Oatlands House, Parramatta 1833-40

Parramatta:  Campbell (Verge) / Broughton House 1838-9 (2) | Oatlands House 1833-40 |

Oatlands House, Bettington Road, Parramatta, 1927. Photographer: Eleanor Georgina Shaw.

Contents

1. Just passing by...
2. What we know
3. Chronology
4. Conclusion
   
5. References
6. Acknowledgements

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Oatlands House - Built 1830. Photograph circa 1960s. (Forgan 2004)

1. Just passing by.....

Have you ever walked down a street, or driven down a road, and seen an old house that tweaks your interest? How old is it? What is its history? Is it protected, or will it be gone next time you pass by? Such, I think, was the case for Graham Shirley of Parramatta when he came across the Oatlands House function centre on Bettington Road, Oatlands (formerly West Dundas), located in the grounds of the Oatlands Golf Club near Parramatta. He was immediately drawn to ask such questions. Shirley, a member of the City of Parramatta Heritage Committee, is also an historian of early Australian cinema and well-known for his work during 1981 in the reconstruction and partial restoration of the classic 1927 silent film For the Term of His Natural Life. Unfortunately, the answers provided to him upon an initial dive into the history of Oatlands House gave rise to more questions than answers. He was nevertheless spurred on by recent engagement with the present author in the discovery of historical details concerning Broughton House, Parramatta, which was shown to date from 1838-9, and built not by the famous Samuel Marsden, but for Acting Colonial Treasurer Laurentz Campbell. In addition, the Campbell House - which has a similar circular design to the middle, two storey section of Oatlands House - was designed and constructed by early colonial architect and builder John Verge. Shirley might even have wondered if similar discoveries could be made in regards to Oatlands House? Sections were of large, cut sandstone construction, suggestive of the convict-era. It was therefore possible that the original house and outbuilding were older than Broughton House and perhaps dated from the late 1820s or early 1830s.

The following article attempts to answer some of the questions posed to the author by Shirley, and uncover relevant historical facts concerning the design, construction, and ownership history of Oatlands House - facts which had been though lost, or distorted, over the passage of some two centuries since its original construction.

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2. What is known?

Oatlands House is located north-east of Parramatta on a slight hill facing south east and overlooking Vineyard Creek, which flows south into the Parramatta River. It is presently a popular wedding venue, and located on the grounds of the Oatlands Golf Course. The house is therein dated 1823, though it is suspected that refinement of the date of the construction of elements of the property as it presently exists is required. It could be said that this process of reassessment was started on 20 April 2023 when Shirley posted the following information on his Facebook page, along with a collection of recent photographs of the house and landscaped surrounds:

The Sydney suburb previously known as West Dundas was renamed Oatlands in 1991, the name deriving from an historic house – now known as Oatlands House - built in the 1830s by Lieutenant Percy Simpson (1787-1877). A Canadian who had migrated to New South Wales in 1822, Simpson was granted land and built Oatlands House after being posted to Parramatta as Superintendent of Roads. In about 1838, the house was bought by James Brindley Bettington (1797-1857), a businessman who came to New South Wales in 1827 to establish a branch of his family’s mercantile office. In the 1840s the house was extended by Ambrose Hallen, at one time New South Wales Colonial Architect. According to information on the Caroline Simpson Library website (Museums of History New South Wales), Oatlands House “is regarded as a significant indicator of Hallen’s work in private practice and one of the few surviving examples of his domestic work”. The estate remained in Bettington family ownership in 1926. Located 3 kilometres north-east of Parramatta’s CBD, the house is now used as a function centre. Its surrounding land consists of the Oatlands Golf Course, opened in 1931. While it can be approached by walking past the course’s clubhouse, Oatlands House also has a separate entrance at 42 Bettington Road. The hillside adjacent to the house commands distant views of the building towers of Parramatta and Olympic Park.

