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Glebe is a suburb in Balmain, Australia that borders the Inner Western Suburbs. The word Glebe derives from the Latin “gleba” which means soil or land and was first used to describe an estate of land granted by William III to Reverend Richard Johnson for his services as chaplain. Today, Glebe remains one of Sydney’s most popular suburbs with its quaint coffee shops, trendy restaurants, and small retail stores. With such a vibrant atmosphere it is no wonder why many people want to call this area home!
History
This area was first settled by the Aboriginal people of the Cammeraygal clan. They lived in this area and used it for hunting, fishing, and collecting shellfish.
In 1806 Governor King granted 600 acres (243 hectares) to Reverend Richard Johnson who was then able to use his estate as a church mission station with accommodation for himself and staff on Glebe Point Road where there is now a historic house called ‘Glebe’. In 1811 land grant title passed from him onto his son Samuel Terry after he died here in Sydney on 24 July 1811 at age 44 years old while being offered hospitality by Sir Thomas Brisbane.
Terry managed Glebes Church until 1850 when control over such matters shifted from private individuals to government authorities. The first public school in the Glebe district was opened in 1844.
In 1863, a railway line from Sydney to Parramatta, called The Great Western Line, terminated at the newly built station of Redfern, and an electric tramway service began with steam trams joining them later on. In 1899 the Glebes Point Road Board School opened its doors. This school now falls under Homebush West Public School’s catchment area.
During World War II this suburb which is located approximately 11 km west of Farm Cove became one of many sites where US servicemen were quartered during their stay in Australia as part of America’s defence commitment to fighting Japan who had attacked Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and created for these soldiers what has been referred to as a new kind of life’
In 1943, The Great Western Tramway service was replaced by buses. Today Glebe, NSW is one of Sydney’s most desired suburbs and many people want to call this area their home!
Amenities
The main strip in this suburb is Glebe Point Road which features a number of retail outlets, cafes, and restaurants.
In this area, you will find shops such as Australia Post, the Organic Grocery Store, JB Hi-Fi store, and also Sportsgirl – a popular clothing boutique providing fashion for women who love sports. The Cafe with No Name provides great food to enjoy both indoors or outdoors while sitting on their outdoor decking overlooking Church Street. They have daily specials that change every day depending on what’s available at the market so it’s always worthwhile checking out what they are offering before visiting!