Abbotsford, New South Wales

History

Abbotsford took its name from Abbotsford House, owned by Sir Arthur Renwick. He named his property after Abbotsford House in Scotland, the residence of historical novelist and poet, Sir Walter Scott.

Aboriginal culture

Abbotsford was first known by its Aboriginal name Bigi Bigi. The traditional owners are the Wangal clan of the Eora Nation.

European settlement

The suburb was originally part of Five Dock Farm and when subdivided in 1837, was called Feltham. Sir Arthur Renwick, a doctor, philanthropist and politician built his home here in 1890 and called it Abbotsford House in honour of Sir Walter Scott's home. Renwick sold his property in 1903 to Albert Grace, and in 1918 it became the site of a Nestlé chocolate factory, with the house used initially for chocolate production and later as their administrative offices. The factory was closed in 1991, after which the area was redeveloped as the medium-density Abbotsford Cove housing complex.

Australian poet Henry Lawson did not die in Abbotsford house in 1922, as is sometimes claimed, but at the home of Mrs Isabella Byers at 437 Great North Road, recently demolished. Abbotsford House is now listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Demographics

According to the of the population, there were 5,431 residents in Abbotsford. 66.3% of people were born in Australia. The most common countries of birth were Italy 5.7%, England 3.2% and China 2.8%. 68.6% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Italian 8.2%, Mandarin 2.9%, Cantonese 2.3% and Greek 1.8%. The most common responses for religious affiliation were Catholic 37.9%, No Religion 29.7% and Anglican 8.1%.

Transport

Transit Systems bus route 438 operates from Abbotsford ferry wharf to Martin Place. Abbotsford ferry wharf is served by Parramatta River ferry services. Electric trams operated to Abbotsford until their replacement by buses in 1954.

Commercial area

Abbotsford has a small group of shops on Great North Road.

Education

Abbotsford Public School is a local primary school at 350 Great North Road.

Landmarks

File:Abbotsford Public School.JPG|Abbotsford Public School File:Abbotsford Day Care Centre.JPG|Victorian cottage used as Day Care Centre File:Abbotsford Presbyterian Church.JPG|Abbotsford Presbyterian Church File:Abbotsford Cove.JPG|Abbotsford Cove

Sport and recreation

Abbotsford Sailing Club and Sydney Rowing Club sit on the Parramatta River, at the end of Great North Road. Abbotsford houses the rowing sheds for Sydney Boys High School, Newington College and Abbotsford Rowing Club.

Notable residents

• David Hicks
• Reg Latta
• Henry Lawson
• Lewy Pattinson
• Sir Arthur Renwick
• Julie Roberts(current mayor)and Chris Young(First Gentleman)
• Justin(deputy mayor) and Lana Bosilkovski

References

References

1. [http://www.suburbguide.com.au/category/home/location/sydney-inner-west Australian Suburb Guide: Sydney Inner West] {{webarchive. link. (26 December 2012 Retrieved 7 August 2013.)
2. Gregory's Sydney Street Directory, Gregory's Publishing Company, 2007
3. Book of Sydney Suburbs, Frances Pollon (Angus and Robertson) 1990, p. 1
4. Reed, Alexander Wyclif. (1969). "Place-names of New South Wales, their origins and meanings". Reed.
5. "History of Abbotsford Cove - Abbotsford Cove Real Estate - Abotsford".
6. The Heritage of Australia, Macmillan Company, 1981, p.2/23
7. {{Census 2021 AUS
8. D. Keenan: ''Tramways of Sydney''. Transit Press 1979