Big Stable Newmarket facts for kids

The Big Stable Newmarket is a very old and important building in Randwick, Sydney, Australia. It has a long history, starting as land used by Aboriginal people. Over time, it became farm stables, a home, a hotel, and even a factory. Today, it is still used as stables.

This special building is also known as Cranbrook Stables. It is next to other historic places like Newmarket House and The Sale Ring. The property is owned by William Inglis & Son Pty Ltd. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999, which means it is protected for its historical value.

A Look Back at History

Early Aboriginal Life

Before the 1780s, the local Aboriginal people lived in this area. They used the land for fishing and important cultural activities. You can still find signs of their presence, like rock engravings and shell middens (old piles of shells).

The Aboriginal people are thought to have lived in the Sydney area for at least 20,000 years. The Cadigal people lived south of Port Jackson (Sydney Harbour). They spoke the Dharug language.

Randwick's Beginnings

In 1824, one of the first land grants in this area was given to Captain Francis Marsh. Later, in 1839, William Newcombe bought land nearby.

Randwick got its name from a town in England. Simeon Pearce and his brother James suggested the name. Simeon was born in Randwick, England. He and his brother helped develop Randwick and Coogee. Simeon bought land and built his home, calling it "Randwick".

Life in Randwick was slow at first. It was hard to get to Sydney because of swamps and sandhills. Horse-buses often got stuck, and passengers had to push them out! Randwick had two main groups of people. Wealthy families lived in large, fancy houses. Working-class people lived in smaller homes. They often worked in market gardens or piggeries.

In 1859, Randwick became one of the first suburbs in New South Wales to become a municipality. This meant it could collect taxes and borrow money to improve the area.

Horse Racing in Randwick

Horse racing has been a big part of Randwick's history. Racing first started here in 1833. The track was known as Sandy Course because of its sandy soil.

In 1863, John Tait helped establish the Randwick Racecourse. He was the first person in Australia to make horse racing a commercial sport. The racecourse helped Randwick grow a lot. Trams soon connected the suburb to Sydney. Randwick became a busy and lively place. Today, it is still a vibrant area with homes, businesses, and shops.

Many people from different countries have made their homes here. Students and workers for the University of New South Wales and the Prince of Wales Hospital also live nearby.

The Famous Newmarket Site

Newmarket House was built where the Newmarket Hotel once stood in 1861. The "Big Stable" was built around 1880 behind the hotel. These buildings became very important for training racehorses.

In 1906, William Inglis & Son started selling livestock from rented places in Randwick. In 1917, they bought the Newmarket site. They turned it into a huge complex for horse sales. It had a sales arena and four stables that could hold up to 620 horses!

The Sale Ring is where many famous horse sales have happened. The Inglis family has run these sales since 1906. A very famous racehorse named "Phar Lap" won a big race at Randwick in 1929. He won 37 out of 51 races he ran!

The Big Stable has had many uses. During World War II, it was used as a detention barracks. After the war, it became a factory. In the mid-1980s, the Stables were restored. They even won an award for their conservation work. They are now used for horses again. Some of Australia's best racehorses have been trained here.

Queen Elizabeth visited the Randwick races in 1954 and again in 1992. Her visit in 1992 led to the racecourse being called "Royal Randwick".

The "Big Stable" was even used as a set in the popular movie about Phar Lap. A plaque on the site tells the history of the stables, horses, and trainers.

For over 100 years, famous horses and racing people have been at Inglis Stables. It has also hosted fashion shows, celebrity events, and charity dinners. The Newmarket site is known worldwide for its horse sales.

However, the Inglis company has grown too big for the Randwick site. In 2011, they announced they would move their operations to Warwick Farm. The Randwick site will become a new residential and commercial area. It will have homes, shops, and public green spaces.

In April 2017, the last horse sale was held at the Newmarket complex. The Inglis family has given items from their business to be part of the new public space. The Big Stable will be given to Randwick Council. The auction ring will become a recreation area.

What the Big Stable Looks Like

The 'Big Stable' was built around 1880. It is about 40 meters long and 17 meters wide. It is made of timber with painted weatherboard walls. The roof is made of painted corrugated iron.

Inside, there is a large central area with high windows called clerestory sashes. These windows let light in from above. Horse stalls open from both sides of this central space. Above the stalls, there is a wide gallery. This gallery gives access to areas for feed, horse gear, and grooms' rooms. When you walk in, the tall space and timber posts are very impressive. Some people think its design might have been influenced by similar buildings in America.

Changes Over Time

• 1939-1945: During World War II, it was used as a detention barracks.
• After the war: It was used as a laminex factory.
• Mid-1980s: The Stables were restored and returned to their original use for horses.

Why the Big Stable is Important

The "Big Stable" is very important because of its unique architecture and its historical role. It is a rare type of building. The whole Newmarket area, including the Big Stable, Newmarket House, and Sale Ring, helps preserve a valuable part of Australia's history.

This beautiful and simple building has survived almost unchanged since the 1800s. It is surrounded by well-kept trees and lawns. The site continues to be linked to horse breeding and training. It fits well with the local area, which was once known as "Struggle Town." The Newmarket site is famous not just in Australia but around the world for its connection to thoroughbred horse breeding.

Big Stable Newmarket was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.