory dropped at precisely one o'clock p.m. This allowed ships' captains to set their chronometers and people in the city to correct their watches. find out more
17. Horbury Terrace
Macquarie St, near Bent St. To live in one of the eight townhouses here in the 1840s was to reside at one of the best addresses in the colony. They were some of earlier residences to have running water. Today only two townhouses remain, both used as offices. find out more
18. Walsh Bay Wharves
Hickson Road. In 1900 bubonic plague hit Sydney, especially in the area of The Rocks. Some of the area was demolished to check the spread of the disease. This part was later re-built as new harbour facilities. Redevelopment proposals in the 1990s caused considerable controversy. find out more
19. Mortuary Station
Regent St. south of Central. As the city grew it became obvious that its cemeteries, occupying valuable real estate, could not be extended. The Mortuary Station was built for funeral trains to the grand new cemetery, the Necropolis, at Rookwood. find out more
20. Marcus Clark's Store
Railway Square, cnr. George & Pitt Sts. Marcus Clark & Co. were 'universal distributors', a large retail company with a mail order business. In 1906 their new building, described by them as 'our mammoth eight-storey building' was the tallest in Sydney. Today it is occupied by the State Rail Authority.
21. Town Hall
George Street. One of Sydney's most familiar landmarks, the Town Hall is a stunning example of 19th Century architecture. It is located on the site of an old colonial cemetery and was completed at the time of the nation's centenary. find out more
22. Marble Bar
Hilton Hotel, between George & Pitt Sts. The bar has been rebuilt in the Hilton almost exactly as it was when it opened in Tattersalls Hotel in 1893. It was one of the most extravagant and elaborate late Victorian bars.
23. Sydney Exchange
Bridge St., between Pitt & Gresham Sts. These days a lot of the exchanging here is social. It has been a businessman's club since the mid 19th Century, when merchants, agents and ships' captains met to discuss business - and have a drop or two.
24. Mark Foy's Store
Castlereagh St. near Liverpool St. Mark Foy's department store brought Parisian elegance to Sydney's central shopping scene. But eventually suburban centres forced many of these grand 'emporia' to close. It now houses the Downing Centre courts.
25. School of Arts
Pitt Street, south of Hilton complex. The Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts founded in 1833 as part of a movement for both social and personal improvement through education, was the forerunner of technical education in New South Wales.
The library and reading room were important for the intellectual development of 19th Century Sydney. See if it rubs off. find out more
26. Hydraulic Pumping Station
Pier St. Private enterprise promoted this most useful power service which ran, hidden from view, beneath Sydney's streets. Without this useful source of power to work lifts, hoists and cranes the height of buildings in Sydney would have been restricted to the number of flights of stairs people were prepared to climb, or carry up goods. find out more
27. Lieutenant Governor's House
George St., cnr. Grosvenor St. The division between the Governor of New South Wales and his second in command was symbolised by the location of their residence. Governor Phillip lived on the east side of the Tank Stream and the Lieutenant Governor, Major Robert Ross, on the west side.
28. National Trust Centre
Observatory Hill. It is perhaps appropriate that the National Trust, an organisation devoted to the protection of Australia's heritage should itself occupy a building of such significance. As a military hospital the building served the garrison stationed in Sydney. As Fort Street School the building saw some famous Australians educated there. The Board of National Education, under which the school was established, stood for 'equal opportunity of education to all colonists independent of rank, class or description of persons'. find out more
29. Georgian School
Elizabeth St. In its early years the Georgian School had many uses including use a court house, and as a temporary church for various denominations. It was later used as the St James' church school at a time when education was largely provided by religious bodies or private academies, for those who could afford them.
The last school to occupy the building was Sydney Girls' High School. It moved to new premises at Moore Park in the 1920s and the old school was demolished to make way for a new part of David Jones.
30 Trades Hall
Goulburn St., cnr. Dixon St. The first registered office of the association which was to build the Trades Hall was at the hotel called 'The Swan with Two Necks'. All types of unions, from shipwrights to drapers, bricklayers to saddle harness makers combined to make premises for meetings, a meeting room and even a labour bureau for the unemployed.
