Thomas West of Barcom Glen

Stories From Sydney

This episode Jed digs up a history book that tells the story of one of colonial Sydney's early families.

Like so many others, Thomas West found himself in Sydney in 1801 as a guest of the crown. From inauspicious beginnings, West quickly established himself as a capable man, right as the colony was beginning to boom. Having what appears to be a personal relationship with Governor Macquarie, within 10 years of arriving in chains West managed to secure himself an unofficial land grant on the South Head Road, beyond the edge of Sydney town, to establish Sydney's first water mill.

West's story brings 19th century Sydney to life as he crosses paths with familiar characters and navigates the political, economic, social and ecological changes of his day.