Location
Abbotsford is a suburb in Sydney’s Inner West, about 10 kilometers west of the city center. It sits on a peninsula between Abbotsford Bay and Hen and Chicken Bay, along the Parramatta River. This prime location offers stunning waterfront views, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
History
The suburb gets its name from Abbotsford House, which Sir Arthur Renwick once owned. He named the house after Abbotsford House in the UK, home to the famous writer Sir Walter Scott. This connection gives the area a rich literary and historical background.
Aboriginal Culture
Before European settlers arrived, the area was known as Bigi Bigi, reflecting the region’s Aboriginal heritage. This name preserves an important part of the local history.
European Settlement
Abbotsford was originally part of Five Dock Farm. In 1837, developers divided the land and named it Feltham. Later, in 1890, Sir Arthur Renwick built his home there and named it Abbotsford House, in honor of Sir Walter Scott.
In 1903, Renwick sold the property to Albert Grace. Then, in 1918, Nestlé opened a chocolate factory on the site. Initially, Abbotsford House was used for production, but it later became the company’s administrative offices. Eventually, after the factory closed in 1991, the area was redeveloped into Abbotsford Cove, a residential community with medium-density housing.
Places of Interest
