Matcham, New South Wales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids MatchamCentral Coast, New South Wales |
|||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||||||||||||||
| Population | 987 (2016 census) | ||||||||||||||
| • Density | 240.7/km2 (623/sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Postcode(s) | 2250 | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation | 32 m (105 ft) | ||||||||||||||
| Area | 4.1 km2 (1.6 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
| Location |
|
||||||||||||||
| LGA(s) | Central Coast Council | ||||||||||||||
| Parish | Kincumber | ||||||||||||||
| State electorate(s) | Terrigal | ||||||||||||||
| Federal Division(s) | Dobell | ||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||
Matcham is a quiet, semi-rural suburb located in the beautiful Central Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It's part of the Central Coast Council local government area. Matcham is known for its peaceful countryside feel and has a community hall and a historic church called St. George's Church, which was built in 1925.
Contents
Where Did Matcham Get Its Name?
Matcham is named after the Matcham Estate. This large piece of land, about 2,560 acres, was given to a man named Charles Horatio Nelson Matcham. He was the nephew of a famous British naval hero, Lord Horatio Nelson.
How the Land Grant Happened
Charles Horatio Matcham arrived in Sydney in 1828. He was promised this land as a special grant and was allowed to take possession of it from October 18, 1831. The official document for this land grant was recorded on January 1, 1840.
Charles Matcham lived at a place called "Bogolong" near the Murrumbidgee River until he passed away on March 11, 1844.
From Estate to Suburb
After Charles Matcham's death, the estate was passed down to his nephew and then to other owners. For many years, the land wasn't developed.
In 1907, George Matcham sold the estate to Frank L Measures from Niagara Park. Between 1907 and 1910, Measures divided the large estate into smaller parts. One of these parts eventually became the nearby suburb of Holgate.
You can find more information about the history of Matcham and Holgate at the Matcham Hall website.
Who Are Some Famous People from Matcham?
One well-known person who has lived in Matcham is Peter Sterling. He is a famous former professional rugby league player.
