Chelsea Farm

George Sutton's Chelsea Fram and Orchards: Image from State Library Photo Collection

 

George Sutton was born at Chelsea England on 11 June 1774. His father William Suttor was a gardener. Sir Joseph Banks encouraged George to settle in the Colony of New South Wales. Linnean Society employed George as a Botanical Collector on the recommendation of Sir Joseph Banks.

George Sutton: Image from State Library Photo Collection

 

In 1798 George married Sarah Maria Dobinson at All Saints Church, London Wall. They had their first child, George Banks Suttor in May 1799. George Sutton, his wife and son departed London with the boxed plants on 17 March 1800 and arrived in Sydney on 5 November 1800.

George Sutton's wife Sarah Maria Dobinson: Image from State Library Photo Collection

 

Under the terms of settlement, George was asked to select 200 acres of land near the Parramatta River by Governor King.  As most of the land surrounding the Parramatta River was allotted to various settlers so George chose a block at Baulkham Hills. 182 acres of land was allocated to him in the District of Toongabbie on 31 March 1802.

 The thick forest was cleared and a timber house with slabs was made for them to live there. He called this place “Chelsea Farm”.  George sowed maize and planted fruit trees which are brought from England. By 1806 George was growing wheat, maize, barley, potatoes, oranges, apples and many other fruits on his farm. He also had cows, sheep, goats and he was managing it with the help of 3 convict servants.

George was growing fruit trees for sale on his property from 1804. He was also called “First Nurseryman”. In 1808 George returned to England for some legal matters and in 1812 he returned to Parramatta with his wife and six kids to newly build timber home on Windsor Road.  

Reverend Samuel Marsden was a Superintendent of Castle Hill Lunatic Asylum. When he went to tour New Zealand, George accepted the position of Superintendent from 1814 to 1819.  He was receiving a stipend of 50 pounds per annum with accommodation on the site and the use of some asylum land for his own use.

In 1823 George took up a land grant at Peel near Bathurst. George and his eldest son took large number of sheep at Peel and called this property “Brucedale”.

George’s eldest son George took over Chelsea Farm after his retirement.  George and Sarah went on a grand tour of Europe. Sarah, his wife died in August 1844 while they were in France.  George returned home and started living in Brucedale.  He died in May 1859 at the age of 85.  He was buried at the Holy Trinity Church. The Suttor family still live and work on the Brucedale farm at Bathurst which means that Brucedale Pty. Ltd. is the oldest family business in Australia.

The present house is the third built on Chelsea Farm at 8-10 Englart Place, Baulkham Hills. It was built by one of George’s grandsons in 1870s. Some additions were done to the house in late 1800s.

From early 1900s to 1938 Chelsea Farm House had a couple of owners.  In late 1938 this house was purchased by Australian Jewish Welfare Society along with surrounding 25 acres of land to accommodate refugee and Jewish immigrants from Nazi Europe.

Chelsea Farm House was given a local heritage listing by Baulkham Hills Shire Council in July 1981.