Abbotsford, New South Wales


Abbotsford is a suburb in the Inner West of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Abbotsford is 10 kilometres west of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of the City of Canada Bay. Abbotsford sits on the peninsula between Abbotsford Bay and Hen and Chicken Bay, on the Parramatta River.

History

Abbotsford took its name from Abbotsford House, owned by Sir Arthur Renwick. He named his property after Abbotsford House in the United Kingdom, the residence of historical novelist and poet, Sir Walter Scott.

Aboriginal culture

Abbotsford was first known by its Aboriginal name Bigi Bigi.

European settlement

The suburb was originally part of Five Dock Farm and when subdivided in 1837, was called Feltham. Sir Arthur Renwick, a doctor, philanthropist and politician built his home here in 1890 and called it Abbotsford House in honour of Sir Walter Scott's home. Renwick sold his property in 1903 to Albert Grace, and in 1918 it became the site of a Nestlé chocolate factory, with the house used initially for chocolate production and later as their administrative offices. The factory was closed in 1991, after which the area was redeveloped as the medium-density Abbotsford Cove housing complex.
Australian poet Henry Lawson did not die in Abbotsford House in 1922, as is sometimes claimed, but at the home of Mrs Isabella Byers at 437 Great North Road, recently demolished. Abbotsford House is now listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Demographics

According to the of the population, there were 5,373 residents in Abbotsford. 64.0% of people were born in Australia. The most common countries of birth were Italy 5.5%, England 3.4% and China 3.1%. 66.0% of people only spoke English at home. Other languages spoken at home included Italian 9.0%, Mandarin 3.0%, Cantonese 2.2% and Greek 2.1%. The most common responses for religious affiliation were Catholic 38.6%, No Religion 23.7% and Anglican 10.2%.

Transport

run a bus route through Abbotsford and a ferry wharf provides access to Parramatta River ferry services. Electric trams operated to Abbotsford until their replacement by buses in 1954.

Commercial area

Abbotsford has a small group of shops on Great North Road.

Education

Abbotsford Public School is a local primary school at 350 Great North Road.

Landmarks

Sport and recreation

Abbotsford Sailing Club and Sydney Rowing Club sit on the Parramatta River, at the end of Great North Road. Abbotsford houses the rowing sheds for Sydney Boys High School, Newington College and MLC School.

Notable residents