Australia Philately: Elizabeth Farm

Elizabeth Farm was established at Rose Hill in 1793 on the land of the Burramattagal clan of the Dharug people. It was located on a slight hill overlooking the upper reaches of Parramatta River,

Elizabeth and John Macarthur arrived in New South Wales in 1790 with the Second Fleet. In 1793 Governor Grose granted Macarthur 100 acres (40 ha) on the west side of Tipperary Farm. The farm was named after Macarthur’s wife, Elizabeth. It was quickly followed by an adjoining grant, which was named Edward Farm, after the couple’s eldest son.

The original house was a brick single-storey building with four rooms, a hall, closets, and a cellar with an adjoining kitchen, servants’ apartments and other necessary offices. From 1794 Macarthur became interested in raising sheep and began to crossbreed his flock at Elizabeth Farm selectively.

With a personal interest in architecture, Macarthur was determined to build a residence worthy of his family’s position in colonial society and directed the constant alterations himself. The house was the scene of political and social activity including visits from many governors and their wives.

Around 1805 a bedroom behind the drawing room and verandahs were added. In the same year, Macarthur brought olive trees to Sydney in 1805. While in exile in London over his involvement with the overthrow of Governor William Bligh, he sensed the British administration saw New South Wales as a potential colony for horticulture.

Macarthur set off in 1815 on a tour of France and Switzerland to study the making of wine and oil. He returned to London by May 1816 with a collection of vines and olives for shipment to Australia, arriving in 1817. The size of the farm increased to 925 acres (374 ha) through grants and purchases by 1818.

Five years later Macarthur made a favourable impression on Commissioner John Bigge who was in NSW to investigate all aspects of colonial administration, including the development of agriculture and trade. Bigge observed that Macarthur’s olive trees had assimilated well to the climate and that olive oil could prove a successful export product.

In the 1820s Macarthur added a separate two-storey section to the rear and built stables. The house additions used open planning with French doors leading to the verandahs and gardens. A few years later the verandahs may have been remodelled. A Doric columned north verandah in contrast to the treillage of the eastern verandah was added in 1826. Further extensions were made during 1826 and 1827, designed by Henry Cooper. Refacing of the servant’s quarters, possibly by John Verge, took place sometime around 1833.