Balmain History – in the beginning
Photo Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
William Balmain was a British naval surgeon who sailed as an assistant surgeon with the First Fleet to establish the first European settlement in Australia, and later he became the colony’s Principal Surgeon (1788-1791).
For his services, Governor Hunter granted him 200 hectares (550 acres) which formed part of the present-day suburb of Balmain. Hence the suburb was named after him. Balmain sold his land holdings in 1801 for five shillings to John Gilchrist of Calcutta.
Photo Balmain & Glebe Heritage
Photo Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
Photo Balmain & Glebe Heritage
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