Prince Alfred Square facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Prince Alfred Square |
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Prince Alfred Square, Parramatta, New South Wales
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| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Parramatta, New South Wales |
| Area | 1.5 hectares (3.7 acres) |
| Authorized | 27 November 1837 |
| Founder | Governor Richard Bourke |
| Owned by | NSW Government |
| Managed by | City of Parramatta Council |
| Status | Open all year |
| Type | Landscape |
| Criteria | a., b., c., e., f., g. |
| Designated | 28 August 2017 |
| Reference no. | 01997 |
Prince Alfred Square is a beautiful park covering about 1.5 hectares (or 3.7 acres) in Parramatta, New South Wales. It's located on the northern side of the Parramatta River. This park is one of the oldest public parks in New South Wales and is officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register because of its important history. Right across from the park to the west, you'll find St Patrick's Cathedral.
This park has a long and interesting past. It used to be the site of Parramatta's second gaol (prison) from 1804 to 1841. It was also home to the first female factory, a place where female convicts worked, from 1804 to 1821. After a new prison opened in 1842, the old gaol was taken down.
On November 27, 1837, Governor Bourke officially set aside this land as a 'village green' for the people of Parramatta. Locals sometimes called it the "old Gaol Green" or "Hanging Green." A fence was put up around it, and people even played games like Cricket there.
Some of the oldest trees in the park, like Moreton Bay figs, a camphor laurel, and a Bunya pine, were planted around the 1860s and 1870s. The park was named 'Alfred Square' in 1868. This was to celebrate the visit of Prince Alfred, who was Australia's first Royal visitor. He came to Parramatta during his tour.
Prince Alfred Square was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on August 28, 2017, recognizing its special importance.
Contents
Discovering Prince Alfred Square's Past
Aboriginal History of Parramatta
Aboriginal people have lived in the Parramatta area for thousands of years. You can still find signs of their presence, like rock shelters and ancient campsites. Before European settlers arrived, Parramatta was a great place for Aboriginal people to live. It had lots of plants and animals.
The City of Parramatta is located on the Parramatta River, which is at the end of Sydney Harbour. This meant Aboriginal people had access to fresh water from the river and creeks. They could also find many food sources. These included ducks, eels, shellfish, fish, and turtles from the water. On land, they found kangaroos, possums, flying foxes, and native fruits, berries, and roots.
The area of Parramatta CBD was the traditional land of the Burramattagal people. They were part of a larger Aboriginal group in western Sydney. Most of what we know about their way of life comes from archaeological digs. The Burramattagal people, as a distinct group, were greatly impacted soon after Europeans settled.
European settlers came to Parramatta in the late 1700s because of its fertile soil and easy water transport. The town quickly grew with homes, shops, and industries. This development often disturbed or destroyed Aboriginal sites. Only a few Aboriginal sites have been officially recorded in the Parramatta area so far.
It is believed that the site of Prince Alfred Square was a special women's site for the Burramattagal people.
Early Days of the Colony
Around 1790, this area was part of Governor Phillip's government farm. Henry Dodd managed this farm, which grew some of the colony's first successful crops. It's not clear how long this land was farmed before it was chosen for Parramatta's permanent gaol in 1802.
In 1796, Governor John Hunter wanted to build gaols in Sydney and Parramatta. The first formal gaol in Parramatta was on George Street. It was probably finished by May 1797. This building was simple but had individual cells for prisoners, which was a modern idea for the time. However, it was destroyed by fire in December 1799.
Work on a new Parramatta Gaol began in August 1802. It was built on the north side of the river, a little away from the main town. This is the same spot where Prince Alfred Square is today. The gaol was designed like a simple army barrack. It had a central hallway with rooms and cells on either side.
During its construction, Governor King decided to add a "linen and woollen manufactory" to the gaol. This meant the complex had two separate parts: the gaol to the south and the factory to the north. The factory was on the second floor and was for female convicts. They worked there during the day and stayed there at night. The idea was for women who didn't have jobs to be employed in useful tasks.
The gaol and factory were finished in 1804. They were built with sandstone for the ground floor of the gaol and timber for the factory's upper floor. There was also a sandstone wall around the area. Sheds and other small buildings were used as work areas, especially for making rope.
The factory continued to operate until December 1807, when both the factory and gaol were damaged by fire. The factory reopened in May 1809. Over the next few decades, there were many reports about how badly the building was falling apart.
A larger space for the women was finally built in 1817. Governor Macquarie started planning a new barracks just for female convicts. In 1821, the women moved to the new Parramatta Female Factory. This new factory, designed by Francis Greenway, was located further up the Parramatta River.
