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![]() | [...]|| NH I H00068 HISTORICAL ARCEAEOLOGICBL SURVEY OF ROBERTSON PARK TO LOCATE TEE REMAINS OF THE CLOVELLY ESTATE Jillian Comber and[...] |
![]() | HISTORICAL ARCHIEOLOGICLL SURVEY OF ROBERTSON PARK T0 LOCATE THE REMAINS OF THE CLOVELLY ESTATE bY Jillian Camber[...] |
![]() | List of Photographs: PHOTOGRAPH PHOTOGRAPH PHOTOGRAPH PH[...]re No. 4 Steps out into sandstone outcrop Sample of postholes Ledge cut into sandstone outcrop Engraving in sandstone outcrop Area of exposed sandstone remains Sample of sandstone remains Toilet block 29 29 30 3[...] |
![]() | [...]he disabled. However, the north—eastern corner of Robertson Park, where the. existing toilets now stand. was once the site of "Clovelly House", the home of Sir John Robertson, former Premier of New South Wales. Woollahra Muncipal Council do not wish to damage the historic fabric of the remains of Clovelly House, during the demolition of the existing toilet block and construction of the new block. Therefore. the Council comissioned the Consultants to determine the extent of the remains of Clovelly House, and to advise on a suitable area for siting of the new block. This report details the results of the archival research and field survey undertaken to determine the location of "Clovelly House" and associated outbuildings and gardens. 1.2 Location of Study Area Robertson Park is located at The Gap.Watsons Bay in the Municipality of Woollahra. Watsons Bay is approximately 15km north-east of the Sydney GPO (Figures 1 and 2). Robertsons Par[...]ertson Park extends to a walkway on the shoreline of Watsons Bay. Figure 3 is a survey plan of Robertson Park. provided by Woollahra Muni[...] |
![]() | Figure 4 is a plan of the existing toilet block. This plan was recently[...]cilities for the disabled were added to the front of the structure. The present structure is old and d[...]provide adequate facilities for the large numbers of visitors to the park. It also does not allow easy[...]. The new toilet block to be constructed will be of a similar size as the block shown in Figur[...] |
![]() | 2. METHODOLOGY The Registers of the National Trust. Heritage Council and Australi[...]House" had been listed as a heritage item by any of these organisations. A systematic process involving research, site survey and analysis of collected data was then undertaken in‘order to determine the perimeter and extent of the remains of "Clovelly House“. The research was undertaken[...]nicipal Library, The State Library and Department of Planning‘s Library. A title search was also undertaken at the Land Titles Office to obtain a copy of all original deeds relating to ownership, mortgage and lease of the property. These deeds also provided a written description of the size of the Estate. including information on changes over time. The field survey included a reconnaisonce of the study area to determine whether any surface indications of "Clovelly House" remain. The information gained[...]ld survey was then combined with an extrapolation of the data obtained during the above research process. A map was then drawn indicating the assumed boundaries of "Clovelly House". 3. PREVIOUS WORK WITHIN TEE STUDY AREA "Clovelly House" does not appear on the Registers of the National Trust, NSW Heritage Council or Austr[...]pal Council in 1988 (Koettig & Wilson) in respect of the Coastal Cliff Walk constructed along South Head, to the north of the present study area. This study identified several Historic Sites related to the earliest use of the area, namely a look—out by the First[...] |
![]() | [...]what is now Robertson Park, Watsons Bay, was one of the two most significant houses of the area in the 19th century (the other being Dunbar House. in the southern portion of Robertson Park) (Perumal et a1 1983:12). Several of New South Wales most notable people lived and die[...]lookout was established on South Head in January of the year, at the suggestion of Captain Hunter (Tench 1961:162). A flagstaff was[...]to ships at sea" (Tench 1961:178). This consisted of a column painted white, visible for some distance[...]his time Southwell planted a garden and wrote one of the earliest letters in the colony. which describ[...]ley near the Beach. The ground is unusually clear of trees; it is covered with a pleasing verdure looking like a pretty lawn. We have a Till (rill) of fresh water on each hand at the Diet. of a Stone's throw" (Crosson nd:1) From his description it sounds like the eastern side of the present day Robertson Park. In 1907 these wat[...]on 1907). In July 1834, Thomas Watson, variously Master Mariner. Ship— Owner and Pilot, was granted 2 acres 2 roods (approximately 1 hectare) of land. Watson's grant comprised part of the northern half of |
