Wilberforce, New South Wales facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wilberforce Sydney, New South Wales
Wilberforce Location in New South Wales
Population	2,957 (2021 census)
Postcode(s)	2756
Elevation	20 m (66 ft)
Location	62 km (39 mi) from Sydney CBD
LGA(s)	City of Hawkesbury
State electorate(s)	Hawkesbury
Federal Division(s)	Macquarie
Suburbs around Wilberforce: East Kurrajong East Kurrajong Ebenezer Glossodia and Freemans Reach Wilberforce South Maroota Freemans Reach Pitt Town Maraylya

Wilberforce is a small, historic town in New South Wales, Australia. It is located just outside the busy north-west suburbs of Sydney. The town sits on the western side of the Hawkesbury River.

Wilberforce is known as one of the "Macquarie Towns." These were special towns set up by an early governor of New South Wales.

The Story of Wilberforce

Wilberforce is one of the original towns created by Governor Lachlan Macquarie. He was the leader of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821. He officially established Wilberforce as a town on December 6, 1810.

The town was named after William Wilberforce. He was an important British politician who lived from 1759 to 1833. William Wilberforce was a leader in the movement to stop the slave trade. This was a big effort to end the buying and selling of people.

Exploring Wilberforce's Past

Wilberforce has many old and important places. These sites help us learn about the town's history. Here are some key spots to explore:

St John's Church and Old Schoolhouse

The historic St John's Anglican Church was finished in 1859. It was designed by Edmund Thomas Blacket. Next to the church is the Old School House building. This building was built way back in 1819.

The Old School House was used as a school and even a church before the main church was ready. It was also where the school master lived. Today, the original church building is still used for services.

Howorth Grave

This grave marks the death of a child who was bitten by a snake. The grave was moved in 1960 to its current spot in front of the old schoolhouse. It is a reminder of early life in the area.

An old map showing the Parish of Gidley. Wilberforce is on the north side of the river, across from Pitt Town.

Wilberforce Park

Wilberforce Park was set up by Governor Macquarie in 1810. It was the original town square. The park still has its old connection to the schoolhouse and cemetery.

Inside the park, you can find the War Memorial. Local people put this memorial up in 1918 to remember those who served. It was moved to a new spot within the park in 1966.

Australiana Pioneer Village

The Australiana Pioneer Village opened around 1970. It is a special place that has many old buildings from the area. These buildings were carefully moved to the village.

One of the most interesting buildings is 'Rose Cottage'. It is the oldest timber slab cottage in Australia that is still on its original site.

Wilberforce Cemetery

The Wilberforce Cemetery has been used since 1815. It is located on Old Sackville Road. Many of the area's first settlers are buried here. You can see some unique graves, like the Table Slab Grave.

Famous People from Wilberforce

Wilberforce is the birthplace of a well-known Australian bushranger named Captain Thunderbolt. Bushrangers were like outlaws in early Australian history.