How about a trip back to a time when Mays Hill was just beginning to find its place in Sydney’s story? Mays Hill is a suburb located 24 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district. It is part of the Greater Western Sydney region.
Let’s talk about the history of Mays Hill. Some believe Mays Hill gets its name from Thomas May. But a painting from 1840 shows the area was already known as Mays Hill. This was before Thomas May’s association with the Parramatta area. He arrived in 1859.
Originally, part of Mays Hill was the governor’s domain. This land was later divided. Thomas May bought some of it. He constructed a complex of buildings known as Park Lodge. The estate had stables, a coach house, and landscaped gardens. May lived at Park Lodge with his family until his death in 1873.
Mays Hill has a rich demographic tapestry. The most common ancestries include Indian, English, Australian, Chinese, and Lebanese. A significant portion of residents were born outside Australia. India, China, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Pakistan are common birthplaces. Many languages are spoken here. These include Hindi, Arabic, Tamil, Telugu, and Gujarati. Mays Hill reflects a mix of cultures.
Mays Hill Cemetery is a significant landmark. It’s one of four historic cemeteries in Parramatta. It’s located on the Great Western Highway. The cemetery contains the graves of pioneering families. These families include the Paytens, Fullagars, Houisons, Downs, Ardills, and Mustons. It was originally known as Western Road Cemetery.
Let’s discuss some notable people buried here. Thomas Payten was a horse trainer. Sir Wilfred Kelsham Fullagar served on the High Court of Australia. Andrew Houison was a medical practitioner and historian. John Muston was a draper and speculator. Rupert Major Downes was a surgeon and soldier. George Edward Ardill was an evangelist and social worker. These individuals contributed significantly to Australia.
The Western Road, now the Great Western Highway, is the oldest road in Parramatta. A toll-bar was built near Mays Hill in 1817. The road was extended to the Nepean River. This created a link to the new road over the Blue Mountains.
Before World War Two, Mays Hill saw little development. Most houses were around Banks, Franklin and Burnett Streets. During the 1940s, land was divided. New homes were built. The Housing Commission of NSW constructed public housing in Mays Hill.
Mays Hill today is a blend of old and new. Some original houses still stand. But there are also newer townhouses and unit blocks. This reflects the trend toward higher density living in Western Sydney.
So, as we stand here in Mays Hill, consider its layered history. From its early days as part of the governor’s domain to its vibrant multicultural community, Mays Hill has a unique story to tell. It’s a suburb that has a quiet charm with a deep connection to the past.