![]() | [...]mortgaged the property to William Tolley Brooks, Master of the whaler "Matilda" (Indenture of Mortgage by Demise dated 19/11/1834). In 1837 W[...]was leased to Hannibal Hawkins Macarthur, nephew of John Macarthur and his wife Anna Maria Macarthur. daughter of Governor King. In 1840 Macarthur purchased the ho[...]). Hannibal Hacarthur, as well as being a member of the Legislative Council since 1830, was also Chairman of the Bank of Australia from 1835. There was a severe depressio[...]ortune from which he never recoved. He lost a lot of property and in 1843 had to mortgage Clovelly to[...]848 Hannibal & Anna Macarthur left for Ipswich in Queensland, and returned to England in 1853 (Crosson NDa:1).[...]d Emmeline Emily Macarthur, the youngest daughter of John Macarthur. Parker had arrived in New South W[...]Salmon 1907; Crosson NDa:1). During his ownership of Clovelly, Parker acquired a Crown Grant of 2 roods (1851) and purchased portions of adjoining properties. 0n the expanded grounds he then established a garden of exotic trees and shrubs (Crosson NDa:1) of which some Morton Bay Figs and Norfolk Island Pin[...]d the main building there was a kitchen and a row of servant's quarters (Jervis 1960:9). During the last years of her life. Elizabeth Macarthur spent several summe[...]a and Hannibal Macarthur had offered them the use of his house so they could take the sear air. Elizabeth improved greatly while she was there. From the verandah of the house she would see the spire of St James Church and the Government Hospita[...] |
![]() | [...]tor, ship—owner and politician. He was a member of the Legislative Council in 1843, Mayor of Sydney in 1849, and a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1856 to 1860 (Crosson NDb:2). After his purchase of Clovelly, Flood obtained a Crown Grant in December 1862 of 1 rood 20 perches, extending westward from the edge of the property to the highwater mark, thus increasing the total area of the estate to its final extent of 4% acres (1.83ha) (Crosson NDa:l). Although Flood[...]his family at an early age. His father, a friend of Governor Brisbane, had obtained a grant of 86 acres at Cremorne. Robertson went to sea in 18[...]ghted in 1877. Robertson was known as the "Knight of Clovelly and the King of the Bays', a nickname which he may have invented for himself (Salmon 1907). There are stories of both his generosity and his lack of money, as well as his colourful language (Salmon[...]Clovelly, it was considered old fashioned and out of date, so the Robertson's modernised it (Salmon 1907). The memoirs of a local resident described it as "...an ornate re[...]late 1880‘s, he lived at Clovelly for the rest of his life, dying there in 1891, his wife ha[...] |
![]() | 7 During the last years of Robertson's life, the house had been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. After his death the building remained[...]n 1902, Mr Savary T.Rodd, the agent for the owner of Clovelly, was summoned to the Water Police Court[...]laint by Vaucluse Council regarding the condition of the house (DT 1902; EN 1902). One Dr Stokes. Assi[...]rt: a, ...that the house was in an extreme state of dilapidation, the ceilings being down in many of the rooms. The arrangements for dealing with the[...]demolished. After Robertson's death. the grounds of Clovelly, although still in private ownership, ha[...]sumed for public use as a park. and for some sort of memorial to the late Premier to be erected. Such[...]library. The Lands Department was first notified of the matter in 1899. In 1902, a strip up to 10' wi[...]terfront for public access, and in 1906. the rest of the estate was resumed by the Government and name[...]df and the whole renamed Robertson Park in honour of Sir John Robertson. |
![]() | 5. LOCATION OF EARLY LOCKOUT AND ASSOCIATED BUILDINGS The location of these structures does not form part of this brief. However. during the course of research it was discovered that the houses and gardens of the men stationed at the flagstaff and lookout ma[...]Salmon (1907) described the watercourses as: One of the streamlets diverged through the Clovelly Estate; the other went through Bay Street into the waters of the Harbour. Bay Street, is now the part of Military Road that runs in a westerly directly along the northern side of Robertson Park. Although the flagstaff and looko[...]it appears that the residential huts and gardens of the men maintaining the flagstaff, may have been in the sheltered area of Robertson Park. However, the exact location of same is unclear. The field survey did not locate the remains of the gardens or huts. Robertson Park has undergon[...]iod trenches were dug throughout the western side of Robertson Park for protection, during attack. Although the nature of the construction of the huts and gardens are unknown, any early struc[...]disturbed or destroyed by either the construction of Clovelly. or the WWII activity. |
