sailorshome

This building (opened 1863) is still there, though hidden behind a 1926 George Street facade / extension. The roof was flattened. www.marinerswelfare.com.au/index.htm I wonder about the unusually large skylight windows. They must have been very hot in summer and cold in winter. c.1890 - the clock tower at the Lands Department Building is half built (see right background).

'Now' -

More history - "The Sydney Sailors' Home at 106 [sic] George Street (North) was dedicated on 16 July [1863]. Architects were Weaver & Kemp who produced a four-storey design said to be similar to that of the Royal Brunswick Maritime Establishment in London built some years earlier. Its location in the context of proximity to the wharf areas of the port and to the Mariners' Church, a short distance to the North on the same street, was seen as a benefit to the Home and the Mariners' Church alike. The adjacent Cadman's Cottage, formerly occupied by the Water Police, served from 1865 until 1926 as accommodation for the Superintendent of the Sydney Sailors' Home." From "1863" in timeline - www.sydneybethelunion.com.au/milestones.htm

It is the Soudan Hotel (cnr Argyle and George Sts) at right, a favourite hotel for Coroner's inquiries in the 1880s - trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/result?q=%22soudan+hotel%22&am... . After June 1888 there is little mention, implying a name change, and also implying this photo is before 1888. Which doesn't quite tally with the Lands Department clock tower, completed in 1891 .., Thanks to Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons for the prompt here -

Interesting to compare with c.1871 photo by Charles Pickering, particularly the buildings behind - acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/album/ItemViewer.aspx?itemid=823409&am...

Aha! The 'YALLAROI' again! Likely to be September 1889 also - see comments and research -

But what is that big white liner at East Circular Quay? Anybody? See -

beachcomber australia Good morning Beachcomber! The Sailors Home is an interesting one, it looks completely different today. Re the State Records NSW image, I wonder if the building with 'SOUDAN' written on it relates to the conflict which was 1885? This 1886 Trove article mentions a 'Soudan Hotel', lower George St: bit.ly/QCyvHU

Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons Brilliant information about the Soudan Hotel, which seems to have been a favourite place for Coroner's inquiries It doesn't rate a mention in Trove after 1888, probably due to a name change. Yes, the Sailors Home had a facelift in the 1920s on the George Street side; nearer the quay it is still recognisable. The building which fascinates me is the Mariners Church beyond, which has been endlessly 'improved' for 150 years - www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/visit/ViewAttracti...

beachcomber australia Haha yes - the Soudan Hotel seems to have been well known to the Coroner. I have never really noticed the Mariner's Church before, "From 1856 to 1859, the Mariners’ Church was built at the site by the Bethel Seaman’s Union. Founded in England and later established in Sydney, the Union was born from the widespread evangelical religious revival of the early 19th century, which included missionary activity among seaman... During levelling of the site, the stonemasons union advised that they would reduce their working hours per day from twelve to eight. This was agreed to by the Bethel Union Trustees, making the site the first in the world to employ workers on an eight-hour day basis." bit.ly/T9jHhN The early stages of a very strong Seamen's Union movement in Australia!