Picture this. You are standing before Old Government House in Parramatta. This majestic building whispers tales of convict labour and colonial power.
Old Government House is more than just a building. It’s a living testament to Australia’s convict past and the evolution of its society. It served as a country retreat for ten early governors of New South Wales. That’s right ten governors from 1800 to 1847 called this place home.
The original Sydney Government House was deemed unsuitable. Crime and unsanitary conditions in Sydney spurred the need for a more comfortable rural residence. Governor John Hunter. He took action. He cleared away the remains of Arthur Phillip’s cottage. He built a more permanent structure on the same site. This marks the humble beginning of Old Government House.
Convicts weren’t just prisoners. They were the workforce behind Old Government House. They served as cooks chambermaids and other vital roles supporting the governors and their families. Marines and soldiers provided security. They acted as bodyguards protecting the governors and their families.
Governor Denison handed Old Government House to the Parramatta Park Trust in 1855. It wasn’t always a museum. It served as a boarding house a school and even a private home. A fascinating fact. The first conservation project of a heritage house in Australia took place here. It was spearheaded by the Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon in 1908. This remarkable restoration is the reason why we can see Old Government House in its current glory today.
The Kings School even used Old Government House for 55 years. Fifty boys at a time lived here along with the Housemaster matron and staff. Can you imagine the lively atmosphere? They walked across the Parramatta River to the main school building each day.
In 1967. An act of Parliament transferred Old Government House to the National Trust. It was fully restored in time for its opening by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970. Now. It showcases a significant collection of Australian colonial furniture. It’s displayed as it would have been during Governor Macquarie’s time.
Old Government House isn’t just a building. It’s a captivating chapter in Australia’s story. A place where history comes alive. A place where you can almost hear the whispers of governors convicts and children echoing through its halls. A truly unforgettable experience.