Morpeth Flower Gallery

Morpeth is an historic town about a 30 minute drive from home.  Prior to the arrival of Europeans the Morpeth area was occupied by the Wonnarua
Aboriginal peoples.  The first Europeans in the area were the party of Lieutenant Colonel Paterson who explored the Hunter River in 1801.  Morpeth was an inland port of the Hunter River and many industries developed in the region.   The Wells Gazette reported in 1848

 - it at present contains about 635 inhabitants viz: 334 males and 301 females, an Episcopalian church and parsonage, a Wesleyan chapel a ladies' school, and two day schools; five inns, one steam flour mill, a soap and candle manufactory, five large stores, some excellent shops, 37 stone and brick buildings and about 117 wooden dwellings; steamers constantly ply between this place and Sydney; coal promises to be abundant at a very short distance from this river."

I nearly blipped the Arnott's building in which William Arnott of Arnott's biscuits had a bakery.  It is now owned and operated by his great great great great grandson and produces a great range of Sourdough bread.

By 1870 the Hunter river had begun to silt up and with the extension of the railways, it effectively put paid to the river trade.   This shop is high on the river side bank.   With all the rain we have had, the river looks to be pretty high but this side of the high street, Swan Street, would be free from any flooding.

This and many of the buildings are made of sandstone which I have not been able to find out where it came from.  It may well have been shipped up from Sydney.  

Morpeth is now a tourist destination.  In fact during the Sydney lockdown I heard of a family who had driven up from Sydney just to get away - completely in breach of the lockdown of course.

You can see all the usual paraphernalia of a covid check in outside the shop.   Quite the norm these days and only those fully vaccinated could enter the flower shop as it wouldn't be considered essential shopping.   Well I think flowers are essential shopping but I fear the Government doesn't agree with me.

Thanks for hosting Bob.