At the opening of the Trades Hall 9,000 men and 30 brass bands celebrated the event in a parade. find out more
31. Conservatorium of Music
Conservatorium Road. The lavish scale of the accommodation provided by Governor Macquarie for his horses prompted much criticism at the time these stables were built. New accommodation for the Governor was not provided until much later when designs for the present Government House were provided from England by Queen Victoria's architect Edward Blore. find out more
32. Judge's House
Kent St. This cottage is a rare colonial survival in the heart of present day commercial Sydney. The cottage was built for William Harper a Scottish migrant who worked as an Assistant Surveyor.
Ill health and eventual blindness caused him to retire when still young and his home was rented to Mr Justice James Dowling at an annual rental of 200 pounds. The house once enjoyed 'delightful and healthful views of Darling Harbour'.
33. New South Wales Club
Bligh St. Gentlemen's clubs were a regular feature of life in the city in the 19th Century. The New South Wales Club was founded by business men, and like all such other institutions exclude ladies. Liveried employees served members in modest-sized but elegant premises in Bligh Street. Sir Samuel Hordern was a long serving President of the Club, for 36 years.
34. Old Sydney Burial Ground
George St. Once an area cultivated by Captain Shea of the Marines and in which, at his request, he was buried, in 1789, the Old Sydney Burial Ground was the first major official cemetery for the town.
It is estimated that some 2,000 burials took place there until the place became offensive and too close to human habitation when it was closed. The graves and their contents were removed when the Town Hall was built but occasional discoveries have been made since that date, including vaults found in 1974 and 1991.
35. York Street Synagogue
York St. Although there were a few members of the Jewish faith in the First Fleet there was no real communal life for Jewish colonists until 1828. The first permanent synagogue in York Street was contributed to not only by Jews but also by members of other faiths, who attended the consecration. The building was Egyptian in design.
36. St Patrick's Church
Grosvenor St. One of the oldest Catholic Churches in Sydney, St Patrick's stands on land given for a church by William Davis and his wife. At a time when Catholicism was not officially recognised in New South Wales Davis' home was a centre for Catholic prayer. The authorities probably closed their eyes to this breach of the law. They couldn't help but see it for the old St Philip's church was directly opposite Davis' house. find out more
37. Young Men's Christian Association
Pitt St., cnr. Bathurst St. Founded in England the YMCA has become a world-wide movement. Non-political and non-sectarian the movement promotes the religious, intellectual and physical welfare of young men. The movement failed to get off the ground early in Sydney due to the disruption of the gold rush, but flourished later. find out more
38. Wyoming
Macquarie St., cnr. Hunter St. This city block of 'professional chambers' is named after the country property of its original owner, a grazier of old Junee. Wyoming was one of the earliest of such tall buildings in the city and commanded lovely views. It was noted when it was built that all floors would have constant hot water.
39. Australia Hotel
MLC Centre Castlereagh St. Sydney's premier hotel for many years, the 'Australia' was one of an international standard of comfort and service. Sarah Bernhardt registered as a guest on the first day of opening. One lady stayed there for 31 years.
Apart from the accommodation for guests, rooms were also provided for their servants including the children's nurses who had their own dining room with their charges.
40. Tramway Depot
Bridge St., cnr. Phillip St. The steam train route inaugurated for the opening of the Garden Palace International Exhibition was only meant to be temporary, for the duration of the Exhibition. It was such a success and so popular that it was kept on. The steam motors and double decker passenger cars came from the United States.
41. Lord Nelson Hotel
Kent St., cnr. Argyle St. The Rocks area was well known for its public houses in the 19th Century and had a reputation for being a rowdy part of town. The Lord Nelson which was first licensed in 1841 is the oldest extant hotel which is still trading in the same building. The first licensee was William Wells who received a conditional pardon in 1837 having been transported to New South Wales for life in 1810. find out more
42. Australian Subscription Library
Macquarie St., cnr. Bent St. Culture and learning of any sort were in short supply in early Sydney and the means of acquiring such were even harder to find. In 1821 a group of gentlemen combined so that they could borrow books from each other.
In 1826 a subscription library was founded. For many years it moved around temporary premises in the town until a permanent site was acquired on the corner of Bent and Macquarie Streets. The library ran into debt and was eventually purchased by the government becoming the foundation for a free public library for Sydney. find out more
43. Customs House
Alfred Street. The Customs House stands as a reminder of the days when Circular Quay was surrounded by wool stores and warehouses and overseas shipping berthed in the heart of the city at the Quay.
