“A cafe in a gatehouse” That’s how many describe the Macquarie Street Gatehouse today. But its story is far richer than just coffee and cake.
Welcome to the Macquarie Street Gatehouse a charming Victorian Gothic structure in Parramatta Park. This isn’t just any gatehouse. It’s a silent witness to over a century of Parramatta’s history. Its current form dates back to 1887 built around an even older dwelling.
The original gatehouse arose from tragedy. In 1847 Lady Mary Fitzroy wife of Governor Sir Charles Fitzroy died in a carriage accident near Government House. Sir Charles was so distraught he ordered the George Street entrance closed. He commissioned a new entrance on Macquarie Street a gateway with a small cottage for the gatekeeper. This cottage became the foundation of our present gatehouse.
The first gatekeeper in the 1887 building was Mrs Bridget Reilly a recently widowed Irish immigrant. The Parramatta Park Trust often appointed women to this role. Their duties included opening and closing the gates controlling livestock and even providing hot water to picnickers for a small fee. Bridget’s family lived in the gatehouse until her death in 1916. Her daughter Mary Ann succeeded her. Mary Ann even helped find a lost child in the park.
Following Mary Ann Mrs Sarah Jane Restall became gatekeeper around 1927. Her life was quite eventful. A surprise party was held for her before her marriage. Sadly that marriage failed. She remarried later in life.
The final gatekeeper mentioned in our records is Charles Herbert Harvey a retired army warrant officer. He served in the Boer War and World War I. He and his wife Isobel lived at the gatehouse until around 1960. He was active in local community groups.
The Macquarie Street Gatehouse stands as a testament to the lives of these gatekeepers and to the evolution of Parramatta Park. It’s a place where history and hospitality meet. A place where you can almost hear the whispers of the past. Enjoy your visit.