Lovedale, New South Wales
Lovedale is a locality in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales.[2][3] It is two hours from Sydney, 30 minutes from Newcastle, and is connected to the Hunter Expressway.[4] The name is believed to be a combination of one of the early European families, the Loves, with the memories of the hills and dales of Yorkshire.[5] At the 2016 census, it had a population of 485.[1] HistoryA major wine producing area since the 1800s when wheat and general produce farming turned to grapes,[5] James Busby was vital in establishing the Hunter Valley as a key wine region by purchasing many properties in and around the Lovedale area.[5] European settlement can be traced back to 1825 with significant land grants along Black Creek.[5] AttractionsIt is famous for the Lovedale Long Lunch which is a two-day festival held in May.[6] Rothbury CemeteryRothbury Cemetery is an Anglican cemetery dating back to 1851.[5] Joseph Broadbent Holmes established the land in 1842.[7] His house hosted church services until 1867.[7] Alfred Glennie offered two acres for a churchyard and fifty pounds towards the cost of a church on 12 August 1886.[7] St Paul was opened by William Tyrrell on 15 December 1867. The church no longer stands on the site and its timber was purchased by Errol Mears to build a dairy shed.[7] It is still used as a public cemetery by Cessnock City Council.[7] Emma's Cottage is a historic home.[5] References
|