The detail therein was sourced, in part, from the Museums of History New South Wales record. That site also contained a collection of six sepia toned photographs of the building and grounds dating from 1927, prior to its recent restoration and a year after it was sold by the Bettington family, following their occupation of it as a family residence since 1840. The above summary history may appear comprehensive, and suggest that, at present, all that needs to be known about the house is actually known. But the dating of its construction to a somewhat vague "the 1830s" or the earlier 1823 is enough to suggest that further research is desirable. A web page for the Oatlands House reception centre dated May 2004 and archived on the Internet Archive site, provides additional information:

Oatlands House 1823 - History

Oatlands was a grant in 1823. The house was built in the 1830s by Captain Percy Simpson, an army officer and former Governor of Paxos. He came to Australia in 1822 to take up an appointment as commandant of the convicts’ settlement at Wellington. (The Bathurst Wellington Road was known as Simpson’s Road because of the frequent trips by Mr Simpson in his gig). Simpson became Superintendent of the Great North Road and later the Colony’s Crown Lands Commissioner. One of his sons, Sir George Bowen Simpson, born at Oatlands, became the Judge of the colony at the age of 28.

In 1840 Oatlands was sold to James Brindley Bettington, who reached Sydney in 1827 preceded by a memorial from the London firm of John Bettington & Sons to Viscount Goderich, informing him that one of the partners was to reside in the Colony. He was to be provided with funds to make cash advancements to the Colonists on the security of the wool intended for England, to assist the infant settlement to promote the growth of wool in New South Wales. The memorial was transmitted to Governor Darling, together with a request for a grant of lands. Bettington started a business in George Street with wharves at Darling Harbour. He became interested in sheep breeding with William Lawson, the explorer, whose daughter he married and who was the first bride to be carried over the threshold of Oatlands House. James Brindley Bettington started a Merino stud with high class Saxon stock, later improved with Silesian Rams. This stud was one of the foundation studs of the Australian Wool Industry. He added to his estates, represented pastoral districts in the Legislative Council and on his death in 1857 his son James Brindley the second inherited his estate. The son and family continued to reside at Oatlands until he died in 1915 at the age of 78.

Oatlands House was originally a low sandstone cottage with flagstone verandahs and courtyards as they exist today. The original kitchen and servants quarters still stand today. In 1840, architect Ambrose Hallen built the two storey additions joining the two buildings. This beautifully elliptical central block with curving verandah, columns, lantern recesses, etc are the original drawing, dining and morning rooms. Built by convict labour, the floors are made from cedar grown on the property and the sandstone quarried nearby. Oatlands still have fine cellars reputedly used for the storage of rum during Rum Traffics Era and one can imagine them also being used for chastisement of difficult convicts. The small pool in the old courtyard was built from uncovered cells, the marble fireplaces were brought on the convict ships from England. A marble fireplace has been obtained from the home of [Sir Arthur] Conan Doyle, of Sherlock Holmes fame, to replace a similar one removed from Oatlands House by vandals.

Oatlands appears to have been named after Oatlands Park in England, close to the land of Lord Dundas, after whom this area is named. His memorial stands in St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Theory that the name was derived from the first sowing of the oats grown in Australia is not confirmed but the Mitchell Library does record that wines from Oatlands vineyards won a prize in France in the 1860s.

A similarly archived website for the Oatlands Golf Club also contains important details of the early history and ownership of Oatlands House. Some of that history is summarised and expanded upon in the following Chronology.

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3. Chronology

The following is a chronology of known events relation to the history of Oatlands House and the lands upon which it is situation. Additional information can be found within the Reference section which follows.

1797

* The Battle of Parramatta takes place in the area of Oatlands, north of Parramatta, between British soldiers and local Aboriginal people, led by warrior Pemulway (Lin 2017).

1822

* November - Canadian Lieutenant (Captain) Percy Simpson (1787-1877) arrives New South Wales with his wife, two children and two female servants, on board the Mangles. He was a Lieutenant in the Royal Corsican Rangers and former Governor of Paxos, one of the Ionian islands located off the west coast of Greece and occupied by the British between 1815-64. Upon arrival in the Colony he is initially posted the the position of Superintendent of Convicts at Wellington Valley, and remains there through to 1826. The family settles in the Hunter district where Simpson obtains a grant of 2,000 acres. He operates a dairy and cattle farm called Coorambong. He and his family would later settle in Parramatta and build the earliest section of Oatlands House, circa 1833.

1823

* It is stated in various places that Oatlands House was constructed at this time. However, no evidence for this has as yet been found. It appears to be based on the arrival of Percy Simpson in New South Wales the year before.

1824

* Copy of a letter from Percy Simpson to Major Goulburn, 4 March 1824, State Library of New South Wales, Mss. As 170.

1825

* Percy Simpson is promised an additional 2000 acre grant of land at Lake Macquarie by Governor Brisbane. Granted in 1838.