Passed from the Federal government to the City Council, it was refurbished and opened as an arts centre in 1998. find out more
44. Australian Gas Light Company
Jenkins St. The name of Gas Lane off Kent Street is one of the few surviving reminders of the large gas works which used to exist at Darling Harbour of which parts of an office and store are all that now remain.
Private enterprise fostered the foundation and development of the company many of whose subscribers were merchants and professional people. Gas lighting in the streets was inaugurated in 1841 on 24 May, Queen Victoria's birthday. find out more
45. Francis Greenway's House
George St., cnr. Argyle St. Like so many other aspects of his life, Francis Greenway's occupancy of a house at the corner of George and Argyle Streets was contentious.
Greenway claimed that the land had been given to him by Governor Macquarie but no real proof could be found in government records. A document produced by Greenway may have been a forgery. He had been tempted to such a crime once before when hard pressed in his business affairs. This led to his transportation.
Greenway was evicted but was then allowed to stay on in the building, to become more and more of an embarrassment to government. Eventually he left to join his family in the Hunter Valley, where he died.
46. The Nightingale Wing
Sydney Hospital, Macquarie St. Invited to come to Sydney to establish nursing along the lines promoted by the famous Florence Nightingale, Lucy Osburn encountered hostility, stupidity and prejudice in attempting to do her job. The condition of the hospital was deplorable, filthy, badly maintained, ill staffed.
Nursing was not thought a suitable profession for respectable women and Lucy Osburn was constantly thwarted and harassed by the male Superintendent of the hospital. Eventually she was vindicated and her methods adopted, much to the benefit of the patients.
47. AWA Building
York St. AWA, a pioneer in radio, became the largest manufacturer of electronic equipment in Australia and New Zealand. Its building and tower were prominent in the city for many years. Soundproof windows and specially designed flooring and ceiling coverings were features of the new building. Even the light fittings in the entrance were in the shape of radio valves. find out more
48. The Lumber Yard
Bridge St. This yard accommodated all types of tradesmen involved in public works in Sydney and district; carpenters, woodturners, sawyers, wheelwrights, iron and brass founders, smiths, tool makers. The wall around the lumber yard was increased in height to prevent the convict workers from giving away tools and equipment over the wall to friends outside.
49. Reading the Riot Act
Macquarie St. The Maritime Strike of 1890 was the first almost general strike in Australia and involved transport workers, miners and shearers. It was essentially a dispute concerning the recognition of unionism (on the part of the employee) and freedom of contract (on the part of the employers). The bitterness of the strike established sympathies of many families for years to come.
In Sydney a near riot ensued at Circular Quay but fortunately the crowds were dispersed without any injury or loss of life.
50. The Lawsons' House
Phillip St. Henry Lawson lived with his mother in Phillip Street, Sydney and worked in Hudson Bros. railway carriage works at Clyde. In the evening he went to night school to improve himself. Famous for his short stories and ballads, Henry's life was not a story of personal success or fulfilment and alcoholism became a problem.
His mother Louisa Lawson was a newspaper publisher, a feminist and writer. At her newspaper 'The Dawn' she employed female printers. The union, which would not admit women members, tried to get her to dismiss them. She was a supporter of women's suffrage and campaigned to secure the appointment of women to public office.
51. The Mint
Macquarie St. Prior to the goldrush of the early 1850s all coinage and currency in New South Wales had been minted overseas. But with the viability of local gold it was possible to establish a mint. The mint in Sydney was the first branch of the Royal Mint to be established in Australia.
It used as its premises part of the old Rum Hospital. It was not however very healthy for the patients in the remainder of the hospital buildings and protests were made about the noxious fumes from the mint works which affected the Infirmary patients. find out more
52. 'Banjo' Paterson's Office
Bond St. Brought up in the country, Andrew Paterson moved to Sydney to continue his secondary education and was articled as a solicitor with a Sydney firm.
In his bush ballads, many of which were written in the city, he painted a popular picture of station life with such ballads as 'The Man from Snowy River' and 'Clancy of the Overflow'. He signed himself as 'the Banjo' in contributions to The Bulletin magazine, hence his popular name.
53. Larry Foley's Hotel
George St. Larry Foley, known as the father of Australian boxing, was an Australian champion in the days of bare knuckle fighting and unlimited rounds. After his retirement he was both an hotel landlord and a boxing trainer and opened his own boxing academy.
