Heritage and the Story of Morpeth

Morpeth. Credit: Visit NSW

Traditionally known as Illalaung by the Gringai clan of the Warnnarua people, the area was called Green Hills by Lieutenant Colonel Colin Patterson in 1801 when he sailed up the hunter river on a journey of exploration.

Between the years of 1821 and 1823, Lieutenant Edward Close received 2,050 acres in land grants as a reward for service in this area and he chose to build Closebourne House on a river overlooking the Hunter River.

By 1831, the area had become a port and had become so important to trade and commerce within NSW, that Edward Close set aside 1,000 acres to develop a private town which was to become Morpeth.

Morpeth can be found on maps dating from 1834, Edward Close also built a school and the official Morpeth Post Office was opened for business in 1837. By 1848, Morpeth had 635 inhabitants, five hotels, a steam mill, a soap and candle factory, five large stools, many small shops and 117 dwellings.

Morpeth was the first Australian home of Caleb Soul and his son Washington of the Soul Patterson chemist chain. Above the talcum powder factory was the bakery run by William Arnott who later made his fortune in biscuits.

In 1873, Walter Bramble - the founder of the international transport company - started his transport business on the hunter river when he was only 15 years old by rowing up river to Morpeth and beyond to collect meat, fruit and dairy goods and then delivering them back to Newcastle.

Morpeth. Credit: Visit NSW

Morpeth really is a living museum and to explore more about the fascinating history of Morpeth visit the Morpeth museum which is housed in the original town Court House built in 1862. The Morpeth Heritage Walk is also available and takes in 25 sites which retell the story of early Morpeth. Maps are available at most stores or an audio commentary is available via the free Maitland Walks App. Each of the 25 sites on the heritage walks are identified by a numbered circular site marker on, or adjacent to, each significant building or place.

Plan your visit https://www.itmustbemorpeth.com.au/