Burgess Newtown Foundry

[tom mix]

A friend is attempting to restore a winch which he believes was used on an oyster lease. The winch is labelled, Burgess Newtown Foundry. My friend's curiosity has been awakened and he would like to find out any historical facts about the Foundry.

So far we think we have established the following:
* The Newtown is a Sydney suburb
* A John Burgess died after being thrown from his horse in 1855 when it as spooked by a dog
* A John Burgess funeral occurred in 1855 in the Church of England, Camperdown, Newtown.

What was the Company's history? Where was it located? How long did it survive? Any information would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Alan

[maddys52]

There are a few advertisements on trove for John Burgess Newtown Iron Foundry eg:
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12956067  - Sydney Morning Herald, Nov 1854

Dissolution of partnership John BURGESS and Thomas PARRY in Dec 1850
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12923144

[maddys52]

You may be interested in this advertisement particularly SMH 4 March 1854:

"FOR SALE - Double Purchase Crab Winches, Chaff Machines, &c.
Castings done with neatness and dispatch at the Newtown Iron Foundry.
JOHN BURGESS."
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/63614043

[maddys52]

Elizabeth BURGESS inheriting all the goods etc of the Iron Foundry of the late John BURGESS of O'Connell Town May 1855  (O'Connell Town is an old name for Newtown)
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12969908  (middle, 2nd column)

Advertisement for Mrs BURGESS continuing the business of Newtown Iron Foundry Jun 1855
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60179082  (middle, 2nd last column)
 

[maddys52]

Not sure if this was the beginning of the foundry - a John SMITH advertising the Newtown Iron and Brass Foundry, "near the Tollbar on the Newtown Road" in July 1844
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12410585  (2nd column, near the top)

Modified to add:
This 1886 map shows the position of the Old Tollbar (on Old Newtown Rd, near the Deaf and Dumb and Blind Asylum, near the middle, right hand side).
https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/1709400

A photo of the Tollbar (can't see the Foundry)
https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/577116

[tom mix]

Many Thanks Maddy !
Now to find the Tollbar on the Newtown Road & O'Connell Town.

Alan

[tom mix]

O'Connell Town is area in Newtown enclosed by Missenden Rd, King St, Church St and Carillon Avenue. I know it well. Spent time at Sydney Teachers College in North Newtown School Annexe in Carillon Ave and often visited White Horse Hotel on King St. Never knew it had been O'Connell Town.
Alan

[tom mix]

The Tollbar was on King Street at the corner with Forbes Street.

Going to check if Forbes Street still exists.

Alan    ( Thanks again for the clues.)

[tom mix]

Yes! A little park established there.
Alan