Ever wondered about the legacy of Governor Philip Gidley King? His youngest daughter Mary King played a pivotal role in Werrington’s history. It all started with a land grant in 1806. This land eventually became the heart of what we know today as WSU Werrington South.
WSU Werrington South isn’t just a university campus. It’s a place deeply rooted in history. It stands on land once part of the vast Werrington estate. Mary King didn’t claim the property until 1827 after marrying Robert Copeland Lethbridge. They built a house named Werrington. The Lethbridge family’s mark remains visible in Lethbridge Street and Lethbridge Avenue nearby.
Imagine the Lethbridges farming the land. They lived there until 1865. Their home a testament to a bygone era. It’s now considered a heritage-listed site located in Rugby Street. This house wasn’t just a family home. It had another important occupant. The New South Wales Premier Henry Parkes leased the property from 1860 to 1872. He was instrumental in establishing a nearby private railway platform. That platform opened to the public in 1878. It became the nucleus around which Werrington grew.
The railway station initially called Parkes Platform. It was renamed Werrington in 1893. This facilitated the growth of the town. The Werrington estate was sold and subdivided starting in the 1880s. The Werrington Post Office opened on October 1 1891. This further solidified Werrington’s development.
The area saw transformation from farmland to a thriving community. WSU Werrington South now stands proudly on this land. It is a symbol of progress and education. It’s a blend of historical significance and modern learning. It’s a testament to the rich past and promising future of Werrington.
Today as you stand before WSU Werrington South remember its story. Reflect on the journey from a land grant to a bustling university campus. This is more than just bricks and mortar. This is the legacy of generations intertwined with the growth of a town. This is WSU Werrington South.