1826

* Percy Simpson is made Superintendent of Roads. His family continues to live in the Hunter district through to at least 1832.

1827

* December - James Brindley Bettington (1797-1857) arrives in New South Wales on the Iona to set up a mercantile business. He subsequently acquired extensive rural and shipping interests, was appointed a member of the Legislative Council, and married Rebecca, William Lawson’s daughter, on 11 June 1830 (McClymont n.d.).

1828

* Percy Simpson is made Superintendent of the Great North Road. His homestead in the Hunter district is called Koorumbung within the 1828 Census.

1831

* 20 January - Percy Simpson resides at Lower Branch, Portland head. His hut at Mannering, Lake Macquarie, is robbed by bushrangers Jordan, Buford and Holden.

* 29 March - Simpson sentences convict Cokely to 50 lashes at Wiseman' Ferry.

1832

* In the Australian Almanac Percy Simpson is listed as a member of the Surveyor General's Department and based at Wiseman's Ferry.

* 15 May, Sydney Gazette: Percy Simpson is appointed to the Survey General's Department at Parramatta.

* NSW Government Gazette: Assignment of convicts to Percy Simpson:

- 18 July: 517. Ann Goulden, Pyramus, all work, to Percy Simpson, Lower Portland Head.

- 24 October: 793. Maria Hurley, Burrell, cook, to Percy Simpson, Parramatta. 

- 5 December: 1486. Ellen Brooks, Burrell, needlewoman, to Percy Simpson, Parramatta.

- 19 December: 1725. Honora Stephens, Southworth, wash, &c., to Percy Simpson, Parramatta.

* 17 October, NSW Government Gazette: Applications for 3 lots of land by Percy Simpson, all at Parramatta.

Parramatta. No. 1. 1r. 8p. One rood eight perches, Allotment No. 10 of Section 10 ; bounded on the South by Ross-street ; on the West by Allotment No. 11 ; on the North by Allotment No. 15 ; and on the East by a Lane. Applied for by Percy Simpson. 2. 1 r. 8 p. One rood eight perches, Allotment No. 11 of Section 10 ; bounded on the South by Ross-street ; on the West by Tuckwell’s Allotment ; and on the North by Allotment No. 14 ; and on the East by Allotment. No. 10. Percy Simpson. 3. 1r. 8p. One rood eight perches, Allotment No. 14 of Section 10 bounded on the South by Allotment No. 11 ; on the West by Allotment No. 13 ; on the North by Grose-street ; and on the East by Allotment No. 15.Applied for by Percy Simpson.

1833

* 2 January, NSW Government Gazette: List of Runaways Apprehended as of 31 December 1832 - Ellen Brooks, Burrell, from Percy Simpson.

* 25 July - grant of 90 acres to Percy Simpson at north Parramatta, on the site of the future Oatlands House. The latter was likely built around this time. It was a single storey, sandstone brick dwelling with large balcony and slate roof. An outside kitchen and servants quarters were also constructed as part of the homestead.

* NSW Government Gazette: Runaway convicts:

- 31 July: Groynn Ann, wife of Philip Kains, No.31-88, 30, Sicily, Allwork, 5 feet, ruddy freckled complexion, light brown hair, grey eyes, T C T P on left arm, N W R L on right, from Percy Simpson, since 22d July. Third time of running.

- 9 October: Williams Robert, Marquis Hastings (3), No. 28-1729, 34, Denbighshire, Cook and Butler, 5 feet 5¾, brown hair, hazel brown eyes, sallow pock-pitted comp small mole on lower part of neck, from Percy Simpson, since 30th September.

* 4 September, NSW Government Gazette: Transmission of Title Deeds -

Advertisement of 5th March, 1833. 7. Percy Simpson, 90 Acres, Cumberland, Lot 2.

* 30 October, NSW Government Gazette: Percy Simpson made a Crown Lands Commissioner.

1834

* NSW Government Gazette: Percy Simpson's runaway convicts:

- 22 January: Sidney Maria, Diana, 33-300, 40, Middlesex, Mantua-maker, 4 feet 11¼ ruddy and freckled comp. dark brown hair, chesnut eyes, lost two eye teeth in upper jaw, from Percy Simpson, Parramatta, since 16th Jan. [etc......]