By 1830, the gaol was in a "falling state." Instead of major repairs, the building was propped up until a new gaol could be built.
Victorian Era in the Park
In 1837, Governor Bourke decided this land should be a reserve for the townspeople. It was officially made a "village green" on November 27, 1837. It covered more than three acres. Locals still called it Gaol Green or Hanging Green.
From 1836 to 1839, Lennox Bridge was built nearby. This bridge connected Church Street north and south. In 1842, the new Parramatta Gaol opened, and all prisoners moved from the old gaol.
The land was leveled and fenced. However, in 1853, people complained that this public space was being used as a rubbish dump. Things improved with the new Municipalities Act of 1858. This law allowed local councils to manage and fund community services and spaces. On November 27, 1861, the Municipality of Parramatta was created. By January 1862, Parramatta had its first mayor.
On February 10, 1868, Prince Alfred visited Parramatta. He was Australia's first Royal visitor. On August 31, 1869, the "Old Gaol Green" was renamed "Alfred Square" to remember his visit.
In September 1869, the "Gaol Green" was planted with trees. Councillors and local schoolchildren helped with the planting. The Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii), Camphor laurels (Cinnamomum camphora), and Moreton Bay figs (Ficus macrophylla) you see today were likely planted around this time.
By 1871, the council even considered using the area for the new Parramatta Town Hall. However, the current site in Church Street was chosen instead. In 1874, the Council became the official Trustees of the reserve. Since then, Parramatta City Council has managed the square.
Alfred Square was a lively community space. It hosted many local events in the 1880s. These included outdoor concerts and even a "go-as-you-please" tournament in a huge tent. In late 1889, the council discussed building a bandstand for regular band concerts.
Maintaining the park had its challenges. Storms damaged fences, and "trespassing cattle" hurt the trees. Young people also caused problems, damaging fences and throwing rocks. Funds were limited, so temporary repairs were often made.
In 1882, the Anderson Fountain was put up. It was a gift from Dr. Anderson. It was moved to Alfred Square in 1888. In 1922, it was moved again to its current spot to make way for the War Memorial. The riverbank side of the park was also home to Parramatta's first public baths around 1888.
The diagonal footpaths you see today were first paved in 1889. In 1891, the bandstand was finished. It was a beautiful rotunda with cast iron posts and a copper roof.
From Federation to the 1950s
Around 1900, Lennox Bridge and Church Street north were made wider. This was to make space for the tram line to Castle Hill.
In the early 1900s, the park started to look more like it does today. An avenue of Canary Island palms (Phoenix canariensis) was planted along one of the diagonal paths in 1918.
In 1922, the foundation stone for the War Memorial was laid. It was officially revealed by Lord Forster, the Governor General of Australia. In 1923, the Parramatta Soldiers' Memorial was finished. It's a stone obelisk that remembers those who served in World War I and later conflicts.
In 1921, Parramatta City received a field gun from the Commonwealth War Trophies Committee. This gun was placed in Prince Alfred Park sometime later. A photo from 1933 shows the gun in the park, but its current location is unknown.
Another diagonal path was planted with brush box (Lophostemon confertus) and jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) trees. Other trees like lemon scented gum (Corymbia citriodora), camphor laurel, and firewheel trees (Stenocarpus sinuatus) were added between the 1930s and 1950s.
In April 1935, a special Illawarra Flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) was planted. This was done by Paul and Jean Harris, the international founders of Rotary Club, during their visit to Parramatta.
In the 1930s, a Bills horse trough was installed on the Victoria Road side of the park. George and Annis Bills were people who cared deeply about animal welfare. After George Bills passed away in 1927, a trust fund was set up to build horse troughs. These troughs provided water for working horses across NSW and Victoria.
During World War II, Prince Alfred Park was used for community air raid shelters. These shelters were dug in a zig-zag pattern on the southern side of the park.
In 1954, The Gollan Memorial Clock Tower was built. Citizens of Parramatta put it up to thank George Gollan. He was the Parramatta member of the Legislative Assembly from 1932 to 1953.
In 1956, the Parramatta Children's Library was built on the southern side. It later became an Information Bureau in the 1970s. The building was taken down in the 1990s.
The square has been known by many names over time. These include Village Green, Hanging Green, Gaol Green, and Alfred Square. During the 20th century, it was often called Prince Alfred Park. In 2014, its name was officially changed to Prince Alfred Square by the Geographical Names Board of New South Wales.