![]() | 9 6- LOCATION OF CLOVELLY HOUSE 6.1 Archival Evidence The archival research located six views of Clovelly taken between 1853 and 1903: a plan drawn in 1886 of property to be auctioned at Watsons Bay indicating the extent of Sir John and Lady Margaret Robertsons holdings at that time, and a plan of Clovelly drawn in 1899. The auction advertisemen[...]se and stables to be in the north eastern portion of what is now Robertson Park. bordering present day[...]ed outbuildings. Figures 7-12 show various views of Clovelly from 1853 to its demolition in 1903 as f[...]nry Watson Parker. The small building to the left of Clovelly appears to be on the allotment owned by[...]n owned by Edward Flood. It shows a westerly view of the front of the house. The Morton Bay fig shown in this drawi[...]from Watsons Bay in 1882. The house in the middle of the scene is Clovelly, seen from the rear. The structures to the left of it are its outbuildings. Also visible are the Est[...]owned by Sir John & Lady Margaret Robertson. View of the front of the house. Figure 11: A rear view of Clovelly from the north—east, during Sir John R[...]9 plan shown in Figure 6. Figure 12: A rear View of Clovelly in 1903 during the process of demolition. 6.2 Physical Remains As a result of the archival research a field survey was conducted in the north—eastern section of Robertson Park. This survey revealed the presence of several archaeological features, which are most likely the remains of Clovelly House. These features are marked[...] |
![]() | 10 Feature 1 is the remains of a low sandstone retaining wall. It extends in a south-easterly direction from the corner of the playground (Photograph 1). It appears to hav[...]end to wiphin the playground. The visible length of the wall is 2.50m. It is constructed from 4 mortared sandstone blocks of similar dimensions. The first block, at the corner of the playground measures 82cm in length. The secon[...]orn facing can be observed on the upright portion of the sandstone blocks. Feature 2 is also the remains of a low sandstone wall, extending outwards in a sou[...]orn facing is also visible on the upright portion of these blocks. Feature 3 is a modern sandstone re[...]steps out into it (Photograph 5), many postholes of varying sizes (Photograph 6) and a chiselled ledg[...]raph 9). This sandstone appears to be the remains of building foundations. They have been cut level wi[...]area. 6.3 Analysis From a comparative analysis of archival and field evidence the following[...] |
![]() | [...]elly House once stood in the north-eastern corner of present day Robertson Park. Figure 14 is a compilation of Figures 6 (1899 plan of Clovelly) and Figure 13 (plan drawn by Consultant showing north-eastern section of Robertson Park and visible archaeological remains[...]rchival and archaeological data concur in respect of the approximate location of Clovelly House, ie, that it was in the vicinity of the present day toilets and that the visible archaeological remains occur in the area assumed to be the site of Clovelly House. Figure 8 shows a photograph of Clovelly House taken in 1870. A pine tree can be seen in the front of the house. The branches of another pine tree can also be seen in the left hand side of the photos. These pine trees may be the pine tree[...]hotograph 11). This further confirms the location of Clovelly House. as being in the north-eastern corner of Robertson Park. in the vicinity of the present day toilet block. The 1899 plan of Clovelly (Figure 6) shows the house and outbuildings. Figure 11, a copy of a photograph showing the rear of Clovelly House, indicates that part of those outbuildings consist of a stone fence and a building (which are also show[...]buildings extending north—south along the edge of Military Road. The beginning of these buildings can just be seen in the corner of the photograph in Figure 11. These may have been[...]Head Road in 1886). bordering the northern corner of Robertsons Park has been altered in recent years.[...]icates that during this road alteration a portion of the outbuilding remains would have been destroyed. |
![]() | [...]y. Original kerbstones still exist on the portion of Military Road heading west. 0n the section headin[...]s also been installed, stretching from the corner of Clovelly Street and Military Road to the sandstone outcrop. * (e) The remains of the two low stone fences (numbered 1 and 2 in Figure 13) were obviously once part of Clovelly House and may have been garden walls. The worked sandstone outcrop was also part of the Estate's outbuildings - perhaps the stables. 6.4 Area of Archaeological Sensitivity As a result of the historical research in Section 4, the archiva[...]known physical remains and the possible boundary of Clovelly House and outbuildings. The area define[...]n Figure 15 should be avoided during construction of the new toilet block. |