Efforts were made by the police to stop boxing contests at his hotel but largely without success. Foley made a brief comeback to fighting in 1883 to fight William 'Professor' Miller, with gloves.
The contest lasted for 40 rounds and was declared a draw.
54. Boston's Windmill
Royal Botanic Gardens. The windmills which were once prominent features of the Sydney skyline were an economic necessity to provide flour for all the food requirements of the colonists.
Boston's mill, on part of the Government Domain, eventually became the cause of a long legal dispute when the government wished to remove all private dwellings on the land. Boston's entrepreneurial skills were not only limited to milling. He also tried salt working, brewing, making soap and overseas trade. He was killed by natives at Tongatapu Island when on a trading expedition.
55. Governor's Bathing House
Royal Botanic Gardens. Now known largely as an area for enjoyable walks in the gardens, the shores around Sydney Cove and Farm Cove used to provide suitable bathing areas. In an age when running water in homes was unknown such a bathe was a means of washing and refreshment as well as enjoying the sea.
The Governor's bathing house was built in a castellated style to correspond with the fortifications already built on Bennelong Point called Fort Macquarie.
56. Devonshire Street Cemetery
Elizabeth St. Consecrated on 27 January 1820 by the Rev. Samuel Marsden the 'Sandhills' cemetery was Sydney's main burial place for almost 50 years. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 memorial stones were erected during that period. Each religious denomination had its own area of the cemetery. The fee for a grave digger was 2/6d in 1820.
57. The Carters' Barracks
Pitt St., cnr. Eddy Avenue. These barracks were built to accommodate 200 male convicts and, in a separate building, 100 male juvenile offenders. The carters in government employ, their working horses, bullocks and carts were housed here.
The boys were kept separate from the men, in the hope that they would be improved in behaviour and not corrupted by older felons. But the experiment was not a particular success.
58. George Allen's House
Elizabeth St. George Allen has the distinction of being the first colonial trained solicitor, all previous solicitors having served their articles in Britain or elsewhere overseas. He was also the founder of the oldest undivided legal practice in Sydney.
This firm acquired its present name of Allen, Allen and Hemsley in 1894. Allen moved to a cottage in Elizabeth Street shortly after his marriage. He later moved to much grander things in his house at Toxteth Park, Glebe.
59. The Outbreak of Plague
Lower Fort St., cnr. Ferry Lane. With the appearance of bubonic plague at Hong Kong in 1894 health authorities in Australia realised it would only be a matter of time before the disease spread to other countries through their ports. It arrived in Australia in 1900.
Approximately one third of those who contracted plague died from it. The disease drew attention to the appalling state of housing and lack of sanitary facilities in the Rocks. Many areas of houses were demolished. Rat catchers went to work and whitewash was used as disinfectant. One person complained that even her piano was whitewashed. find out more
60. Semi Circular Quay
Alfred St. Circular Quay, an abbreviation of its real title 'Semi Circular Quay' was once a main wharfage area for the town of Sydney. In its natural state with a tidal inlet to Bridge Street, where it met the Tank Stream, the wharfage was not however very convenient.
The redesign of the area to a semi circular shape was to provide additional deep water wharfage available to the public.
Work on construction took several years of convict labour. The overseer complained that the Royal Engineers took the best men for their own jobs and left him with the rest.
61. The Sydney Gazette Office
George St., cnr. Alfred St. A small printing press was sent out with the First Fleet and early government orders were printed by George Hughes. George Howe started Sydney's first newspaper which was 'printed by authority' that is, it had to receive the Governor's approval for all matters published.
Pieces of type were found in excavations at the First Government House site where George Howe, the government printer, first put together the Sydney Gazette. Howe also published the first book in Australia the 'New South Wales General Standing Orders'.
62. Simeon Lord's House
Macquarie Place. Macquarie Place still retains part of its original shape (but not all of its size). On the west side can be discerned where the tidal inlet of Sydney Cove used to extend to Bridge Street. Simeon Lord's house and warehouse backed on to the inlet giving him private access to valuable wharfage - or at least some access by water at high tide.
Valuable cargoes were often left at Lord's which was one of the few impressive dwellings in early Sydney. His trading interests were wide and included partnerships with other important merchants of the time.
63. Glover Cottages
Kent St. Thomas Glover, a miner from Somerset was transported to New South Wales for seven years. In the colony he worked as a stonemason and later became the landlord of the Sailor's Return.
