Macclesfield, South Australia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Macclesfield South Australia
The Three Brothers Arms
Macclesfield Location in South Australia
Established	1840
Postcode(s)	5153
Elevation	272 m (892 ft)
LGA(s)	District Council of Mount Barker Alexandrina Council
Region	Adelaide Hills Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island
State electorate(s)	Heysen
Federal Division(s)	Division of Mayo
Localities around Macclesfield: Green Hills Range Flaxley Bugle Ranges Meadows Macclesfield Gemmells Paris Creek Strathalbyn
Footnotes	Adjoining localities

Macclesfield is a small town located in the beautiful Adelaide Hills region of South Australia. It sits near the start of the River Angas. In 2016, about 958 people lived in Macclesfield.

The town is part of the District Council of Mount Barker. This is a local government area that helps manage the town. Macclesfield is also part of a larger voting area. This area is called the state electorate of Heysen. It is also in the federal Division of Mayo. These areas help choose people to represent the town in government.

The Story of Macclesfield

Macclesfield has a rich history, starting in the 1800s.

How the Town Began

The town's story began with George Davenport. He was a banker from England. He worked for the South Australian Company. George and his business partners bought a large piece of land. It was 4416 acres, which is about 1619 hectares. They paid £4416 for this land.

George sent his oldest son, Francis Davenport, to choose the land. Francis arrived in Adelaide in February 1840. He looked at land near Port Lincoln first. But he decided on land near the River Angas. This land included the area where Macclesfield is today.

The town of Macclesfield was named after the Earl of Macclesfield. George Davenport worked for the Earl in England. Francis Davenport went back to England in 1841. He left Henry Giles to look after his land.

The Davenport Family Returns

Francis and his wife Sarah came back in February 1843. His brothers, Samuel and Robert, also came. Sadly, Francis died soon after. Samuel and Robert then helped manage the land.

Early Buildings and Education

The first hotel in Macclesfield opened in 1841. It was first called The Goat's Head Inn. Over time, its name changed several times. Today, it is known as the Three Brothers' Arms. It is named after the three Davenport brothers.

A brewery opened next to the hotel by 1851. Later, it became a factory for butter and cheese. This factory closed in 1937.

Macclesfield has had a primary school since 1876. In 2010, the school celebrated 150 years of teaching. Many people attended the celebration. This included Alexander Downer, a well-known politician. He lived in Macclesfield in the 1980s.

The town is also home to sports teams. These include the Macclesfield Football Club and the Macclesfield Basketball Club.

Town Life and Services

Macclesfield offers different services and places for its community.

Crystal Lake Park

Macclesfield is about 14 kilometers south of Mount Barker. In 2013, the community opened Crystal Lake Park. This park used to be a swimming pool. Now, it is a place for arts and fun activities. It is also part of the Hills Sculpture Trail. This trail features many interesting sculptures.

Community Safety

The town is protected by a volunteer Country Fire Service. These brave volunteers help keep the community safe. They helped fight the big Ash Wednesday Bushfires in 1983.