New – The Green Book website
Recent comments
- Donald Holdsworth on DRAFT COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN
- Christine Hanrahan on Loss of Heritage Sandstone kerbs
- Juanita Mosterd on 2 Vernon Street saved from demolition
- Glenys Brown on Hunters Hill gardens open for inspection
Links
- Australian Conservation Foundation
- Australian Heritage Photographic Database
- Bushland and biodiversity
- Discover Hunters Hill
- Environment Defenders Office (NSW)
- Gladesville Community
- Glebe Society
- Green Book
- Habitat Network
- Historical photographic collection Ryde Library
- Hunters Hill Bushcare Volunteers
- Hunters Hill Council
- Hunters Hill Historical Society
- Lane Cove Bushland and Conservation Society
- National Trust of Australia
- Nature Conservation Council NSW
- Ryde Hunters Hill Flora & Fauna Preservation Society
- Sydney Living Museums
New – The Green Book website
Inspector of Nuisances
Thomas Stubbs, Inspector of Nuisances City Council (Sydney) July 1847
Thomas Stubbs must have been a multi-talented individual. Apart from being Inspector of Nuisances he was a composer, concert performer, persuasive auctioneer, journalist and farmer.
In 1836 he bought 18 acres at the southern end of Tarban Creek. The Surveyor General at the time noted ‘nobody but a madman would want to buy’ this land. Stubbs built a stone house and along with his family, established a vineyard, gardens and an orchard with ‘40 kinds of fruit’.
William Weaver (kneeling centre) George Turner, Didier Joubert, Charles Moore, Mr Pennington and members of the Blaxland family, circa 1860
The Marist Fathers bought Stubbs’ farm in 1847 and renamed it Villa Maria. They commissioned the architect William Weaver to design a Georgian mansion in 1857. A new wing with Gothic details was added in 1876. We know it now as The Priory.
HHT luminaries Roslyn Maguire and Diana Drake wrote a detailed history of the building and its site. This is now available as a FREE download.
Hunters Hill Council is currently considering options to ensure the long term survival of The Priory.