Standing before us is a modest dwelling. This is Hattons Cottage. It carries within its walls echoes of Ryde’s early colonial history.
Hattons Cottage, located at 158 Blaxland Road, was built in 1884. It was built for Joseph Hatton. Joseph was a descendant of one of Ryde’s First Fleet families. This cottage stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of those early settlers.
Joseph Hatton’s story is quite remarkable. He arrived in Sydney as a convict aboard the Scarborough in 1788. He had been sentenced to seven years transportation for stealing linen and other goods. He was quite the cheeky chap.
Upon arrival, Hatton was put to work at the brick kilns. He even attended the wedding party of Anthony Rope and Elizabeth Pulley. The party was quite the talk of the town because there was allegedly stolen goat’s flesh.
Hatton’s life took a dramatic turn when he faced accusations of theft. He was examined by Capt David Collins. Hatton found himself entangled in a trial with others. They were accused of stealing the goat’s flesh for the wedding feast. All the accused were acquitted.
In 1792, Hatton married Rosamund Sparrow. Their relationship was turbulent. Rosamund stabbed Joseph in the stomach. This was apparently in a fit of jealousy.
Despite the turmoil, Hatton became a respected settler. By 1800, he was living with Ann Smith. He contributed to building the first bark schoolhouse and chapel. This marked one of the earliest educational initiatives in the colony.
Hatton faced further challenges. In 1804, his family was robbed of all its possessions. It’s ironic that he and Ann became victims of the very crimes. These crimes are what they had committed back in England.
Joseph Hatton died in 1828. His death was determined to be the result of extreme age and infirmity. He was buried at St Anne’s Ryde. Ann died four years later.
Hattons Cottage remains a tangible link to Ryde’s past. It is a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness of its early settlers. This cottage is listed by the Heritage Council.