© 2007 Mount Druitt Historical Society
The area known as Mount Druitt was named after Major George Druitt who arrived in the Colony with his Regiment in 1817. He was appointed by Macquarie as Acting Chief Engineer and Inspector of Works. During the four years in this office, he was responsible for improving some of the following well-known roads for transport –
Old South Head Road, Sydney to Botany, Sydney to Emu Ford (Nepean River), Parramatta to Windsor and the Woodville Road (earlier known as Dog Trap Road).
In his duties he would have almost certainly supervised some of the work of the Architect, Francis Greenway.
For his services, Druitt claimed a grant of land, on the 31st October, 1821, Macquarie recommended that Druitt be granted 1,000 out of the Rooty Hill government land. Although the grant was not confirmed until as late a s 1837, Major Druitt entered into immediate occupation. The grant was recorded as Mt. Druitt.
A “handsome looking mansion” was built (opposite the present Mt. Druitt Park”. The home became a social centre for the weekends after his guests had driven from Sydney, as Druitt had become known for his lavish hospitality. The actual entrance to “Mt. Druitt” was near the present gateway to the school residence. The house was destroyed
Old South Head Road, Sydney to Botany, Sydney to Emu Ford (Nepean River), Parramatta to Windsor and the Woodville Road (earlier known as Dog Trap Road).
In his duties he would have almost certainly supervised some of the work of the Architect, Francis Greenway.
For his services, Druitt claimed a grant of land, on the 31st October, 1821, Macquarie recommended that Druitt be granted 1,000 out of the Rooty Hill government land. Although the grant was not confirmed until as late a s 1837, Major Druitt entered into immediate occupation. The grant was recorded as Mt. Druitt.
A “handsome looking mansion” was built (opposite the present Mt. Druitt Park”. The home became a social centre for the weekends after his guests had driven from Sydney, as Druitt had become known for his lavish hospitality. The actual entrance to “Mt. Druitt” was near the present gateway to the school residence. The house was destroyed
by fire but many of the old residents can recall the remains being quite visible.
Major Druitt was notable among the early pioneers as an officer of the 48th Regiment, a Magistrate of the Territory, Roads and Buildings Engineers for Macquarie and a strong proponent of freedom of the Press, trial by jury and self-government for the Colony.
Following is the newspaper coverage of the fire that destroyed Mt. Druitt House:
Mt. Druitt house was totally destroyed
by fire on Friday the 19th Inst.
The flames were discovered shortly
before midnight, after the persons
in charge had retired to rest, but by
great exertions of the overseer, with his
wife and man servant, the furniture Etc,
was almost all saved. The house was built
by Major Druitt and was his well-
Estate, however, became the property of
Messrs Sheppard and Alger 3yrs
since by purchase-the property was
uninsured, but the barn, stables,
detached kitchen Etc were saved.
Nothing however remains of the house
But the backened walls. The fire is
supposed to have arisen from some
woodwork communicating with one of
the chimneys.
Sydney Morning Herald, 23 January 1849
Page 2; Column 7.
Major Druitt was notable among the early pioneers as an officer of the 48th Regiment, a Magistrate of the Territory, Roads and Buildings Engineers for Macquarie and a strong proponent of freedom of the Press, trial by jury and self-
Following is the newspaper coverage of the fire that destroyed Mt. Druitt House:
Mt. Druitt house was totally destroyed
by fire on Friday the 19th Inst.
The flames were discovered shortly
before midnight, after the persons
in charge had retired to rest, but by
great exertions of the overseer, with his
wife and man servant, the furniture Etc,
was almost all saved. The house was built
by Major Druitt and was his well-
Estate, however, became the property of
Messrs Sheppard and Alger 3yrs
since by purchase-
detached kitchen Etc were saved.
Nothing however remains of the house
But the backened walls. The fire is
supposed to have arisen from some
woodwork communicating with one of
the chimneys.
Sydney Morning Herald, 23 January 1849
Page 2; Column 7.
DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNT DRUITT TOWN CENTRE AND HOUSING ESTATE
In 1960, the Minister for Local Government decided that the Cumberland County Council should plan a new town in the Mount Druitt area. Included in the proposals were large areas for public housing to be developed by the Housing Commission of New South Wales and the War Service Homes Division of the Commonwealth Department of Housing. About 1860 hectares (4600 acres) were set aside to accommodate 70,000 people.
In 1960, the Minister for Local Government decided that the Cumberland County Council should plan a new town in the Mount Druitt area. Included in the proposals were large areas for public housing to be developed by the Housing Commission of New South Wales and the War Service Homes Division of the Commonwealth Department of Housing. About 1860 hectares (4600 acres) were set aside to accommodate 70,000 people.
On the 28th September, 1964 the Hon. A. Landa, LL. B., M.L.A., Minister for Housing & Co-
The first Housing Commission homes were built in 1966.
To find out more about our great history, purchase one of our great books from the ‘Publications’ page of our web site
or
contact the secretary on: (02) 9625 4921
or
contact the secretary on: (02) 9625 4921