* March: Work starts on the Lennox Bridge at Parramatta, including a group of convicts under the supervision of Percy Simpson.

* 2 July, NSW Government Gazette: Grant of Land to Percy Simpson. It is unclear whether this was an additional 2000 acres in the Lake Macquarie / Hunter district.

No. 715. By George Allen, of Sydney, Esq. Daniel Cooper, at present residing in England, merchant, and Ambrose Loss, of Sydney aforesaid, Druggist, to 2000 acres of land, promised by Sir Thomas Brisbane to Percy Simpson, described as follows : situate in the county of Northumberland, parish unnamed, near Lake Macquarie, bounded on the north by Nekinda or Dora Brook, on the west by Percy Simpson's 2000 acres, on the south by a line bearing east 80 chains; *and on the east by a line bearing north to the brook aforesaid.

* 12 November, NSW Government Gazette: Percy Simpson listed as responsible for the sale of government stores at Parramatta.

1835

* 6 November: Percy Simpson J.P. attends the funeral of James Orr at Parramatta.

1837

* 27 May, Sydney Gazette: Birth of a son to Mrs. P. Simpson at Oatlands. This is the first recorded mention of the name of Oatlands at Parramatta.

* 10 October, NSW Government Gazette: Percy Simpson listed in regard to offering a reward for a stolen horse.

1838

* 5 January, NSW Government Gazette: Grant of Land to Percy Simpson:

2. Percy Simpson, 2000, Two thousand acres, Lake Macquarie, parish unnamed, commencing at the south extreme of the western boundary line at Dory Creek, and bounded on the west by a north line of 137 chains and 50 links on the north by an east line of 176 chains to a salt-water creek, and by that creek to the waters of Lake Macquarie ; on the east by the waters of Lake Macquarie southerly to the mouth of Dory Creek ; and on the south by Dory Creek upwards to the south extreme of the west boundary line. Promised by Sir Thomas Brisbane, 20th September, 1825, as an additional grant, and confirmed by Sir Richard Bourke 31st October, 1837. Quit-rent £16 13s. 4d. sterling, commencing 1st January, 1838.

* 13 December - the Sydney papers Sydney Gazette (15) and The Monitor (17th) report on the death of Torquil Adolphus Simpson:

Died, On Thursday morning, the 13th inst., at Oatlands, near Parramatta, of influenza, Torquil Adolphus, eldest son of Percy Simpson, Esq., aged 18 years.

1839

* Percy Simpson is made Police Magistrate at Singleton, Patrick Plains, through until January 1843. Around this time he decides to sell Oatlands House and move his family north to Singleton, Patrick Plains.

* 6 February, Sydney Monitor: Story on application by Percy Simpson for Police Magistrate at Parramatta:

In consequence of Mr. Campbell of Parramatta coming to Sydney to occupy Mr. Riddell's offices, the Police Magistracy of Parramatta will be vacant. We have heard of several applications, one of them is from Mr. Percy Simpson. This gentleman in General Darling's time was entitled to certain emoluments arising from an office he then held. Mr. Bushy of New Zealand, and Mr. Harris Architect, after years delay, obtained these emoluments but Mr. Simpson, though entitled on an agreement precisely similar, has not received his. Mr. Simpson has held office many years, is a man of talent and character, of humane and considerate temper, and, we consider, well qualified for the Police Magistracy of Parramatta. Mr. Simpson gave great satisfaction both to General Darling and Sir Richard Bourke, as a magistrate and us an officer. His name is also mentioned by Major Mitchell (no trifling testimonial to those who know the sturdy Major) in his work in terms of praise. The wooden houses now used throughout the Colony at all the ironed gang stations, were invented by Mr. Simpson.

- 14 February, The Australian: Captain Forbes, formerly Police Magistrates at Patrick's Plains, has been appointed successor to P. L. Campbell, Esq., at Parramatta, and the former is to be succeeded at Patrick's Plains by Percy Simpson. Esq. Pietre Laurentz Campbell was made Acting Colonial Treasurer at the time and he and his family moved from their recently completed house at Parramatta, into their property at Watson's Bay.

- 20 February, Sydney Gazette: Colonial Secretary*s Office, Sydney, 19th February, 1839. His Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Percy Simpson, Esquire, to be a Magistrate of the Territory, and Police Magistrate of Patrick's Plains, in the room of Charles Forbes, Esquire, To take effect on the 1st of March next. By His Excellency's Command, E. Deas Thomson.