![]() | [...]e following recommendations are made on the basis of the research into the archaeological and historical record of Clovelly House; the results of the site survey outlined in Section 4 of this report and the requirements of the NSW Heritage Act 1977. It is therefore recommended: ,1 1. That the new toilet block be sited outside of the area shown in red on Figure 15. 2. That an excavation permit under Section 140 of the Heritage Act 1977 be applied for from the Heritage Council of NSW. Such permit will be required in respect of the demolition of the old toilet block and erection of the new block, as follows: (a) Demolition: The pipes of the toilet block, which are underground, are cons[...]will be required for the demolition. Foundations of Clovelly House may also be disturbed during demol[...]sturbance will require a permit under Section 140 of the Heritage Act. (b) Construction may uncover remains of Clovelly House, particularly during excavation for foundations and the laying of sewerage pipes. Therefore an excavation permit wi[...]onstruction. 3. That although the exact location of the huts and Gardens of Lieutentant Southwell who maintained the early lo[...]nd disturbance in relation to both the demolition of the old toilet block and construction of the new block. This is to ensure that if any foundations or remains of Clovelly House are uncovered during construction,[...]ded, and suitable recommendations made in respect of same. 5. That an interpretive program be developed for Robertson Park detailing the important historic nature of the Park, in respect of the occupation by those staffing the early lookout , and the association of Clovelly House with people prominent in the early development of New South Wales. |
![]() | [...]In "I " n‘tomm "A. ‘ I Figge 1: Location of Watsons Bay |
![]() | [...]rrr ‘ ~. Hem Pmngéfj‘) ‘- Location of Rbbertson Park at Watsons BaY (Sydney Head[...] |
![]() | of Robertson Park |
![]() | [...]‘ A K t ' z‘ . 5: ‘ '- I . Piggy! 4: Plan of existing toilet block |
![]() | [...]inch. 1 E L L Y 1899 Plan of Clovelly C L O V THE HOUSE 1:[...] |
![]() | 23 Cluvelly, [he Warsons Bay home of Sir John Robertson, Premier of Xcu‘ South Waics, as it was in {88.}. Ph[...] |
![]() | ROBERTSON PARK Fiflre E: Plan of Robertson Park showing visible archaeologi[...] |
![]() | 5C 0: <1 D. ROBERTSON Figgre lg: 27 Plan of present day Robertson Park with overlay of 1899 plan of Clovelly Eatate |
![]() | [...]nes is the area to be avoided during construction of new toilet block. |
![]() | [...]h 2: 29 Archaeological Feature No. 1 Remains of low sandstone wall (Archaeological Feature No.2[...]e tree) Archaeological Feature No. 2 Remains of sandstone wall |
![]() | [...]into sandstone outcrop LPhotggragh 6: Sample of postholes of varying sizes cut into sandstone outcrop |
![]() | [...]III III III IIII IIIJ 33 Photggragh 9: Area of exposed sandstone remains (Camera facing north fr[...]p towards toilet block) Photgggaph 10: Sample of sandstone remains cut level with ground, i[...] |
![]() | [...]with two pine trees which may be from the gardens of Clovelly Estate. Note the slope behind th[...] |
![]() | [...]STERN SUBURBS NEWSPAPERS 1980 A Pictorial History of the JARVIS J KING H KOETTIG M & WILSON G C O'[...]Suburbs, Eastern Suburbs Newspapers. The History of Woollahra Elizabeth Macarthur and Her World, Sydney University Press, Sydney. 1988 Archaeological Report: Coast[...]Council. Wentworth Courier 19/10/1986. The Book of Sydney Suburbs, Angus a Robertson, North Ryde. PERUMAL, WRATHALL & MURPHY 1983 Conservation Study of Bondi ROXBURGH R RUSSELL E SALMON M TENCH W[...]td, Environmental Planners. Early Colonial Names Of New South Wales, Landsdowne Press, Sydney[...] |
![]() | [...]tson's Bay, 10/7/1902. Evening News 1902 The Home of Sir John; Clovelly: Watson's Bay. Unfit for Huma[...]0/9/1902. Sydney Morning Herald 1906a Resumption of Clovelly 8/5/1906 Sydney Morning Herald 1906b Clovelly Park, 5/6/1906 Wentworth Courier 1984 Centenary of a Marriage, 22/2/1984. Deeds Land Grant to Thomas Watson dated 23/8/1828. Indenture of Mortgage by Demise: Thomas Watson to William Tolley Brookes dated 19/11/1834. Indentures of Lease and Release. Hanna & Thomas Watson to Hanni[...]l Hawkins Macarthur dated 29/12/1840. Indenture of Sale: Australian Trust Company to Henry Watson Parker dated 9/8/1848. Indenture of Sale: Henry Watson Parker to Edward Flood, dated 4/2/1862. Grant Upon Recission of a Reservation: Henry Watson Parker to Edward Flood (extending Clovelly Estate) dated 12/2/1882. Indenture of Sale: Edward Flood to John Robertson. Margaret Em[...]n and George Thornton dated 23/5/1878. Indenture of Sale: Edward Flood to John Robertson dated[...] |
