Ever wondered about the secrets held within these walls? Welcome to Toxteth Park a place steeped in Sydney’s history.
Before you stands Toxteth Park. It wasn’t always a school. Originally built in 1829 by John Verge for George Allen a prominent Sydney solicitor. Allen a man of faith and influence. He commissioned the house on a sprawling 39 hectares. The estate even boasted a private cricket ground. Imagine the matches played there.
The Allens. George and his son Sir George Wigram Allen lived here. They added a third storey a tower and a ballroom. Their lives were full of legal triumphs political roles and impressive social standing. Sir George Wigram Allen even served as Speaker of the NSW Legislative Assembly. His knighthood a testament to his contributions.
In 1901 the Sisters of the Good Samaritan bought Toxteth Park. Their previous convent was demolished to make way for Central Railway Station. They transformed the grand house into St Scholastica’s College. The school gates? They made the journey from Pitt Street. A tangible link to the past.
The original dining room ceiling the floor tiles even some of the wallpaper remain. These are whispers from the past. A reminder of the Allens’ elegant life and the subsequent transformation. Toxteth Park now educates young women. Yet the echoes of past lives remain.
Toxteth Park is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a story of a family a faith and a school. It’s a fascinating blend of history architecture and community that continues to thrive in the heart of Glebe. A testament to a place that has changed hands but not its spirit.