Twenty three walkers gathered at the Clarke Street entrance to the Crows Nest metro.
Edward Wollstonecraft built Crows Nest cottage at the top of the hill. He had been given a land grant of 500 acres by Governor Macquarie, running from the present St Leonard’s area to the harbour foreshore.
From the station we walked to St Thomas Rest Park, where we had morning tea. We looked tomb of George Barney who had served in the Peninsula War with Wellington.
We saw the obelisk marking the graves of the Old family, who lived at Waverton. We saw the pyramid vault built by Alexander Berry, where he, his wife Elizabeth and Edward Wollstonecraft are buried. We walked around the sexton’s cottage, which has been restored. The sexton had to dig the graves.
Briefing
Pyramid vault at St Thomas cemetery
We then walked to St Leonard’s Park. This park was gazetted in 1838. In 1867 it was dedicated as a public park by William Tunks, who was Mayor of North Sydney. The design was influenced by Charles Moore, the director of the Botanical Gardens, Sydney. We walked past the music shell and the playground to a World War I cannon. We the walked down the fig tree lane and past the North Sydney oval. We saw a fountain erected in memory of William Tunks and the war memorial.
Avenue of Fig trees
in St Leonards Park
Memorial to
Wm Tunks
Detail on
Tunks Memorial
Unskilled field gun crew
We then made our way to St Thomas church and were fortunate to be offered a tour inside the church. This building was designed by Edmund Blackett. We walked to the Pacific Highway and saw the gates of Crows Nest House at North Sydney Demonstration School. Crows Nest House by built by Alexander Berry and demolished in 1933. We walked past the St Thomas hall and the North Sydney Council Chambers to the Ted Mack Civic Park, where we had lunch.
St Thomas Church
Church interior angel
John had competition for his lunch
Original gate Crows Nest House
Crows Nest House
Crows Nest Cottage
Coffee was nearby at Soho cafe. We then went to Victoria Cross Metro Station to return home.
Leaders: Robyn Mi and Elizabeth
Walkers: Anne G, Anne R, Barbara R, Cherry, Christine G, David R, Dennis, Diana, Don Wo, Elizabeth, Hannah, Helen A, Helen R, John G, Karen, Lyn, Lyndy, Michael, Pauline, Robyn Mi, Rosie, Sue F
Visitor: Elaine C (1st walk)
First Aid: Lyndy
Tail Ender: Karen
Photos: Anne R (9), Don Wo (1, 2, 6, 10), Helen A (3, 4, 5, 8), Robyn Mi (7, 11, 12)
Words by: Robyn Mi