TXT | |
![]() | [...]HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ROBERTSON PARK TO LOCATE THE REMAINS OF THE CLOVELLY ESTATE I I I I· I I[...] |
![]() | [...]HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF ROBERTSON PARK I TO LOCATE THE REMAINS OF THE CLOVELLY ESTATE I I I~[...] |
![]() | I I List of Photographs: I PHOTOGRAPH PHOTOGRAPH[...]o sandstone outcrop Sample of postholes[...]in sandstone outcrop Area of exposed sandstone remains[...]33 PHOTOGRAPH 10: Sample of sandstone remains 33 I PHOTOGRA[...] |
![]() | [...]isabled. I However, · the north-eastern corner of Robertson Park, where the existing toilet~ now stand, was once the site of I "Clovelly House'', the home of Sir John Robertson, former Premier of New South Wales. Woollahra Muncipal Council do not wish to damage the historic fabric of the remains of Clovelly House, during the demolition of the existing toilet I block and construction of the new block. Therefore, the Council comissioned the Consultants to ' determine the extent of the remains of Clovelly House, and to advise on a I suitable area for siting of the new block. This report details the results of the archival research and field survey undertaken to determine the location of I "Clovelly House" and associated outbuildings and gardens. I 1.2 Location of Study Area[...]ed at The Gap,Watsons Bay in the Municipality of Woollahra. Watsons Bay is approximately 15km north-east of the Sydney GPO (Figures 1 and 2). I Robertsons[...]on Park extends to a I walkway on the shoreline of Watsons Bay. Figure 3 is a survey plan of Robertson Park, provided by Woollahra[...] |
![]() | [...]2 Figure 4 is a plan of the existing toilet block. This plan I was re[...]es for the disabled were added to the front of the structure. The present structure is old[...]e adequate I facilities for the large numbers of visitors to the park. It also does not allo[...]The new toilet block to be constructed will be of a similar I size as the block shown in[...] |
![]() | [...]3 I The Registers of the National Trust, Heritage Council and Aus[...]had been . listed as a h~ritage item I by any of these organisations. A systematic process involving research, site survey and analysis of collected data was then undertaken in-order to I determine the perimeter and extent of the remains of "Clovelly House". I The research was un[...]l Library, The State Library and Department of Planning's Library. A title search was also[...]at the Land Titles Office I to obt~in a copy of all original deeds relating to ownership, mortgage and lease of the property. These deeds ·also provided a written description of the size of the Estate, including information on changes over time. I The field survey included a reconnaisonce of the study area to determine whether any surface indications of "Clovelly I House" remain. The informati[...]rvey was then combined with an extrapolation of the data obtained during I the above research[...]then drawn indicating the assumed bounqaries of "Clovelly House". I I 3. PREVIOUS WORK WITH[...]"Clovelly House" does not appear on the Registers of the I National Trust, NSW Heritage Council or[...]pal Council in 1988 (Koettig & Wilson) in respect of I the Coastal Cliff Walk constructed along South Head, to the north of the present study area. This study identified several Historic Sites related to the earliest use of the area, namely a look-out by the Fi[...] |
![]() | [...]what is now Robertson Park, Watsons Bay, was one of the two most significant houses of the area in the 19th century I · (the other being Dunbar House, in the southern portion of Robertson Park) (Perumal et al 1983:12). Several of New So~th Wales most notable people lived[...]lookout was established on South Head in January of the year, at the suggestion of Captain Hunter (Tench 1961:162). I A flagstaf[...]ips at sea" (Tench 1961:178). This consisted of a column painted white, visible for some distance[...]time Southwell planted . a garden and wrote one of the earliest letters in the colony, w[...]the Beach. The ground is unusually clear of trees; it I is covered with a pleasing[...]ke a pretty lawn. We have a Till (rill) of fresh water on each hand at the Dist. of a Stone's throw" I (Crosson nd:l) From his description it sounds like the eastern side of the I present day Robertson Park. In 1907 thes[...]07). In July 1834, Tho~as Watson, variously Master Mariner, Ship- I Owner and Pilot, was gran-ted 2 acres 2 roods (approximately 1 hectare) of land. Watson's grant comprised part of the northern half of what was later to become "Clovelly Estate"[...] |
