Historical Towns Directory

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 Pitt Town
Find Pitt Town

Pitt Town, on the Hawkesbury , was one of the original planned settlements outside Sydney. It was named after British politician William Pitt.

Together with Richmond, Wilberforce, Windsor and Castlereagh, Pitt Town formed one of the five 'Macquarie Towns'. These towns were set up by Governor Macquarie in 1810 on higher ground after the region had experienced serious flooding the previous year.

The settlement at Pitt Town grew slowly and there were only 36 houses on the townsite by 1841.

The Blighton Arms hotel was established early in the town's history. The inn's licence was taken away in 1819 but the business was re-opened as the Macquarie Arms in 1830.

Bona Vista (1888) is a 19th century residence remaining in the town today.

The stone St James' Anglican Church (1857-58) was designed in Early English-style by Edmund Blacket. Scots Presbyterian Church was constructed in 1862. Both are still standing.

Pitt Town was first known for its market gardens and orchards which supplied the Sydney markets. Turf farming is a more recent industry that has developed in the area.

Hawkesbury Historical Society Inc
Information: The Society (founded 1956) aims to promote and encourage the study of the history of the Hawkesbury and to collect matter and preserve matter relating to the history of the Hawkesbury.
Publications: Hawkesbury Historical Society Newsletter edited by Michelle Nichols.
Events: See the Society's website for updated list of events.
Address:

PO Box 293
Windsor NSW 2756

Website: http://www.hawkesburyhistory.org.au
   
Hawkesbury Regional Museum
Information: The Hawkesbury district has a long history including a rich indigenous cultural heritage established by the Darug people, as well as a distinctive built environment dating back to the earliest days of the colony. Hawkesbury Regional Museum conserves and interprets that heritage to residents and visitors, many of whom have family links to the area.

The museum comprises a new, purpose-built construction at 8 Baker Street, Windsor, and the heritage building known as Howes House at 7 Thompson Square. Together they form a unique cultural facility offering a high-quality museum experience. As well as a permanent exhibition on the themes River, Land, People, the museum offers a program of changing temporary exhibitions on a wide variety of subjects.

Opening Hours
Wednesday - Friday: 10am-4pm
Weekends:10am-3pm
Monday and Tuesday:Closed
Public holidays: Closed
School and group visits may be arranged for other times
Phone: 02 4560 4425
Address:

8 Baker Street (PO Box 146)
Windsor NSW 2756

Email: museum@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au
   
Hawkesbury Family History Group
Information: The Group was established in 1982 and is a support & information group for family historians, is co-ordinated by the Hawkesbury City Council Library Service. Hawkesbury Family History Group does not have their own library as such but supports the Local Studies Collection of Hawkesbury City Council Library. The Local Studies Collection has a wide range of information about the Hawkesbury district with emphasis on the historical past particularly useful for both local & family historians. This collection is free to use by the public and is opened Monday to Friday 9am-7pm, Saturday 9am-1pm Sunday 2pm-5pm & closed public Holidays. For more information about the Local Studies Collections & holdings see www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/library/
Publications: Hawkesbury Crier (quarterly Journal) edited Michelle Nichols; Monthly New Sheet (free & online) www.hfhg.hawkesbury.net.au; Hawkesbury Pioneer Register Vol. 1 (1994); Hawkesbury Pioneer Register Vol. 2 (2001). Order form at www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/files/19457/File/familyHistoryGroupPub_OrderForm.pdf
Events: Monthly meetings, all welcome, no charge. Every 2nd Wednesday of the month (except January) 10am to 12noon at the Hawkesbury Central Library.
Contact: Michelle Nichols (Co-ordinator)
Phone: 02 4560 4466 during business hours
Address:

c/- Hawkesbury Central Library, 300 George Street
Windsor NSW 2756

Email: mnichols@hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au
Website: http://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/community/1029.html
   
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