The Gothic style sandstone church of St Patrick’s was designed by J.F. Hilly and built in the 1840s on land donated by William Davis, a convict, who took part in the Irish Rebellion in 1798. Located in Grosvenor Street, St Patrick’s opened in 1844 and was the second Catholic church built in Sydney. The church became an important centre for the Irish Catholic community, many of whose children were educated at the neighbouring St Patrick’s school.
The gas lamps in the photograph indicate that it was taken sometime before electrical illumination was introduced to Sydney’s streets in 1904.
St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and, according to legend, used a shamrock for preaching, hence the green that is worn by many on March 17. Legend also has it that St Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland.
Photography by Kerry & Co, Tyrrell Collection
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