![]() | [...]gaged the property to William Tolley Brooks, Master of the whaler "Matilda" (Indent-u-re of I Mortgage by Demise dated 19/11/1834).[...]leased to Hannibal Hawkins Macarthur, nephew of John Macarthur and his I wife Anna Maria Macarthur, daughter of Governor King. after the coastal village in[...]Hannibal Macarthur, as well as being a member of the I Legislative Council . since 1830, was also Chairman of the Bank of Australia from 1835. There was a severe depressio[...]e from which he never I recoved. He lost a lot of property and in 1843 had to mortgage Clovell[...]Hannibal & Anna Macarthur left for Ipswich in Queensland, and returned to England in 1853 (Crosson ND[...]eline Emily Macarthur, the youngest daughter of John Macarthur. I Parker had arrived in New So[...]n 1907; Crosson NDa:l). During his ownership of Clovelly, Parker acquired a I Crown Grant of 2 roods (1851) and purchased portions of adjoining properties. On the expanded grounds he then established a garden of exotic trees and shrubs (Crosson NDa:l) of which some Morton Bay Figs and Norfo1k Is1and I[...]main building there was a kitchen and a row of servant's quarters (Jervis 1960:9). I During the last years of her life, Elizabeth Macarthur spent several[...]Hannibal Macarthur had offered them the use of his house so they could take the sear air. E[...]eatly while she was there. From the .I verandah of the house she would see the spire of St James Church and the Government Ho[...] |
![]() | [...]r, ship-owner and politician. He was a I member of the Legislative Council in 1843, Mayor of Sydney in 1849, and a member of the Legislative Assembly from 1856 to 1860 (Crosson NDb:2). I After his purchase of Clovelly, Flood obtained a Crown Grant in December 1862 of 1 rood 20 perches, extending westward from the edge of the property to the highwater mark, thus I increasing the total area of the estate to its final extent of 4~ acres (1.83ha) (Crosson NDa:l). Although[...]family at an early age. His father, a friend of Governor Brisbane, had obtained a grant of 86 acres at Cremorne. Robertson went to sea i[...]d in 1877. Robertson was known as the "Knight of Clovelly and the King of the Bays', a nickname I which he may have invented for himself (Salmon 1907). There are stories of both his generosity and his lack of money, as well as his colourful language (Sal[...]lly, it was considered .old fashioned and out of date, so the Robertson's modernised it (Salmon 1907). The memoirs of a local resident described it I as " ... an orn[...]ate 1880's, he lived at Clovelly for the rest of his life, dying I there in 1891, his wi[...] |
![]() | [...]7 During the last years of Robertson's life, the house had tieen allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. After his I death the building r[...]1902, Mr Savary T.Rodd, the agent for the owner of Clovelly, I was summoned to the Water Polic[...]by Vaucluse Council regarding the condition of the house (DT 1902; EN 1902). One Dr Stok[...]. that the house was in an extreme state of dilapidation, the ceilings being down in many of the I rooms. The arrangements for deal[...]' After Robertson's death, the grounds of Clovelly, although I still in private owner[...]sumed for public use as a park, and for some sort of memorial to the late Premier to[...]library. The Lands Department was first notified of the matter in 1899. In 1902, a strip up t[...]for public access, and in 1906, the rest of the estate was resumed by the Government[...]the whole renamed Robertson Park in honour of Sir John Robertson. I I I I I I I I I |
![]() | [...]8 I 5· LOCATION OF EARLY LOOKOUT AND ASSOCIATED BUILDINGS The · location of these structures does not form part of this I brief. However, during the course of research it was discovered that the houses and gardens of the men stationed at the flagstaff and look[...]describ~d the watercourses as: I One of the streamlets · diverged through the Clovelly[...]ent through Bay Street into the waters of the Harbour. I Bay Street, is now the part of Military Road that runs in a westerly directly along the northern side of Robertson Park. I Although the flagstaff and[...]ears that the residential huts and gardens I of the men maintaining the flagstaff, may have been in the sheltered area of Robertson Park. However, the exact location of same is unclear. I The field survey did not locate the remains of the gardens or huts. I Robertson Park[...]iod trenches were dug throughout the western side of I Robertson Park for protection, during attack. Although the nature of the construction of the huts and I gardens are unknown, any early[...]sturbed or destroyed by either the construction of I Clovelly, or the WWII activity.[...] |
