Swansea

May. 1st, 2010 05:28 pm
xenith: (Surprise)
[personal profile] xenith
The last town on this trip is Swansea, part historic town, part beach resort.

Main street, near carpark

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.


Beach

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.

Opposite Car Park

The town hall is on the right. That's probably stating the obvious though :)

Building

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.

Corner

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

Store

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

Lower hill

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

Building

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

From hill

Looking back towards the main street.

Church

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

View

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

House

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.

Church

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

Cafe

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

Street

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

Bank

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.

Bay

There is one other thing in Swansea that I want to show some photos from though, but they can have their own post.

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