Guildford, Western Australia Explained

Type:suburb
Guildford
City:Perth
State:wa
Lga:City of Swan
Map Type:nomap
Local Map:yes
Zoom:13
Coordinates:-31.9°N 115.973°W
Postcode:6055
Est:1829
Stategov:Midland
Fedgov:Division of Hasluck
Near-Nw:Eden Hill
Near-N:Caversham
Near-Ne:Woodbridge
Near-W:Bassendean
Near-E:Hazelmere
Near-Sw:Bassendean
Near-S:South Guildford
Near-Se:Hazelmere
Dist1:13
Dir1:NE
Location1:Perth

Guildford is a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, 12 km northeast of the city centre within the City of Swan. Guildford was founded in 1829 as one of the earliest settlements of the Swan River Colony. It is one of only three towns in the metropolitan area listed on the Register of the National Trust.

History

Guildford was established in 1829 at the confluence of the Helena River and Swan River, being sited near a permanent fresh water supply.

During Captain Stirling's exploration for a suitable site to establish a colony on the western side of the Australian continent in the late 1820s, the exploration party of boats found a fresh water stream across the river from the site of Guildford which they called Success Hill.

Guildford was originally the centre of the Swan River Colony before Perth succeeded in being the dominant location on the Swan Coastal Plain.

A Guildford Town Trust was established in 1838, but ceased to function within a couple of years.[1] It was reconstituted in 1863, and became the Municipality of Guildford in 1871.

Guildford was originally the political centre of what is now called the City of Swan. The original council chambers have been converted to a library. Alongside the library stands the town hall; behind this is the stables built for the councillors while attending meetings and as a depot for council equipment. These stables have been converted and are now the home of the Garrick Theatre, which is the oldest operating theatre group in Western Australia. The original structure is still visible. The roof still has its original shingles in place, though from the outside they have been covered by corrugated galvanised iron .

It also houses the oldest government funded primary school in Western Australia: Guildford Primary School.

Historic sites

Over 200 locations in Guildford are listed on the State Register of Heritage Places, including:

Notable residents

Transport

Guildford is located on the Midland railway line and contains the stations of Guildford and East Guildford.

Bus

Rail

See also

References

Notes and References

  1. Johns, J. R. H. (1949). "The Development of Local Government in Western Australia". The Australian Journal of Public Administration: 172–179.
  2. Web site: Abdullah, George Cyril (1919–1984). 2007. 30 March 2015. Australian Dictionary of Biography. ADU. Abdullah. Yasmin Jill.
  3. Web site: Harper, Charles Walter (1880–1956). 1983. 30 March 2015. Australian Dictionary of Biography. ANU. Smith. Kevin P..
  4. Web site: Wood, Malvina Evalyn (1893–1976). 2005. 30 March 2015. Australian Dictionary of Biography. UDA. Medcalf. M.