“Who knew a humble farm could become a bustling suburb?” I ask. Welcome to Bexley. Right here in front of us lies a place steeped in history.
Bexley’s story begins not in Australia but in England. James Chandler a man who loved his homeland named this very place after his birthplace Bexley in south-east London. He purchased Sylvester’s Farm in 1822 a significant year marking the beginning of Bexley’s transformation.
Imagine a landscape vastly different from today. Chandler’s 1200 acres were heavily wooded. Timber-getters carved paths through the trees creating the Forest Road we know today. It was a wild place. Bushrangers escaped convicts and all sorts of characters roamed this land. Chandler even earned the nickname “Squire of Bexley”. But the constant unrest led him to sell the property in 1836.
The years that followed saw Bexley’s evolution. Charles Tindell began subdividing the land in 1856 paving the way for homes and streets. Queen Victoria Street Gladstone Street and Beaconsfield Street honor the British Queen and two of her Prime Ministers. These names whisper tales of Bexley’s connection to its British heritage.
Local families like the Davises left their mark. Lydham Hall the oldest surviving residence stands as a silent witness to Bexley’s past. The names Herbert and Frederick Streets are a tribute to Joseph Davis’ two sons. Another resident Henry Kinsela gave his name to Kinsel Grove.
Life wasn’t always peaceful. Dick Stone’s slaughterhouse operating from the 1890s to 1920 provided meat for Bexley and Rockdale. Cattle sheep and pigs were driven from Homebush a journey now unimaginable.
Then came the railway line. Opened in 1884 it sparked a surge in development. A steam tram connected Bexley and Arncliffe in 1909. The area buzzed with activity. Inns like the Man of Kent and the Robin Hood and Little John Inn added to the vibrant atmosphere.
Bexley became its own council in 1900. Though this independence was short-lived. The council merged with Rockdale in 1948. Even with changes Bexley remains. A vibrant part of Sydney’s rich history.
Today Bexley thrives. Its story is a testament to resilience growth and the enduring spirit of its people. A story we’ve only just begun to unravel. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of this special place. Its history is woven into the very fabric of this suburb.