* 23 December, Sydney Herald: Accusation of impropriety by Percy Simpson in diverting convicts from the Hunter to Patrick Plains to assist with the bringing in of his crops.

1840

* Oatlands House is purchased by James Brindley Bettington.

* Architect Ambrose Hallen builds the central, elliptical two story addition to the original Oatlands House, which also connects the kitchen and servants quarters.

* 25 March, Sydney Herald: Mr. J.B. Bettington of Oatlands, Parramatta, advertises for shepherds and labourers for the Hunter River. Bettington had land around Merriwa.

1842

* 26 March - Percy Simpson at Singleton.

1844

* 6 August, The Australian: Report on the effects of hail, and damage to the vineyard of Mr. Bettington, Oatlands, Parramatta.

1849

* 15 December: J.B. Bettington wins prize for Burgundy wine at Australasian Botanic and Horticultural Society.

1851

* 3 October, Sydney Morning Herald: J.B. Bettington of Oatlands notice thanking the electors of the pastoral districts of Wellington and Bligh for appointing him as their representative in the Legislative Council. He resigns in March 1853.

1857

* 2 August: Death of James Bettington takes place in England. His son James Brindley the Second, inherits Oatlands House. Obituary notice, Sydney Herald, 20 October:

On the 2nd August, at his residence, No. 4, Osbourne-place, Plymouth, James Brindley Bettington, Esq., late of Oatlands, Parramatta, aged 61 years.

1862

* Waugh's Australian Almanac lists Percy Simpson as a Magistrate at Parramatta.

1860s

* Wines from the Oatlands estate win a prize in competition in France.

1877

* 6 October, Town and Country Journal: Obituary of Percy Simpson, aged 90 years.

1883

* 17 March, Cumberland Mercury, Parramatta: Notice of auction of Oatlands House.

Sales by Auction.

Oatlands House, near Parramatta.

F.M. Overton has received instructions to offer for sale by auction at his Rooms, George-street, Parramatta, at an early date, That delightfully situated property known as Oatlands House, the late residence of Mrs. Bettington (deceased), together with 90 acres of land, more or less. The house contains 17 (seventeen) rooms with kitchen, pantry, store rooms, and servants rooms; also, stables, coach house, and coachman's cottage at rear. The grounds are tastefully laid out with flower gardens and ornamental shrubs. The view is simply magnificent, commanding as it does, the town and district of Parramatta, backed in the distance by the Blue Mountain Range. Particulars as to date of sale, etc., will appear in future issue.

1889

* The old District of The Field of Mars is renamed a Parish; the new Borough of Dundas is if formed. Oatlands House is located within the latter.

1891

* Parish Map of Dundas, Parish of Field of Mars, 1891-94. Source: Dictionary of Sydney, State Library of New South Wales. The Oatlands House property is not marked, but is located in the lower middle left darkish yellow section of the plan, next to Bettington Road.

1897

* 3 April, Sydney Mail: Sydney Gossip.

Oatlands, Parramatta, was the scene of a merry dance on Saturday, the 20th ultimo, given by Mrs. Bettington, in honour of her daughter's birthday, among the guests being Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Dowling, Miss Street, Mrs. and Miss Byrnes, Mr. Whitmarch, Mr. Pring, Lieutenant and Mrs. Harvey.

1915

* 22 December, The Musselbrook Chronicle: Obituary of James Brindley Bettington (born 1837), who died at Oatlands, Parramatta.

1920

* The Home magazine: Two page article by Harold Cazneaux on Oatlands House, including photographs.

The Home, 1921.

Text: Front view of a house which dates back over a hundred years. The upper rounded balconied room is approached by a graceful Colonial staircase with beautifully modelled balustrade. The house was built in the days of bushrangers and convicts, so it is provided with double oak doors and solid oak shutters, which were clasped at nightfall with iron bars / View of a left wing which looks out on a spacious garden and fields where large harvests of oats were cultivated for the city's use - hence the name of the house. The mellow lichen-covered roofs are broken here and there by unexpected gables.

The Home, 1921.

