Chiswick

Did you know Chiswick was once known as Bigi Bigi? That’s its Aboriginal name. This charming suburb nestled on the Parramatta River has a rich history. Dr George Fortescue a prominent Sydney physician bought an estate here in 1851. He named it Chiswick after a village on the Thames River in England. The Parramatta River was even called the Thames of the Antipodes. Other nearby suburbs also have Thames-inspired names like Greenwich and Putney. Imagine Chiswick in the 1800s. It was a quiet place with only a few houses. But things changed. Dr Fortescue built a grand home called Wymston. It was a copper-clad Gothic residence. The house stood on twelve acres of land. It boasted a ballroom a conservatory and even a swimming bath. A family photo shows Wymston in its prime. It depicts the Walsh family who lived there from 1901 to 1906. Henry Deane Walsh a civil engineer worked on Sydney Harbour Trust projects. His work is still visible today. Sadly Wymston was demolished around 1922. The area became more industrial. A wire mill operated there for over a century. It produced wire netting vital for fencing in the rabbit plagues of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today Chiswick is a thriving suburb. It boasts modern apartment blocks. Many people call Chiswick home. The Chiswick ferry wharf still operates. Buses run to the city center. The area’s small group of shops near the wharf adds to its charm. So next time you’re in Sydney remember Chiswick. It’s more than just a suburb. It’s a place with a captivating story of change and resilience. A legacy of a grand house. The rhythm of industry. And the enduring charm of a riverfront community.