ON November 11, 1826, Robert Dawson was on a mission to find land suitable for breeding sheep to supply wool to English mills.
Accompanied by surveyors and led by Woromi guides, the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) agent stopped at a place which he described as “exceedingly beautiful and picturesque consisting of low undulating hills”.
In his book, ‘The Present State of Australia’, published in 1831, Mr Dawson declared, “I had never beheld a sweeter spot”.
The area reminded Dawson of the Cotswolds, so he named the area that resembled “a gentleman’s park and grounds”, Stroud.
The AACo was formed in 1824, thanks to lobbying by the controversial John Macarthur.
The company secured a grant of one million acres, stretching from the northern shore of Port Stephens to the Manning River.
Robert Dawson arrived in Sydney on the ‘York’ and by January, 1826 he was carving out a settlement on the north shore of Port Stephens.
With him in the area named ‘Carrington’ were 250 people, 720 sheep,12 head of cattle and 15 horses.
But, Carrington wasn’t suitable for sheep.
The settlers were welcomed by the Woromi, the traditional inhabitants and Dawson valued their knowledge of the area and their friendship.
With their help he found a place that had good soil and ample water, which he believed would be suitable for sheep.
This year marks the bicentenary of that momentous occasion.
Local historian Dr Jonathan King, descendant of the Commissioner for the AACo Admiral Phillip Parker King, conceived of the idea to kick off the bicentenary celebrations with a re-enactment on the exact date that Robert Dawson rode into the place he named Stroud.
Geoff Dawson, descendant of Robert Dawson, Dr Jonathan King and Glen Burcher will ride – wearing colonial dress – from the old storekeeper’s cottage at the eastern end of town to Stroud House at the western side.
They will be accompanied by locals, including the owners of the horses, dressed as convicts.
Spectators are encouraged to cheer them on, with senior constable Arron Wright providing a police escort for the group.
At King’s residence, Stroud House, Geoff Dawson will read excerpts from Robert Dawson’s book.
John Heath, representing the local Woromi, will explain the impact the settlement had on the traditional inhabitants especially because of the actions of those who followed in its wake.
The Stroud community is rightly proud of being the first inland town established by the AACo.
Its historic buildings have been retained and preserved.
Bicentenary events begin on Friday, 20 November and conclude on Sunday, 29 November.
There will be something for locals, bygone locals and those looking for some entertaining history.
Details can be found at www.stroudhistoricalsociety.com/stroud200
By Marilyn SANDERSON
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