In 1836, on the banks of the Parramatta River, a symphony of clanging hammers and grunting men echoed through the air. They were building Lennox Bridge. This wasn’t just another bridge. This was a testament to the ingenuity of David Lennox, the colony’s first Superintendent of Bridges. Lennox Bridge replaced the earlier Gaol Bridge, a structure of stone piers and timber railings that couldn’t withstand the river’s occasional fury. Lennox envisioned something stronger, more enduring. He chose Hawkesbury sandstone, quarried from the Parramatta Female Factory, to create a single, elegant arch spanning the river. The bridge, completed in 1839, cost £1,797, a considerable sum at the time. Lennox Bridge is more than just stone and mortar. It’s a vital artery, carrying Church Street, the main thoroughfare of Parramatta’s central business district, over the flowing waters. It has witnessed the evolution of Parramatta, from a small colonial settlement to a thriving city. The bridge itself has undergone transformations. It was widened in 1885-1886. Then strengthened internally for the Castle Hill Tramway in 1901-1902. Further widening occurred in 1934-1935 to accommodate the growing traffic. Today, Lennox Bridge stands as the third oldest surviving masonry bridge in New South Wales, a proud symbol of Parramatta’s rich history and a lasting tribute to David Lennox’s vision. It even carries the Parramatta Light Rail, seamlessly blending the old with the new. This bridge wasn’t just built to connect two banks. It was built to connect generations.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to