Paddington

History of Brisbane's Paddington

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Paddington's history has been compiled by local historian, Lesley Jenkins, as a part of the BRISbites community history project.

Aboriginal history

The Turrbal clan occupied the northern side of the Brisbane River. The clan was often referred to by the whites as the 'Duke of York's' clan and their leader was called the Duke of York.

There were camping grounds around the Breakfast Creek area and the explorers Oxley and Cunningham met members of the clan at the mouth of the Creek in 1824.

In the early days Aborigines camped in Armstrong's Paddock on what is now Armstrong Terrace and also on the former Paddington Tram Depot on Enoggera Terrace.

Everyday life for the tribe consisted of hunting and gathering food, with time for games, and other social and spiritual activities.

Urban development

The first sale of land occurred in 1859 with the sale of 55 lots. The area was named after the borough in England named Paddington.

The steep slopes slowed development and created challenges for the emerging public transport. In 1879 a horsebus was introduced and by the 1880s, the growing suburb was a mix of both hilltop mansions and workers cottages, the latter which were built in the gullies.

Paddington was originally part of the Town of Ithaca. At one stage gold was found near the old Paddington Cemetery and shafts were sunk. In 1906-7 electric trams ran along Caxton Street. The line was eventually extended until it reached Bardon Street in 1937.

Notable residents

Major families were the Cannons, Driscolls, Youngs, Hazebergs and Lewises. John Atkinson provided a horse and wagonette for public use in 1879.

Jane Ann Smith received her nursing certificate in 1892 and became the first trained nurse in Paddington. She was also a midwife to the local women who gave birth at home. She lived at 40 Latrobe Terrace and died in 1937.

Landmarks

The Paddington water tower was constructed in 1927 to supply water to the higher parts of Brisbane. It is 70 feet high and is made of reinforced concrete.

The tramway substation at Enoggera Terrace was erected in 1929-1930 to assist the Petrie Terrace substation to provide power to the electric tramway system. The Paddington train line was closed in 1969 when the trams were withdrawn from service.

The Ithaca War Memorial was unveiled in 1922 to honour those killed in the First World War.

The Red Hill Paddington Community Centre, formerly the Carmel Presbyterian Church, is a contemporary landmark for the Paddington Community.

Reference: Lesley Jenkins, BRISbites, 2000

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