Isn’t it intriguing that Thornleigh, now a commuter suburb, holds a captivating history? Thornleigh, nestled in Sydney’s upper North Shore within the Hornsby Shire, boasts a unique past. It is a suburb that many Sydneysiders might not even realize exists.
Let’s delve into the story of Thornleigh. The area’s elevation, one of the highest points in the Sydney metro basin, offered some residents views stretching to the city. This led to the tagline, “Live on the Heights,” when the land was subdivided for housing in 1919.
Thornleigh wasn’t always a bustling suburb. Its rural setting once drew city dwellers seeking respite. A small lying-in hospital even existed for pensioned women, operated by Jane Starkey. Sadly, this building was demolished in 2018 to make way for apartments.
The area where Highland Urban Farm is located was once promoted as a “beautiful hill and orchard district”. This was back in 1917. The altitude here was considered equivalent to that of Glenbrook in the Blue Mountains. Imagine securing a lot here for just two pounds.
Before European settlement, the Kuringai people called this land home. In 1788, Governor Arthur Phillip led the first non-indigenous explorers through Thornleigh. Settlers arrived in the 1830s. Among them were James Milson, Patrick Duffy, John Thorn, and Samuel Horne.
Thornleigh derives its name from Constable John Thorn. He and Constable Horne captured bushrangers Dalton and John MacNamara in 1830. As a reward, they received land grants in 1838. Horne’s land became Hornsby, now Normanhurst. Thorn’s land became Thornleigh.
The suburb thrived due to good soil and ample rainfall. Orchards flourished here. When Thornleigh railway station opened in 1886, it primarily transported local produce to city markets. Citrus fruits were the main export. Thornleigh’s fruit even reached Vancouver and San Francisco.
In 1901, the National Brickworks commenced operations in Thornleigh. The largest malt works in the southern hemisphere was established in 1913. W.G. Chilvers founded it. Chilvers Road pays homage to William George Chilvers. Norman Avenue recognizes the Australian engineer Norman Selfe.
During the Great Depression, unemployment plagued the area. Lorna Brandt, a local woman, organized the construction of a walking track. This provided relief work near the Lane Cove River. The track starts at Thornleigh Oval and loops back to Comenarra Parkway. It’s now part of the Great North Walk. This walking trail extends between Sydney and Newcastle.
The track features rock carvings done by the workers. One carving depicts Bertram Stevens, Premier of New South Wales. The track is known as Lorna Pass. It commemorates Lorna Brandt’s efforts.
Believe it or not, Thornleigh almost became a university town. Plans existed in the 1960s to build a university here. Thornleigh’s central location on the Northern Line and the North Shore made it a prime candidate. Ultimately, Macquarie University was established in Macquarie Park.
Today, Thornleigh maintains a population of around 7,700 residents. It is known as a good place for bushwalking. This suburb offers a blend of history, natural beauty, and community spirit.