Despite all these changes, Prince Alfred Square still serves its main purpose. It's a place where locals can enjoy events. It has been a hub for the Sydney Festival, Parramasala, and Winterlight, just as it was over a hundred years ago.
Exploring Prince Alfred Square Today
Park Location and Environment
Prince Alfred Square is surrounded by important streets. Church Street is to the east, Victoria Road to the north, Marist Place to the west, and Market Street to the south. The park itself is mostly flat, with a very gentle slope from north to south. The soil is clayey and not very fertile. Originally, this area would have had open woodlands with trees like forest red gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis). The park is connected to the town's water supply.
The park's surroundings make it even more special. Nearby are the former St. Peter's Congregational Church (1871), St Patrick's Catholic Cathedral (1854-1936), and Our Lady of Mercy College (1889). You can also see the Old King's School/Marsden Rehabilitation Centre (1836-1970s) and the Parramatta Riverside Theatres (1988).
Park Design and Features
The park's design includes a square shape with two diagonal paths. These paths are lined with trees, forming avenues. The park's current style is mostly from the Federation period (early 1900s). However, it also has elements from the Victorian period (late 1800s) and later 20th-century additions.
The two diagonal paths are paved with herringbone brick. The path running southeast to northwest has a sandstone edge.
In the northwest corner of the square is the Anderson fountain. This granite drinking fountain was a gift from Dr. Anderson and was put up in 1882. It has a square base with large corner supports. An inscription on one side says, "Anderson Fountain - a bequest from the late Dr Anderson to the inhabitants of Parramatta. Erected February 1882 Trustee James Pye Esq. Rocky Hall." The drinking fountain part no longer works.
East of the park's center, near Church Street, is a band rotunda from 1891. It's octagonal with cast iron columns and a copper roof. This delicate structure seems to float on its concrete base.
On the eastern side, facing Church Street, is the Parramatta War Memorial. It's a large stone obelisk, about 5 meters (16 feet) tall. It stands on a raised platform surrounded by gardens. Four steps lead up to the obelisk, which has inscriptions and a bronze plaque. It says, "Erected to perpetuate the spirit of those who served their country in the cause of freedom 1914-1919."
In the northeast corner of the square is a sandstone clock tower monument. It was built in 1954 to honor George Gollan, a local politician. It stands in a circular sandstone setting with box hedging.
The only building in the park is an open bus shelter on the southern side, facing Market Street. It's made of sandstone and seems to have been added in the 1960s.
Trees and Plants in the Park
The oldest trees in the park are seven large Moreton Bay figs (Ficus macrophylla) on the western and southern edges. There's also a large camphor laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) near St. Patrick's church and a big Bunya pine (Araucaria bidwillii) in the southwest corner. These trees date back to the Victorian period.
The southwest to northeast diagonal path is lined with brush box (Lophostemon confertus) trees to the north and jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia) trees to the south. These were likely planted in the 1930s. The southeast to northwest diagonal path has an avenue of mature Canary Island date palms (Phoenix canariensis), which are from the Federation period.
Around the War Memorial, there are symmetrical plantings from 1922. These include cotton palms (Washingtonia robusta), jelly/Yatay palms (Butia capitata), lemon scented gums (Corymbia citriodora), and firewheel trees (Stenocarpus sinuatus).
Later plantings from the 1930s to 1950s include more lemon-scented gums, Tasmanian blue gums (Eucalyptus globulus), and an Abelia hedge (Abelia floribunda) along the northern boundary.
In 1935, a special memorial planting of an Illawarra flame tree (Brachychiton acerifolius) was made on the eastern side of the park. This was done by Paul P. Harris, the founder of Rotary International.
Between 2005 and 2006, more shrubs were planted along the cross-axes. These included azaleas (Rhododendron indicum cv.s), hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla cvs.), camellias (Camellia sasanqua cv.s), kaffir lilies (Clivia miniata cv.s), and liriope (Liriope muscari).
Other Park Features
The square was once surrounded by a sandstone wall, but it was removed at some point. You can still see parts of its stone base in the southwest corner.
Near the corner of Church Street and Victoria Road, there is a stone horse trough. This trough is listed on the State Heritage Inventory. George and Annis Bills, who cared about animal welfare, set up a trust fund to build these troughs.
In the southwest corner of the square, marking the entrance to one of the diagonal paths, are two circular sandstone gate posts from the Victorian period.
- War Memorial
The War Memorial is on the eastern edge of the square. It's a trachyte stone obelisk, 5 meters (16 feet) high. It has a bronze plaque that says, "Erected to Perpetuate the Spirit of those who served their Country in the Cause of Freedom 1914-1919."
