12 Feb 1793 - John Macarthur granted land at Parramatta

On this day 12 February 1793 John Macarthur was granted 100 acres of land at Parramatta by Acting Governor Francis Grose.

Macarthur was the first man to clear and cultivate 50 acres and received a further grant of 100 acres. These two grants formed the land for what became known as Elizabeth Farm, named in honour of Macarthur's wife.

Colonial Secretary's Papers under John Macarthur

Colonial Secretary's Papers under Elizabeth Macarthur

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Elizabeth farm stories

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Tents in bush setting.

When masks were compulsory

When thinking about the impact of COVID-19, it’s timely to reflect on an earlier pandemic that affected every aspect of life, including at our places

Men fighting on board ship.

The Maltese connection: the unexpected origins of Elizabeth Farm’s convict workers

The story of three men from Elizabeth Farm shows that theft was only one reason for transportation and that Britain was far from the only source of convicts sent to NSW

Pink racemes of crepe myrtle against the Elizabeth Farm homestead

In the pink at Elizabeth Farm

Amid the late summer bounty in the garden at Elizabeth Farm, the crepe myrtle is the undoubted star of the show

Plant your history

Sumptuous cape bulbs light up late summer gardens

Belladonna Lilies and Crinum Lilies are tough bulbs that never say die and can survive years of neglect

Land resources

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Land records available at NSW State Archives

A joint initiative between NSW State Archives and Lands and Property Information (LPI) to provide online access to a number of historical land title records was announced in November 2010. Using the popular search tool PIXEL (now HLRV) researchers can now search and view Old Form Torrens Title Registers, Charting Maps and Crown Plans online

Primary application packets guide

The Real Property Act, 1862 established a system whereby owners could convert land granted prior to 1863 to Real Property Act title. This is done by what is called a Primary Application

Local history guide

Resources in our collection to help local historians trace the history of a place

Commissioners of Crown Lands guide

A brief overview of the major sources and key related series we hold that relate to the Commissioners of Crown Lands