Sir Henry Parkes is one of the most important political figures in Australian history, the Father of our Federation, so what is his connection to the Blue Mountains?
Born in Coventry in 1815, Parkes arrived in Australia in 1839, with his new wife Clarinda and “only a few shillings in his pocket”
His first job was as a labourer, then a customs clerk and soon a successful businessman, who would move into politics in 1856. He served as Premier of New South Wales five times where he became a strong supporter of the Australian colonies joining together as one nation.
But what was his connection to the Blue Mountains?
In 1876 Parkes purchased 400 acres in “North Springwood” where he soon built a house called Faulconbridge, the house soon became a retreat for Parkes and his family, an opportunity to escape the heat of Sydney.
If you wish to hear more of this story, of Parkes and his connection to the Mountains, then you can make a cuppa and sit down and enjoy the podcast we did on the AskRoz Tourism show.
Enjoy