Lake Macquarie History

How We Grew - the 1820s

photo: lancelot threlkeld

When the Newcastle penal settlement was moved further north to Port Macquarie in 1823, there was no longer any restriction on settlement and settlers flocked to the rich pastures of the Hunter area.

The Reverend Lancelot Threlkeld commenced his mission at Bahtahbah (Swansea) in 1826 amid wide community concern regarding the deprivation experienced by the aborigines since European settlement.

In 1826 Lieutenant Percy Simpson selected 2,000 acres at Cooranbong in Coorumbung Parish. He lived on the grant from 1826 until 1828 and then left an assigned servant, Moses Carroll, as overseer.

A detailed survey of Lake Macquarie was undertaken by James Ralfe in 1829-1830.

Reference

Clouten, Keith 1967, Reid's mistake : the story of Lake Macquarie from its discovery until 1890, Lake Macquarie Shire Council, [Speers Point, N.S.W.]

Nilson, Laurie & Leis, Susan & Noble, Rodney & Lake Macquarie (N.S.W.). Council 1985, Lake Macquarie : past and present, Lake Macquarie City Council, [Boolaroo, N.S.W.]

Acknowledgement of Country

We remember and respect the Ancestors who cared for and nurtured this Country. It is in their footsteps that we travel these lands and waters. Lake Macquarie City Council acknowledges the Awabakal people and Elders past, present and future.

Council acknowledges traditional custodians throughout Australia. We commit to listening deeply to and collaborating with First Peoples in our work.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website and Council's cultural collections may contain images, voices or names of deceased persons in photographs, film, audio recordings or printed material.

This website may contain place names, opinions and terms that reflect authors' views or those of the period in which the item was written or recorded. These may not be considered appropriate today.

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