Parts of Kent Street were quarried for building stone and it is likely that the two cottages were made of local materials. After Glover died his widow remarried and left the country. The cottages were claimed for the support of Glover's children, by their uncle who had helped Glover to build them. find out more
64. Culwulla Chambers
Castlereagh St., cnr. King St. With the advent of tall buildings in Sydney in the early 20th Century, fears were expressed about the effect of such buildings on the city and its inhabitants; the dangers of fire, dark shadows in the streets, too much traffic and of disease in congested areas.
While the City Council was in favour of such development Parliament legislated for a height limit of 150 feet above street level. Culwulla Chambers (named after the owner's family home at Jamberoo) was built with fire proofing in mind, hence its marble steps and reinforced concrete construction.
65. Fort Phillip (plaque removed)
Observatory Hill. The spacious harbour which attracted Governor Phillip to Port Jackson as the place of settlement for the First Fleet also provided security problems for the young colony. For the harbour was of easy access and other nations had colonial ambition, or were even, at times, at war with Britain.
In addition some security problems were also anticipated within the colony with the fear of Irish republicans rebelling. Fort Phillip was to provide the answer with a location which commanded not only a view of the harbour but also of the surrounding areas near Sydney. But the fort was never used - and never finished. find out more
66. Jack Lang's Birthplace
George Street. Jack Lang was born in Sydney of a Scottish father and an Irish mother. Known as the 'Big Fella' he was one of the most famous and controversial Labor politicians.
During his time as Premier there were real fears amongst some that he would establish a radical and even revolutionary republic in New South Wales. He was expelled from the Labor party but readmitted in 1971. He died at the age of 98. find out more
67. St Brigid's Church School
Kent St., cnr. Argyle St. St Brigid's school still functions as a local school in the heart of The Rocks just a short distance from the thriving commercial centre of Sydney's business district. As was originally intended, the building also serves as a chapel.
St Brigid's is probably the oldest school in Sydney still operating on its original site in its original building. find out more
68. Underwood's Shipyard
Underwood St. James Underwood arrived in New South Wales on the First Fleet having been transported for 14 years for killing five sheep. His shipbuilding business was part of a larger trading enterprise and his ships were engaged in sealing, whaling and carrying coal. He imported goods from India and Europe and later engaged in building a distillery on the South Head Road.
69. Hyde Park Barracks (plaque removed)
Macquarie St. Before these barracks were provided for their use convicts arriving in Sydney were surprised to find that they were to find their own lodgings and were only expected to turn up for work when summoned, rather than being locked up all the time.
Such a situation often led to groups of convicts committing further crimes having had the opportunity to meet up in their lodgings. Some idea of the sleeping arrangements in the barracks can be gained from the display in the top room of the building which is now a museum. find out more
70. Power House
Mary Ann St. The Ultimo Power House and Tram Depot was built for the electric tramcar fleet to power the route from the city to Harris Street, Pyrmont via George Street.
The buildings have now been adapted for the use of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences. Technology is the main subject of the Power House museum. find out more
71. First Public Demonstration of Wireless
Elizabeth St. Mr Ernest Fisk gave the first public display of wireless in 1919 during an illustrated lecture, when a gramophone played into a wireless telephone transmitter in Clarence Street could be heard in Elizabeth Street. Regular radio broadcasting began in 1923.
72. Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point. The land on which the Sydney Opera House stands has seen various phases of the history of the colony. Used as early as July 1788 for a small redoubt with guns mounted for the defence of the harbour, Bennelong Point was also the home of the Aboriginal Bennelong, befriended by Governor Phillip.
Taken on a visit to England, Bennelong met King George III, returning to the colony with Governor Hunter. His home site was later occupied by Fort Macquarie, a picturesque but probably ineffective harbour defence 'the butt and jest of every foreigner who has visited this part of the world'. find out more
73. Site of the First Gaol
George St., cnr. Essex St. In a colony which was itself a gaol, thousands of miles from Britain and with nowhere nearby to escape to, there was no need for gaols with bars. However for those who continued in a life of crime after arriving in New South Wales such was eventually needed.
The first gaol of logs was probably deliberately set on fire. It was only with difficulty that the prisoners in it, some of them in irons, were rescued from the flames. The cost of the second gaol was met by the inhabitants contributing their labour and also by levies on spirits and other duties.