Text: Old colonial kitchens and courtyards such as those at "Oatlands" are fast disappearing. The once necessary well for the water supply will be noted, with its stone coping at the well head. / This hand-wrought iron knocker originally adorned the door of Lord Nelson's house. Who knows but that the dainty hand of the beautiful and unfortunate Emma Hamilton did not raise that signal! / Oatlands contains a portrait of James Brindley, great grandfather of the late Mr. James Bettington. There is also an oak chest carved out of a wooden pile of the Bridgewater Canal, London, constructed for the Duke of Bridgewater by James Brindley, the engineer, and sent to Mr. James Brindley Bettington. Mrs. James Brindley Bettington was formerly Miss Sophia Caroline Hallen, daughter of Mr. Ambrose Hallen, a well-known Sydney architect. "Oatlands" was purchased in 1840 from Captain Simpson, of the Imperial Service. / This verandah with its venerable stone flagging worn here and there by the footsteps of succeeding generations, shelters the oldest portion of the house, built over a hundred years ago. The rooms in this wing are small and quaint in shape. One is a circular room used long ago as a court for refractory prisoners, with a dungeon in which old rusty leg-irons and manacles were found. Curious little staircases and quaint curving passages add to the charm of this interesting house.

1926

* December - Oatlands House is sold by the Bettington family to A.C. Berk and his son-in-law Victor Audette, both of whom were involved in distribution of Packard motor cars. They subsequently acquire additional land from the Benson Estate (part of “Rock Farm”) at the north-eastern end of the present golf course. It is likely they are involved in the development of the estate as a golf course.

1927

* Eleanor Georgina Shaw takes a group of ten photographs of Oatlands House. Source: Caroline Simpson Collection, Museums of New South Wales.

G.E. Shaw, Verandah, Oatlands House, 1927.

1931

* The Oatlands Golf Course is opened by the Governor of New South Wales.

1938

* Plans drawn up for extension to Oatlands Gold Club building. Source: Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.

1945

* January - Front, rear and side views (4) of Oatlands House, whilst in use as A Mess, Headquarters, 2nd Australian Army. Photographs: Australian War Memorial, 030222/02 - 030222/04 - 030222/5. A collection of some 20 photographs are available relating to the wartime use of the property.

Oatlands House, circa January 1945.

1948

* 1 April, Yass Tribune-Courier: Advertisement for stays at the Oatlands guest house.

Oatlands Guest House, Bettington Road, Dundas. In the healthy climate of the Hills district. A lovely private home, in the grounds of the Oatlands Golf Course. Newly and tastefully furnished. Tennis court. Ten minutes walk to Pennant Hills Rd., where bus services run to Pennant Hills Station and Parramatta Station. Garage space for six cars. To G.P.O. 15 miles.- Excellent cuisine. Double vacancies. £4/4/ each, weekly. Phone UW8517. M.J. SEYMOUR, Proprietor.

1951

* Aerial view of Oatlands House and surrounds. Source: Flickr.

Oatlands House, aerial view, 1951.

1950s

* Photographs of Oatlands House.

Oatlands House, circa 1950s. Source: City of Parramatta.

Oatlands House, circa 1950s.

1954

* 29 September, Cumberland Argus, Parramatta: Report on wedding reception held at Oatlands House, Dundas.

1956

* 21 November, The Biz, Fairfield: Advertisement for Oatlands Guest House.

Oatlands Guest House, Cabramatta. Couple are Hosts. The stately, picturesque Oatlands Guest House in Bettington Avenue, Dundas, is now under the control of former Cabramatta residents, Mr. and Mrs. Pat Donohue. Conveniently situated 11 miles from Church street, Parramatta, Oatlands House is an ideal spot for wedding receptions etc., for large parties. The fine building, with its 17 feet high ceilings, has eight bedrooms, a private swimming pool, large ballroom — in fact, all the mod. cons of Medlow Bath at half the rates. If you are thinking of a wedding or a celebration worthy of any occasion, then phone Pat or Betty Donohue at YY1517.

1958

* Part of the Oatlands House property is acquired for a golf course.

* Oatlands House is purchased by the Donoghue family. The home is subsequently made available for wedding receptions, conventions and other social engagements.

1961

* 26 November, Cumberland Argus: Historic Places Overlooks. Planners Shun City Buildings. Story that Oatlands House has not been included in the draft Cumberland Country Council's Planning Scheme.

* During this period Oatlands House is used for Vice-Regal visits, weddings, celebrations, meetings of local APEX and Soroptomists clubs, etc.

1979

* Oatlands House included as a heritage item in the Parramatta Planning Scheme.

