Morpeth, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Morpeth Maitland, New South Wales
Closebourne House, Morpeth
Morpeth Location in New South Wales
Population	1,403 (2016 census)
• Density	188/km2 (490/sq mi)
Established	1821
Postcode(s)	2321
Elevation	15 m (49 ft)
Area	4.8 km2 (1.9 sq mi)
Time zone	AEST (UTC+10)
• Summer (DST)	AEDT (UTC+11)
Location	165 km (103 mi) N of Sydney 35.2 km (22 mi) NNW of Newcastle 7.9 km (5 mi) ENE of Maitland
LGA(s)	City of Maitland
Region	Hunter
County	Northumberland
Parish	Alnwick
State electorate(s)	Maitland
Federal Division(s)	Paterson
Suburbs around Morpeth: Raworth Phoenix Park Hinton Raworth Morpeth Berry Park Tenambit Chisholm Berry Park

Morpeth is a charming suburb located in the city of Maitland in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. It sits on the southern banks of the Hunter River. The town of Morpeth is a historic place, named after a town called Morpeth, Northumberland in England.

Morpeth's Journey Through Time

The land around Maitland, including Morpeth, has always been special to the Wonnarua people. They are the traditional owners and caretakers of this area.

The town of Morpeth began thanks to a man named Edward Charles Close. In 1831, he chose a large piece of land and started to develop it. He wanted it to be a busy river port. Lieutenant Close built his own house, called Closebourne, on this land. It was a beautiful two-storey house made of sandstone. Later, from 1848 to 1912, this house was used as a home for bishops.

Morpeth's river port grew steadily during the 1830s. St James's Church, on Tank Street, was built between 1837 and 1840. Part of its design was by a famous architect, John Horbury Hunt. Today, this church is a protected heritage site. A major businessman back then was James Taylor. Around 1850, he built a special storage building called a bond store near the bridge. This building is also now a heritage site.

The Morpeth Court House was built around 1861. It has a grand style, like ancient Greek buildings. A local police station followed in 1879. However, a big change happened in 1857. The Great Northern Railway was built, but it didn't go through Morpeth. Instead, it went to Newcastle. This meant Newcastle grew into the main port for the region. Morpeth became less important for trade, but it still remained a town with its own rich history.

Today, Morpeth is a popular place for tourists to visit. People love its many old buildings and its beautiful spot by the river.

Morpeth's Historic Treasures

Morpeth has several places that are officially listed as heritage sites. This means they are very important parts of history and are protected. Here are some of them:

• 102 Main Road: Morpeth Bridge
• Morpeth Road: Morpeth House and Closebourne House
• 19 Tank Street: St James' Anglican Church
• 90 Swan Street: Morpeth Railway Station

Gallery

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  Morpeth Station, 1954

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  Morpeth Post Office, Swan Street

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  Old Court House, Swan Street

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  Morpeth Bond Stores, Swan Street

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  Arnott Bakehouse, Swan Street

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  Arnott Bakehouse plaque

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  St James's Church (1840), Tank Street