Tracing the History of Your Home

Image: Raine & Horne, Nelson, Percy W, Atchison & Schleicher and William Brooks & Co. Kettle estate, L'Avenue Park, Newtown Sydney: William Brooks & Co. Ltd. Lith, 1905

By 1882, George Brock had embraced the role of property developer, further subdividing his family's land into its present configuration. Between 1884 and 1885, he constructed eight terrace houses along a street initially known as Kettles Avenue. George and his wife resided in the first house, 'Brockleigh' (now 1 Warren Ball Avenue; last sold by one of our very own agents Michael Harris in 2014). Following the completion of the terraces, the street was renamed L'Avenue, possibly reflecting the architectural elegance of the area.

All eight terraces were sold as a single property by Raine & Horne, with the new owners operating them as boarding houses. The terraces changed hands again in 1914, and the street was renamed Warren Ball Avenue after a local alderman. The homes continued to be owned collectively until 1948, when the last owner began selling off the terraces individually over the next 12 years. Notably, Indigenous activist Charles Perkins occupied 'Brockleigh' from 1997 until his passing in 2000, adding another layer of historical significance to the property.

Just like the terraces of Warren Ball Avenue, many of Sydney's homes are full of stories waiting to be uncovered. In the next sections, we'll explore how you can delve into the history of your own home, uncovering the unique tales that make it special.

Image: 1982. Georgina Street Newtown, 1982, City of Sydney Archives

1. Start with What You Can See

The first step is simple: take a good look at your house. Walk around it, inside and out, and note its key features. Ask yourself:

• What kind of roof does it have?
• What are the shapes and sizes of the windows?
• What materials were used in construction?
• Are there unique features like verandas or shutters?

​​​​​These observations can give you clues about the architectural style of your home, helping you place it within a specific historical period.​​​​​​

Image: 1970. Semi-detached Federation style house, Allen Street Glebe, 1970s, City of Sydney Archives

2. Identify the Architectural Style

Once you've noted the physical features of your house, you can identify its architectural style. In Australia, housing styles have evolved over time, with each era contributing distinct characteristics. For example:

• Colonial homes (early to mid-19th century): Symmetrical designs, brick chimneys, corrugated iron roofs, and verandas.
• Victorian homes (mid to late 19th century): Cast iron lacework, steep-pitched roofs, and intricate stained glass windows.
• Federation homes (1890 to 1920): Terra cotta roofs, leadlight windows, and decorative timber verandas.
• California Bungalows (1910 to 1930): Single-story homes with low-gabled roofs and enclosed front porches.
   

By matching your home's features to a specific style, you can begin to narrow down when it was built.

Image: Hurley, Frank. 1910, General view of Main Chamber [Public Library of New South Wales, main reading room] [Sydney, New South Wales]

3. Dive into Online Archives

There are a number of fantastic online resources that can help you uncover more details about your home’s past:

• Trove: The National Library of Australia’s Trove database allows you to search historical newspapers, which can provide information about property sales, renovations, or even notable events at your address.
• NSW Land Registry Services: This service offers access to land ownership records, where you can trace previous owners and property transactions.
• Local Council Archives: Many local councils, including the City of Sydney, have archives that include historical maps, building applications, and development records.

Image: 1885. Map - Newtown, 1885, City of Sydney Archives

4. Explore Historical Maps and Directories

Maps and directories from earlier times can give you a sense of how your suburb or neighborhood has changed over the years. The Sands Directories, for instance, provide lists of property occupants from the mid-19th to the early 20th century. These directories are often available through state libraries or local historical societies. You can also explore historical maps to see how your property’s boundaries may have shifted or how the street layout has evolved over time.

The Sands Directories
The directories contain information that can help track when streets were named, when suburbs were divided, where people lived and what occupations they held. 
View via City of Sydney Archives

Image: 2004. Entrance Newtown Branch Library, Brown Street Newtown, 2004, City of Sydney Archives

5. Use Local Libraries and Historical Societies

Local libraries and historical societies are treasure troves of information. For example, the City of Sydney Archives holds a variety of photographs, building plans, and rate books that could reveal more about your home’s history. Many institutions also offer research guides or have staff who can assist with your search.

Inner West Council Community History Programs
Explore the Inner West’s history through the council’s programs and heritage events
Visit Website

Image: The Heritage listed Trocadero building located at 69-77 King Street Newtown 

6. Search for Heritage Listings

If your home is older, it may be heritage-listed. Heritage listings can tell you more about the architectural and historical significance of your property, and often include details about its construction, style, and any notable previous owners.

Heritage Listing databases
Find information about heritage listed items and significant sites in New South Wales.
Search the NSW Goverment Database

Image: 1938. Mrs Lilian Fowler (Madame Mayor of Newtown 1938-1940) and Mrs Mary Jane Swift (Newtown Alderman 1941), State Library NSW

7. Talk to Long-Time Residents

Sometimes, the best information comes from people who have lived in the area for a long time. Speak with neighbors or older members of the community who may know more about your home’s history and previous occupants.

Image: 1950. Newtown at night, King Street Newtown, 1950s, City of Sydney Archives
 

Image: Immig, John 2000, Brocks Lane, Newtown, Sydney, 1986