74. Theatre Royal
George St. Barnett Levy's Theatre Royal attempted to bring both entertainment and culture to Sydney. Shakespeare, opera and many classics of the stage were attempted by the company.
Tragedies however seem to have shown up the deficiencies of the acting and the audience was loud in its discontent. The theatre was popular however - for whatever reason - and often the audience from the pit spread on to the stage. A visitor remarked that a proof of the increasing morality of the colony was that none of his party had their pockets picked on entering or leaving the theatre.
75. Queen Victoria Building (Police Office)
Druitt St. Plans for an elegant market house and other associated buildings in George Street proposed by Francis Greenway were squashed by Commissioner Bigge as part of his economies for New South Wales. Greenway's domed Market House became the Police Office and served as such for much of the 19th Century.
76. Queen Victoria Building (Markets)
Market St. The market site in George Street, once part of the Blaxland's stockyard and dairy, had good access to water transport. Goods including livestock and grain coming from areas outside the town, including the farms on the Hawkesbury, were landed at the Market Wharf in Darling Harbour and brought up Market Street for sale.
The whole site of the markets and police office was used for the construction of the Queen Victoria Markets. This building was not a great success and was soon subdivided.
After much debate about the future it was eventually restored and is once again open to the public for shopping of a rather different sort from the original markets. find out more
77. The First Traffic Lights
Kent St., cnr. Market St. The first imported motor vehicle arrived in Sydney in 1900 and as the number of the vehicles in the city increased there were considerable worries about safety and the number of accidents.
In 1921 regulations were passed which required motorists to signal their intention to stop or turn. When the first traffic lights were installed explanations on their use appeared in the newspapers. Many however virtually ignored them.
78. D'Arcy Wentworth's House
Macquarie St., cnr. Queen's Square. The Irishman D'Arcy Wentworth was a colourful and lovable character. Having narrowly escaped transportation on charges of highway robbery on which he was acquitted, D'Arcy Wentworth 'volunteered' to go to Botany Bay as an Assistant Surgeon.
He worked on Norfolk Island from 1791 to 1796 and then returned to Sydney where he worked as an Assistant Surgeon and as a public servant, including office as chief Police Magistrate. The house he had built at the corner of Macquarie and King Streets was not used by him for long but was sold to the government and used as the residence for the Surveyor General.
79. Old Registry Office
Elizabeth St., cnr. St. James Road. This lovely building was purpose designed for the newly created office of Registrar. The duties of the office were originally concerned with the important job of the registration of land titles. To this was added the registration of births, marriages and deaths.
Before this became the responsibility of the Registrar all such records had been kept only by the churches. These records are now eagerly searched by people tracing their family histories.
80. Sydney Morning Herald
Pitt St., cnr. O'Connell St. The Sydney Morning Herald, Australia's oldest existing newspaper, occupied two successive buildings on this site before moving to offices off Broadway. 'The Herald Corner' was an area where people gathered for news straight off the presses.
When foreign news arrived by ship the rival newspapers used to vie with each other to be the first with the news. The Herald had a special boat built for the purpose and kept a crew in readiness day and night. Reporters often boarded vessels outside the Heads in order to secure the papers on board. find out more
81. F. Kanematsu's Japanese Warehouse
O'Connell St. Although Japan had for long been a trading nation and foreigners had established themselves in Japan, this type of 'settlement trade' saw the Japanese as purely middlemen in the exchange of goods.
The decision to establish direct trade with Australia prompted Fusajiro Kanematsu to come to Sydney and to open an office of his company in the city. He saw Australia as a good potential market for the export of rice from Japan and wool as an import in exchange. The company is still in business today and is one of the largest dealers in wool to Japan.
82. Mitchell Wing
Macquarie St. The Mitchell Wing was built to house the collection of books, manuscripts and other books on Australian and Pacific history donated to the people of the state by David Scott Mitchell.
This was one of the most generous gifts there has ever been to the people of NSW and ranks as one of the greatest national collections in the world. A bachelor, David Scott Mitchell was an avid book collector. As he grew older he lived in increasing seclusion and collecting became an all absorbing passion. As a condition of his gift a special building was constructed for his collection. find out more
83. David Jones' First Shop
George St., cnr. Barrack St. David Jones' parents hoped that he would enter the church but instead his career lay in retailing. When his wife and child died in Wales, David Jones went to work in England and through connections of his second wife met Charles Appleton from Hobart.
