Windsor

On the banks of the Hawkesbury River sits Windsor, a town steeped in history. Windsor isn’t just any town. It’s the fourth oldest European settlement in Australia. Established around 1791, it was originally called Green Hills. It later received its royal moniker, Windsor, from Governor Lachlan Macquarie in 1810, named after its English counterpart. Windsor played a critical role in the early colony’s survival. Its fertile river flats earned it the title of “bread basket,” providing sustenance to the fledgling settlement in Sydney. The river itself served as a vital transport route, carrying goods to and from the coast. Imagine the Hawkesbury River bustling with boats, laden with grain and produce. This lifeline, however, eventually became choked with silt due to extensive agriculture. By the 1890s, ships could no longer navigate the river to Windsor. Fortunately, a railway line, established in 1864, and a road, built in 1814, ensured Windsor remained connected. This town witnessed pivotal moments in the colony’s history. A planned French invasion in 1813, though never executed, targeted Windsor’s granary, highlighting the town’s strategic importance. Windsor’s rich history is etched into its architecture. St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, a masterpiece by Francis Greenway, stands as a testament to the town’s early development. Governor Macquarie himself selected the site for this church, which was later consecrated in 1822. The Macquarie Arms Hotel, another significant landmark, dates back to 1815. A horseshoe on its outer wall marks the devastating flood level of 1867, a stark reminder of the river’s power. Today, Windsor continues to thrive. It’s a town where the echoes of the past resonate amidst modern life. Take a moment to picture the hustle and bustle of the Windsor Mall Sunday Market, a vibrant hub of local produce, crafts, and community spirit. Windsor is more than just a town. It’s a living story, waiting to be discovered.