Swansea

This is Swansea, part historic town, part beach resort.

The first British settlement in the area was a grant given to George Meredith in 1821. Actually, he was one of a group of partners who took up grants in the area. He was also heavily involved in early colonial politics, but if you’re interested in that, follow the link.

Swansea is on top corner of Oyster Bay, which is the large bay on the east coast that shows up on any map with some level of detail, with Freycinet Peninsula forming the other side.

The town hall is on the right. That’s probably stating the obvious though 🙂

This is rather an odd building stylistically. It was originally built as a school house. Now it’s the “Glamorgan War Memorial Community Center Heritage Centre.” When it’s open.

Along the main street, the old general store building dominates the townscape.

An impressive, large brick and stone store, which has been in the Morris family ownership and operation for over 100 years. The building is intact and is very simply and strongly detailed. It was built as a single storey structure about 1845 and the top two floors were added c1855. From Australian Heritage Database

Now it’s attached to the IGA supermarket (on left), and, according to Mother, there’s some sort A/V display in there, but I didn’t get in to see it

Off the main street now. Noyes St runs up the hill.

That’s the Municipal Office and Court House. It says so on the sign. It’s the council offices for Glamorgan/Spring Bay municipality,

Looking back towards the main street.

All Saints Anglican Church, 1871. I don’t think the sky is really that colour.

That’s a view from the top of the hill.

Meredith House, built 1853 as private home. From their website, it’s also seen use as a girls’ grammar school, maternity hospital and guest house. Now it’s a B&B.

That’s, um, a church. I’d guess the Catholic church by elimination, but I can’t find a photo of it

Back down on the main street (Franklin St) now.

It’s a busy little town. I assume it’s quieter over winter though. See the little building at the end?

Banc Restaurant, but as it says along the top of the building it was formerly a Commercial Bank of Australia branch. The Commercial Bank is now part of Westpac.

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