A brief partnership with Appleton took Jones to Hobart and Sydney where he then set up in business on his own. He lived in a 'roomy cottage' at the back of the shop. Jones was noted for his integrity and also for his charitable works and benefactions. After retiring the firm became less successful and Jones returned to restore its fortunes. find out more
84. The Macquarie Wall
Royal Botanic Gardens. The wall built at the instigation of Governor Macquarie was to protect not only the privacy of the Governor and his family but also the plants and trees of the Domain which were damaged by trespassers.
The wall however was not meant to exclude everyone. 'The respectable class of inhabitants' could resort there for 'innocent recreation' during the day time. Mrs Macquarie's road provided access around the Domain and there was a gate and stile entrance at the east end of Bent Street. find out more
85. The Domain
The Domain is not only an open space for the residents and workers of Sydney but is a place of free speech and free assembly. For over a century soap box orators have been able to propound all types of ideas and philosophies to whoever will stop to listen to them.
The area has also witnessed amusements, celebrations, protests, political demonstrations, parades, sports and also opera and symphony concerts. find out more
86. Farm Cove
Royal Botanic Gardens. A major preoccupation for the members of the First Fleet was survival. In its earliest years the colony nearly starved. Farm Cove, which was the site of Australia's first farm, was soon found to be deficient for farming purposes and attention turned to Parramatta which was much more successful.
Although of little use for growing grain Farm Cove was however used for horticultural purposes and as the Botanic Gardens has played a vital part in the study of Australian flora.
87. The State Theatre
Market St. The opulent and extravagant style of the State Theatre provided total escapism for its patrons. As they entered the theatre they entered a different world and one which they could never hope to match in their own ordinary lives. Lounges decorated in various styles were sumptuous. A gallery of Australian art provided local culture.
In addition to the luxury of their surroundings patrons were served by the State Attaché corps - young men 'specially selected for their appearance and physique'. find out more
88. Henry Parkes' Shop
Hunter St. Henry Parkes, a migrant from Britain, worked in Hunter Street as an ivory turner, producing fancy goods. As a journalist he launched his own newspaper The Empire and entering political life rose to be the Premier of New South Wales.
His personality has been described as 'massive, durable and imposing'. He was 'one of the largest figures of the 19th Century Australian politics'. Although he rose in political circles he found it difficult to keep his financial affairs under control and on occasion had to resign office due to debt. find out more
89. The Military Barracks
Wynyard Park. The small square now left as Wynyard Park is only a remnant of the very large area once occupied by the military barracks in Sydney. British troops garrisoned in the colony lived here. The Parade Ground fronted George Street.
As land in the town became more valuable and as more of the population consisted of free persons, a military presence in the centre of the town became less popular.
Various alternative sites were considered but eventually a sandy waste on the South Head Road was chosen. Here in the suburb which was to become Paddington the Victoria Barracks was built.
90. Hyde Park
Elizabeth St. Hyde Park was dedicated for public recreation and amusement in 1810 and has maintained its original boundaries almost intact since that date. Two of the most popular national sports were practised there, horse racing and cricket. Both found keen supporters amongst the military who were garrisoned in the town.
The present landscape of the park does not however owe anything to its early days but to the construction of the City Railway which was opened in 1926. The tunnel for the railway was excavated by an open cut along Hyde Park and the whole area re-planted when the excavation had been covered in again.
91. Sydney Grammar School
College St. Like many schools in the early days of the colony Sydney College, founded in 1835 went through some difficulties. Although the school itself closed the building survived and was used as the first home for the University of Sydney.
The inauguration of the University and first matriculation ceremony took place on the same day. The University was to be a 'school of liberal and general knowledge'.
Its foundation prompted the growth of more and better secondary schools to provide the education which would allow young men to enter the University. find out more
92-94: These three buildings which are all next to each other, now form the Justice and Police Museum. find out more
92. Water Police Court (plaque missing)
Cnr. Phillip & Alfred Sts. The Water Police were officially established in 1830. It was their task amongst other duties, to prevent smuggling and the escape of convicts by stowing away on ships visiting the port.
In 1851 a site was chosen for a much needed Water Police Court at the corner of Albert and Phillip Streets. However when the goldrush broke out in the same year men flocked to the diggings causing an acute shortage of labour in the towns and cities.