1980s

* Photograph of Oatlands House. The large sandstone block construction of the ground floor can be seen. It is possible that the ground floor, middle, extended section of the house dates from the original construction for Percy Simpson circa 1833, and that the second storey addition is from the Bettington ownership circa 1840s.

1993

* 2 July, NSW Government Gazette: Parramatta Local Environmental Plan, Dundas Ward, Schedule 1: Items of Environmental Heritage, Clause 5(1), 1. Oatlands House, within the grounds of Oatlands Gold Course, Bettington Road, Oatlands.

2011

* Oatlands House is listed as a local item under Schedule 5 Environmental heritage of the Parramatta LEP 2011.

2018

* 18 June - Wedding at Oatlands House, YouTube, duration: 2.25 minutes.

2020

* 11 April - Oatlands House - Sydney's Elegant Georgian Manor, Navarra Venues Virtual Tours, YouTube, duration: 3.39 minutes.

2023

* 7 March - the City of Parramatta Heritage Advisory Committee discussed Oatlands House in regards to a proposed development adjacent to it.

* 5 May - the City of Parramatta Heritage Advisor and a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee Graham Shirley discuss a letter from Michael Organ (1 May) providing updated historical information on Oatlands House, indicating concern over the impact of the proposed high density residential development in close proximity to it, and also recommending an upgrade of the building from Local to State Significance within the relevant LEP and Heritage New South Wales listings.

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4. Conclusions

It would seem that Oatlands House was constructed in two initial stages:

Stage 1 (1833) - The first was by Percy Simpson and took place around 1833 when he obtained his 90 acre grant at north Parramatta and built a single storey, sandstone block and slated roof residence facing southeast towards the Vineyard River, with associated separate kitchen and servants quarters. It was erected for the Simpson family with the assistance of convict labour.

Stage 2 (1840) - The second stage occurred in 1840 and comprised a two storey extension by architect Ambrose Hallen for Sydney businessman James Brindley Bettington and his family, with a circular elliptical design located in the central section of the early construction, and at right angles to it. This design was similar to the John Verge designed and built Tempe House (1837) at Tempe and Laurentz Campbell House (1838-9) at Parramatta, the latter located a couple of miles south of Oatlands House.

The nature of subsequent extensions and renovations to Oatlands House are at present not precisely known to the author. Percy Simpson's financial struggles during the late 1830s may be the reason that Oatlands House does not appear to have been put up for public auction during 1839, but was instead purchased by Bettington in a private deal, just prior to the local economic depression of the early 1840s.

Oatlands House, Parramatta, April 2023. Photograph: Graham Shirley.

The result of these two initial construction phases - 1833 & 1840 - was a rather strange looking, cross-shaped building, with a two-storey, plastered, central wing running at right angles to the original, earlier, single story house with exposed sandstone block walls.

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5. References

Cazneaux, Harold, Mr. James Brindley Bettington's home : "Oatlands", Parramatta, New South Wales, The Home, 2(3), March 1921, 24-25.

Free Settler or Felon [biographical database], retrieved 30 May 2023.

Forgan, D. R., The Oatlands History, Oatlands Golf Club [website], 2004.

Graham Shirley, Oatlands House, Parramatta, Facebook, 20 April 2023.

Goodman, Michelle, Oatlands - a brief history, Parramatta History and Heritage, City of Parramatta, March 2020.

Lin, Jonathan, The Battle of Parramatta: 21 to 22 March 1797, Australian Scholarly Publishing, 2017, 78p.

McClymont, John, Suburbs of Parramatta, unpublished manuscript.

Oatlands, Wikipedia [webpage], accessed 29 April 2023.

Oatlands, house, Sydney Photo Blog, 22 September 2011.

Oatlands House, Bettington Road, Caroline Simpson Collection, Museums of History NSW, Sydney, n.d.

Oatlands House 1823, History, Oatlands House [website], archived May 2004.

6. Acknowledgements

In the compilation of this article I would especially like to thank Graham Shirley for planting the seed of interest that led me on this journey of discovery. I hope he finds the information contained therein useful in his promotion the history of Oatlands House, and also of other aspects of the City of Parramatta cultural heritage.

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Parramatta:  Campbell (Verge) / Broughton House 1838-9 (2) | Oatlands House 1833-40 |

Last updated: 14 July 2024

Michael Organ, Australia (Home)