![]() | I 6- LOCATION OF CLOVELLY HOUSE[...]nce I The archival research located six views of Clovelly taken between 1853 and 1903; a plan drawn in 1886 of property to be auctioned at Watsons Bay indicating the extent of Sir John and Lady Margaret Robertsons holdings at that tA~e, and I a plan of Clovelly drawn in 1899. The auction adverti[...]d stables to be in the north eastern portion of what is now Robertson Park, bordering present day[...]tbuildings. I Figures 7-12 show various views of Clovelly from 1853 to its demolition in 1903[...]atson Parker. The small building to the left of Clovelly appears to be on the allotment owned by[...]d by Edward Flood. It shows a westerly view of the front of the house. The Morton I Bay fig shown in this[...]Watsons Bay in 1882. The house in the middle of the scene is Clovelly, seen from the rear. The structures to the left of it are I its outbuildings. Also visible are th[...]owned by Sir John & Margaret Robertson. View of the ,front of the house.[...]Lady I Figure 11: A rear view of C1ove11y from the north-east, during Sir Joh[...]Figure 6. I Figure 12: A rear process of demolition. view of Clovelly in 1903 during the I 6.2 Physical Remains I As a result of the archival research a field survey was conducted in the north-eastern section of Robertson Park. This survey revealed the presence of several archaeological I features, which are most likely the remains of Clovelly House. These features are[...] |
![]() | [...]10 Feature 1 is the remains of a low sandstone retaining wall. It extends in a south-easterly direction from the corner of I the playground (Photograph 1). It appears to[...]to wi{hin the playground. I The visible length of the wall is 2.50m. It is constructed from 4 mortared sandstone blocks of similar dimensions. The first block, at the corner of the playground meas~~~s 82cm I in length. The[...]facing can be observed on the upright portion of the I sandstone blocks. Feature 2 is also the remains of a low sandstone wall, I extending outwards in[...]acing is also visible on I the ~pright portion of these blocks. I Feature 3 is a modern sands[...]s cut into it (Photograph 5), many I postholes of varying sizes (Photograph 6) and a chiselled[...]raph 9). This sandstone appears to be the remains of building foundations. They have been cut lev[...]6.3 Ana1ysis I From a comparative analysis of archival and field evidence the follo[...] |
![]() | [...]ce stood in the north-eastern corner of present day Robertson I Park. Figure 14 is a compilation of Figures 6 (1899 plan of I Clovelly) and Figure 13 (plan drawn by Consultant showing north-eastern section of Robertson Park and visible archaeolo[...]rchaeological data concur in respect of the approximate location of I Clovelly House, ie, that it was in the vicinity of the present day toilets and that the[...]remains occur in the area assumed to be the site of I (b) Clovelly House. Figure 8 shows a photograph of Clovelly House taken in 1870. A pine tree can be seen in the front of the I house. The branches of another pine tree can also be seen in the left hand side of the photos. These pine trees may be[...]. I This further confirms the location of Clovelly House, as being in the north-eastern corner of Robertson Park, in the vicinity of the present day toilet block. I (c) The 1899 plan of Clovelly (Figure 6) shows the house and outbuildings. Figure 11, a copy of a photograph I showing the rear of Clovelly House, indicates that part of those outbuildings consist of a stone fence and a building (which[...]extending north-south along the edge of Military Road. The beginning of these I .~ buildings can just be seen in the corner of the photograph in Figure 11. These m[...]1886), bordering the northern corner of Robertsons Park has been altered in[...]during this road alteration a portion of the I outbuilding remains would[...] |
![]() | [...]kerbstones still exist on the portion of Military Road heading west. On the section headin[...]installed, stretching from the corner of Clovelly Street and Military Road to the sandstone outcrop. I (e) The remains of the two low stone fences (numbered 1 and 2 in Figure 13) were obviously once part of Clovelly I House and may have been garde[...]The worked sandstone outcrop was also part of the I Estate's outbuildings - perhaps the stables. I &.4 Area of Archaeo1ogica1 Sensitivity As a result of the historical research in Section 4, the I ar[...]n physical remains and the possible boundary of Clovelly House and outbuildings. The area d[...]ure 15 should I be avoided during construction of the new toilet block. I I I I I I I I I I |