The building was eventually constructed between 1853-1856. It was designed by Edmund Blacket. The court remained in use until the 1970s when more modern accommodation was found elsewhere.
93. Phillip Street Police Station
Cnr. Phillip & Alfred Sts. The Police Station was designed by Alexander Dawson and constructed in 1858. It was originally used by the Water Police but later for the regular police force.
The building includes a lock-up, (imposing cells with high ceilings and heavy iron doors) and intimidating Charge Room and Sergeant's office.
Police who occupied the building in recent years thought it a dreadful place to work in, but it was said to be close-knit, friendly place to work - perhaps a reaction to the awful environment. The Police Station closed in 1985 when The Rocks Police Station opened.
94. Police Court
Cnr. Phillip & Alfred Sts. The Court House, located between the Water Police Court and the Police Station in Phillip Street was designed by the colonial architect James Barnet and completed in 1886. In his design Barnet copied the basic elements of the earlier Water Police Court design to complement the buildings already on the site.
The building was used as a Magistrates Court and later became known as Traffic Court No. 2 (the Water Police Court being Traffic Court No. 1). In the museum the court room has been restored to its original Victorian splendour.
95. The Tivoli Theatre
Castlereagh St., cnr. Hay St. The Tivoli was not only the home of vaudeville in Sydney but also saw melodrama, pantomime and grand opera. It opened in 1911 with a performance of The Bad Girl of the Family.
In 1915-16 it was renovated by H. E. White (architect of the later State Theatre) and could seat nearly 3,000 patrons. More recent patrons remember that the noise of the trains on the city circle could be heard during the performances.
96. A Great Fire in the City
Martin Place. The fire which began in Gibbs, Shallard & Co's printing works devastated a whole city block from Moore, Pitt and Castlereagh Streets to Hosking Place. Warehouses and offices were completely destroyed in the blaze, which covered an area of some 2.25 acres.
With the destruction of buildings on the north side of narrow Moore Street the opportunity was taken to widen the street as a continuation of the wide street in front of the GPO, the beginning of the present day Martin Place which runs from George to Macquarie Streets.
97. Holy Trinity School
Argyle Place. Holy Trinity church was begun as an offshoot of St Philip's parish in what was once a very densely populated area of the town. As soon as the parish was established the parishioners petitioned the government for a grant of land and financial assistance to start a church school.
Amongst the infants, boys and girls attended equally but by primary school, the classes were mostly boys, with girls staying at home doing domestic duties.
98. The Trocadero
George St. 'The Troc' as it was popularly known was Australia's biggest and many say, best dancing and banqueting centre. In its heyday it attracted 5000 couples a week. to its public dances and could accommodate 2000 for banquets.
It was well known for the quality of its dance bands and as a dance restaurant (not just a 'dance hall'!) was one of the best establishments of its type.
99. Lyons Terrace
Liverpool St. Lyons Terrace, built for the auctioneer Samuel Lyons was for many years one of the best residential addresses in Sydney. The three storey terraced houses stood on Liverpool Street on the south side of Hyde Park, with a view over that area.
Sir Alfred Stephen, one of the most eminent judges and legislators of the 19th Century resided there as did many other prominent citizens.
In the 20th Century the terrace was demolished in parts, the first in 1910 to make way for the street leading to Central Railway. find out more
100. State Bank Centre
Martin Place. State Bank Centre was designed by Peddle, Thorp and Walker and opened in 1985. It is regarded as one of the finest office buildings in Sydney, and many interesting features, including a 36-level glass-curtained tower and a two-storey atrium that looks down on a marbled banking lobby.
The centre, now the Commonwealth Bank, occupies the site of the earlier Art Deco Rural Bank, the ram's head plaques from which are preserved in the new centre. find out more
101. The Female Immigrants' Home
Cnr. Bent & Phillip Sts. The Female Immigrants' Home was established by Caroline Chisholm in 1841 as part of her work to assist women immigrants arriving in Sydney.
The story of Caroline Chisholm's life in the Australian colonies is the story of one woman's battle against prejudice and indifference - prejudice against a woman who stepped out of the usual domestic role not only to work to help others but to influence government policy to help migrants, and the indifference of many who did little to help hundreds of women who quickly found themselves destitute on arrival in Australia.
Moved by the plight of women who, left homeless and without help in a new country were often forced to turn to prostitution to stay alive, Caroline Chisholm devoted herself to their welfare. find out more