- Anderson Fountain
This granite monument has a square base and corner supports. It includes a drinking fountain that no longer works. An inscription on it thanks Dr. Anderson for his gift to the people of Parramatta.
- Band Rotunda
East of the center of the square, near Church Street, is the band rotunda from 1891. It has cast iron columns and a copper roof. It was renovated in 1996 and restored again in 2016.
The Park's Special Atmosphere
The monuments and old trees in the square, along with the historic sandstone churches and schools nearby, create a special urban area. This area reminds us of the different periods of Parramatta's development.
The square is a valuable open space for residents, workers, and visitors in Parramatta's town center. It acts like a "Village Green" and an important civic space. It also serves as an entry point to the city from the north, facing the main street (Church Street) and two major churches.
Why Prince Alfred Square is Important
Prince Alfred Square is very important to the history of New South Wales. It's a great example of a public park from the Victorian era, with additions from later periods. It's also a rare example of the early Public Parks Movement in NSW. The park is significant because of its old and mature trees. The oldest trees, like Moreton Bay figs, a camphor laurel, and a Bunya pine, date back to the 1860s and 1870s. These are joined by trees planted in the early 1900s and 1930s.
The site has historical value at a state level because it was Parramatta's second gaol (1804-1841) and first female factory (1804-1821). It has been a village green since 1837 and is linked to Prince Alfred's Royal Visit in 1868. The site also has great potential for archaeological research related to these past events.
Prince Alfred Square is the only civic park in Parramatta. It shows how local initiatives in Parramatta provided public services, separate from Sydney. The site can help us understand early urban development and government in Parramatta. It's also important for its connections to famous people like Governor Phillip and Governor Bourke, and events like the Castle Hill Rebellion.
The square, with its monuments and old trees, is surrounded by historic sandstone churches and 19th-century schools. This creates a high-quality urban area that reflects Parramatta's history.
Prince Alfred Square was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on August 28, 2017, because it meets several important criteria.
- It shows the history of New South Wales.
This park is important for its historical value. It may contain archaeological remains from Parramatta's early development, from 1789 to the early 1900s. The site was part of the Government Farm (1789), then the second Parramatta gaol (1802-1841), and the first Female Factory (1804-1821). It was also a site for executions from 1804 to around 1829. Since 1837, it has been a public park, showing how the land use changed from a prison settlement to a community space.
- It is connected to important people or groups in New South Wales history.
Prince Alfred Square is significant because of its connection to the male prisoners and female convicts who were there from 1804 to 1841. It's also linked to people who worked to build the gaol and improve conditions for its inhabitants, including Governors King, Bligh, and Macquarie. It is associated with the Castle Hill Rebellion, as some of the rebellion's leaders were executed here. Governor Bourke decided the land should be a reserve for the townspeople. It is also one of only two parks in NSW that were renamed and remade for the first Royal visit to Australia by Prince Alfred in 1868.
- It shows beautiful design or great creative skill in New South Wales.
This park is beautiful as a formal urban open space. It was built on an early village green from 1837, with later plantings from the 1860s, early 1900s, and between the World Wars. The square is a rare and well-preserved example of the Public Parks Movement in NSW. The collection of monuments and old trees, surrounded by historic sandstone churches and schools, creates a high-quality urban area that reflects Parramatta's history.
- It has a strong connection to a community or cultural group in New South Wales for social or cultural reasons.
Prince Alfred Square is important for the local community's sense of place. It also has social value for people in Sydney and Western Sydney because it's used for many events and commemorations.
- It can provide information about the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.
The archaeological remains at this site can provide evidence of past human culture and activity. This means they have the potential to offer scientific and historical information. Prince Alfred Square likely holds important relics from the second Parramatta gaol (1804-1841) and first Female Factory (1804-1821). These would be very rare examples of early prison institutions in NSW and Australia.
- It has rare or unique aspects of New South Wales history.
Prince Alfred Square is rare because of its age and its formal design and plantings from the Victorian, Federation, and interwar periods. Any archaeological remains would be scarce physical evidence of Parramatta's early history. Archaeology related to the gaol and factory (1802-1841) would be considered a very rare example of an early penal institution in NSW and Australia.
- It shows the main features of a type of cultural or natural place in New South Wales.
Potential archaeological resources from this site are important for understanding Parramatta's history. Any archaeology linked to the gaol and factory (1802-1841) would represent the convict experience in early correctional institutions. Prince Alfred Square is also a good example (and a rare, well-preserved one) of the Public Parks Movement in NSW. It represents the first major period of public park creation by elected councils in NSW.