![]() | [...]e following recommendations are made on the basis of the research into the archaeological and historical record of Clovelly House; the results of the site survey outlined in I Section 4 of this report and the requirements of the NSW Heritage Act 1977. It is the[...]1. That the new toilet block be sited outside of the area shown in red on Figure 15. I 2. That an excavation permit under Section 140 of the Heritage Act 1977 be applied for from the Heritage I Council of NSW. Such permit will be required in respect of the demolition of the old toilet block and erection of the new . block, as follows: I (a) Demolition: The pipes of the toilet block, which are unde[...]for the demolition. Foundations of Clovelly House may also be disturbed I[...]quire a permit under Section 140 of the Heritage Act. (b) Construction may uncover remains of Clovelly House, I particularly dur[...]r foundations and the laying of sewerage pipes. · Therefore an[...]on. That although the exact location of the huts and gardens of Lieutentant Southwell who maintained the early lo[...]ce in I relation to both the demolition of the old toilet block and construction of the new block. This is to ensure that if any foundations or remains of Clovelly House are uncovered during co[...]and suitable recommendations made in respect of same. 5. That an interpretive program be developed for Robertson I Park detailing the ~mportant historic nature of the Park, in respect of the occupation by those staffing the early lookout , and the association of Clovelly House with people prominent in the early development of New I South Wales. I I I |
![]() | I Figure 1: Location of Watsons Bay I |
![]() | [...]I I I I I I I I I I Figure 2: Location of Rbbertson Park at Watsons Bay I[...] |
![]() | [...]F-igure 3:· Survey ' Plan of Robertson Park I |
![]() | [...]'\, Figure 4: Plan of existing toilet block[...] |
![]() | [...]1899 Plan of Clovelly |
![]() | [...]I I I I I I Clovelly, the \\·arsons Bay home of Sir John Robertson, Premier of ::\ew South \\'ales, as it was in 188-[...] |
![]() | [...]I ~ Figure 11: Rear view of Clovelly House 0[...] |
![]() | [...]Rotunda pigure 13: Plan of Robertson Park showing visible archaeologi[...] |
![]() | [...]0.. I I I I I I Figure 14: Plan of present day Robertson Park with overlay of 1S99 I plan of Clovelly Estate |
![]() | [...]avoided durihg I cohstruction of new toilet block. |
![]() | [...]ical Feature No. 1 I Remains of low sandstone wall (Archaeo[...]gical Feature No. 2 I Remains of sandstone wall I |
![]() | [...]I I I I I I I I I I LPhotoqraph 6: Sample of postholes of varying I sizes cut int[...] |
![]() | [...]I I I I I I I .I I I Photograph 9: Area of exposed sandstone remains[...]I I I I I I I· I Photograph 10: Sample of sandstone remains cut I[...] |
![]() | [...]h ·m ay be from the gardens of Clovelly Estate. I Note[...] |
![]() | [...]STERN SUBURBS NEWSPAPERS 1980 A Pictorial History of the I Eastern Suburbs[...]1980 The History of Woollahra Elizabe[...]Her World, Sydney University Press, Sydney. I KOETTIG M & WILSON G C 198[...]10/1986. The Book of Sydney Suburbs, Angus &[...]ERUMAL, WRATHALL & MURPHY 1983 Conservation Study of Bondi Junction, Wat[...]ROXBURGH R 1974 Early Colonial Names of New South W[...] |
![]() | [...]/1902. I Evening News 1902 The Home of Sir John; Clovelly,[...]I Sydney Morning Herald 1906a Resumption of Clovelly 8/5/1906 Sydney Morning Herald 1906[...]6/1906 I Wentworth Courier 1984 Centenary of a Marriage, 22/2/1984. I Deeds I Land Grant to Thomas Watson dated 23/8/1828. Indenture of Mortgage by Demise: Thomas Watson to William I Tolley Brookes da~ed 19/11/1834. Indentures of Lease and Release. Hanna & Thomas Watson to I H[...]ns Macarthur dated 29/12/1840. I Indenture of Sale: Australian Trust Company to Henry Watson Parker dated 9/8/1848. I Indenture of Sale: Henry Watson Parker to Edward Flood, dated 4/2/1862. I Grant Upon Recission of a Reservation: Henry Watson Parker to Edward[...]Clovelly Estate) dated 12/2/1882. I Indenture of Sale: Edward Flood to John Robertson, Margar~t[...]nd George Thornton dated 23/5/1878. I Indenture of Sale: 23/5/1878.[...] |
MD | |
| <p>Type of report: Survey/Assessment. Work undertaken[...] | |
| [...]l.library.usyd.edu.au July 2021 under supervision of Jennifer Stanton, Manager, Digital Collections | |
| [...]able in DSpace on 2014-10-20T05:07:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1Comber1991RobertsonParktoLoca[...] | |
| rights: The author(s) retain copyright of this work | |
Powell A., Historical Archaeological Survey of Robertson Park to locate the Remains of the Clovelly Estate. (1991), [https://doi.org/10.4227/11/54D029EC5944C
doi:10.4227/11/54D029EC5944C]. University of Sydney Library, accessed 25/05/2026, https://digital.library.sydney.edu.au/nodes/view/9210




