Beneath our feet lies the story of Essendon. This inner suburb of Melbourne is more than just a place on a map. Essendon is a vibrant community with a rich history.
Essendon sits a mere 8 km northwest of Melbourne’s bustling city center. Imagine this area long ago. The Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation were its first inhabitants. They lived along the Maribyrnong River.
In 1803, European explorers Charles Grimes and James Fleming arrived. They were the first to chart the Maribyrnong area. But Essendon’s official story began later.
The suburb gets its name from a village in Hertfordshire, England. Richard Green arrived in Victoria in the 1850s. He named his new home after his birthplace. His father owned Essendon Mill there.
The gold rush of 1851 transformed Essendon. Miners traveled through on their way to Castlemaine. Mount Alexander Road became a busy route. Essendon Post Office opened in 1856 marking the growing settlement.
Local residents sought to form the Borough of Essendon and Flemington in 1862. In 1871, the Victorian Railways started services between Essendon and Melbourne. An earlier private railway had failed.
Essendon Council resisted industrial development. They wanted to protect the Maribyrnong River. Instead, they created a recreational area for rowing, fishing, and swimming.
A grand mansion was built in 1890. Architect R.A. Lawson designed Earlsbrae Hall. Collier McCracken of a brewing family owned it. Today, it is Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School.
The North Melbourne Electric Tramway Company linked Essendon to the city in 1906. It also supplied electric power to nearby suburbs.
Essendon’s population was 21420 in 2021. Most residents were born in Australia. Many others came from Italy, England, and India. The most common ancestries include English, Australian and Italian.
The number 59 tram still runs along Mount Alexander and Keilor Roads. It connects Essendon to the city. Trains are also available from Essendon, Glenbervie, and Strathmore stations.
The Wurundjeri people are Essendon’s traditional owners. They are represented by the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
Essendon is home to many schools. These include Essendon Primary School and Buckley Park College. Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School also has a campus here.
Essendon is famous for the Essendon Football Club. The Bombers have won 16 premierships. The Essendon District Football League is also very successful.
Essendon Airport has a rich aviation history. In 1923, St Johns airfield became Essendon Aerodrome. Essendon served as Melbourne’s international airport. This was before Tullamarine Airport opened.
Essendon has transformed over time. From its Wurundjeri origins to its gold rush days. From its electric tramways to its football glory. Essendon is a suburb with a unique story. It’s a place where history and community come together.