Sergeant Major's Row facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sergeant Major's Row |
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The row of terrace houses, now converted in shops and offices, pictured in 2019
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| Location | 33-41 George Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1881 |
| Architectural style(s) | Victorian Filigree |
| Owner | Property NSW |
| Official name: Sergeant Majors Row (terrace); Major's; Sergeant Major's Row | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 10 May 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1579 |
| Type | Terrace |
| Category | Residential buildings (private) |
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The Sergeant Major's Row is a group of old terrace houses in The Rocks, a historic area in Sydney, Australia. These buildings, found at 33-41 George Street, were built in 1881. Today, they are used as shops and offices.
This row of buildings is also known as Sergeant Majors Row (terrace) or Major's. It is owned by Property NSW, which is a government group in New South Wales. Because of its important history and look, Sergeant Major's Row was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on May 10, 2002. This means it is a special place that needs to be protected.
A Look Back in Time
The land where Sergeant Major's Row stands was first given to a man named Robert Campbell in 1834. He was a very important person in the early days of the colony. When Robert Campbell passed away, his land was divided among his children.
In 1848, parts of the land were put up for sale. Over the years, the land was sold to different people, but it remained empty for a long time. In 1878, a man named Edward Stanley Ebsworth bought the land.
Building the Houses
Edward Stanley Ebsworth started building five houses on the site around 1880. By December 1881, the houses were finished. They were two stories tall and had seven rooms each. The walls were made of brick, and the roofs were made of iron.
In 1882, some of the houses found tenants, which are people who rent a place to live. These included Joseph O'Connor, Frank Cook, and Mary Ann Kendall. The other houses were still empty.
Over the next few years, the ownership of the houses changed hands several times. They were bought and sold by different banks and companies.
Government Takes Over
In 1900, a special law called the Observatory Hill Resumption Act was passed. This law allowed the government to take over certain properties, including Sergeant Major's Row. The government wanted to control land in this area for public use.
For a while, one of the houses at No. 41 George Street was used by the Central City Mission, a charity group.
A Place for Activism
From 1969, No. 35 was home to Nita McRae. She was a very important person who helped start the Rocks Residents' Group. This group worked hard to save the historic buildings and community in The Rocks from being torn down. They were part of a movement called the "Green Bans." Many important meetings and plans to protect The Rocks happened in Nita McRae's house. A special plaque was put there in 1996 to remember her.
Modern Uses
In the early 1980s, the buildings were leased out for new uses. They became the shops and offices we see today. For example, in 1982, the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority (SCRA) looked for someone to open a medical center at No. 37-39 George Street.
Today, a doctor's office still uses the ground floor of No. 37 George Street. Other parts of the buildings are used by different businesses and shops.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name 'Sergeant Major's Row' was given to the buildings by the SCRA. It's a reminder of an old nickname for George Street itself. In the early 1800s, George Street was first a path for people carrying water. It was jokingly called "Sergeant-Major's Row" before it became "High Street" and then officially "George Street" in 1810, named after King George III.
What Do They Look Like?
Sergeant Major's Row is a group of seven two-story houses. They are built in a style called Victorian Filigree. This style was popular in the late 1800s.
The houses at Nos. 33-41 are made of brick covered in stucco (a type of plaster). They have wide balconies with fancy ironwork, including columns, valences (decorative trim), and balustrades (railings). This makes them look very decorative.
The roofs are made of galvanized iron, and the floors inside are made of timber.
How They Changed
- In the late 1960s, all the houses were updated so people could keep living in them.
- In the early 1980s, the houses were leased out to become the shops and offices they are today.
Why Sergeant Major's Row is Special
Sergeant Major's Row is important for many reasons, including its history, its beautiful design, and what it teaches us. It helps us understand the growth of The Rocks area.
A Glimpse into History
These houses show us what development was like in The Rocks in the late 1800s. They started as homes built by a local merchant, Edward Stanley Ebsworth. Over time, they were used as boarding houses and then as shops and offices. This shows how the area changed and grew.
Important People
Sergeant Major's Row is connected to several important people:
- Robert Campbell, who first owned the land.
- Edward Stanley Ebsworth, who built the houses.
- Nita McRae, who lived there and was a key person in saving The Rocks from being redeveloped.
Beautiful Design
The houses are great examples of the Victorian Filigree style. Their design adds a lot to the look of George Street. They fit well with other older buildings nearby, creating a strong visual area.
Community Connections
The houses have been used by many different people and businesses. They have a special link to The Rocks Residents' Group and the Green Bans movement because Nita McRae lived at No. 35 during the 1970s. Also, a doctor's office at No. 37 has provided medical services to the community for a long time.
Learning from the Past
These houses help us understand what life was like in a Victorian home. The land itself, with its stone cuts, reminds us of how The Rocks looked originally and how it changed over time.
Noteworthy and Unique
While similar houses exist in Sydney, Sergeant Major's Row is a good example of well-preserved Victorian terraces. They show how buildings can keep their main features even after being updated for new uses.
