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Red Hill

History of Brisbane's Red Hill

Red Hill'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. This 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.

The main encampment of the Turrbal clan was in 'Yorks Hollow'. This gully passes through Victoria Park and the Royal National Association Showgrounds at Bowen Hills.

In the 1860s and 70s Aborigines lived on the slopes of Red Hill.

Urban development

The area developed slowly because its hills made walking more difficult and slowed the development of public transport to the suburb. In the 1880s a horse drawn bus service was started which made its way via Prospect Terrace in Kelvin Grove to miss the steepest part of the hill, which the horses could not manage.

Red Hill became part of Ithaca Shire, which was created in 1887, with Ithaca raised to the status of a town in 1903. From the 1940s to the late 1960s the area became somewhat derelict before a resurgence of interest created buyers for the area once again.

Notable residents

There have been many important and eccentric residents of Red Hill. Professor Pepper made Brisbane history by trying to make rain by firing a cannon into the atmosphere. George Hall, former editor of the Moreton Bay Courier, once lived near where St Brigid's Church stands. It has also been claimed that John Storie, who built many fine historic homes in Brisbane, lived in Red Hill.

In recent years author Nick Earls has immortalised the suburb by writing about it in his book Zig Zag Street.

Landmarks

St Brigid's Roman Catholic Church was built in 1914 to accommodate up to 1000 people. Its hilltop position and grand structure ensured that it was still visible from all directions and the church remains a landmark today.

The Normanby Hotel at 1 Musgrave Road was constructed in 1890 for Brisbane publican Elizabeth Sophia Burton. The Burton family owned the hotel until 1944 and both lived and worked there. Heritage listing now protects the hotel.

Ithaca Creek forms one of the boundaries of Woolcock Park. The Park was originally the site of Judge Woolcock's home, which was demolished many years ago.

Reference: Lesley Jenkins, BRISbites, 2000

More Red Hill information

REIQ Profile

Take a look at REIQ's real estate profile. You can find suburb statistics, get a feel for its "character" and check out the median house prices and rents.

Pocket Neighbourhood Guide

Your neighbourhood at a glance. Discover the secrets of the local area... as well as what makes it special.