Parramatta and District Historical Society
Who visits us?
Womene, Men andd Children of all ages interested in history of Australia and the lives of famous personalities from those pages.
What to do here?
Explore the Exhibition rooms - LUCAS GALLERY with a display of Aboriginal artifacts, story-boards of women living in the nearby 'Female Factory' refuge of 19th century and residents of the cottage through time. Guided tour through furnished rooms to discover ways of living in Colonial times. Kitchen reveals open wood fire cooking . Withdrawing room gives you music from early piano favoured by Beethoven. Two hundred year old English Oak, native Bunya and Hoop Pine trees dominate the skyline.
Top 3 reasons to visit
- Discover real Australian History where it happened
- Informed GUIDES gives you an enjoyable visit
- Range of regional history BOOKS avaiable to add to your library
Our Story
Parramatta and District Historical Society
YOU step back-in-time as soon as you cross the threshold of Hambledon Cottage. A feeling of wondrous discovery awaits you. Every room has stories to tell. Skilled guides will reveal the history of the Blackwood piano made in 1836. Beethoven created his memorable music using such an instrument. Lace making by hand is illustrated by examples in the craft corner of the Withdrawing Room alongside a folding card table set out as if the WHIST players have just left the room for refreshments. Governors of the Colony including William Denison and Sir Hercules Robinson stayed at the cottage during their term of office. We know first Governor Arthur Phillip walked these fields searching for land to grow food. He made the first land grant to James Ruse which is next door to the cottage. John MacArthur ordered this residential cottage to stand on the plain of the Parramatta River, portion of his Elizabeth Farm land grant of 1793. A pioneer of the Australian Wool Industry, MacArthur demanded high standards of craftsmanship and is reflected in the fine examples of furniture and woodwork in the cottage. You will treasure the stories told during your visit and promise yourself to return soon.
Our Activities
Our Rooms
we are volunteer guides as members of the Parramatta & District Historical Society. The venue is a MUSEUM and does not offer accommodation.