St Patrick’s Church Hill is full of History

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In 1840 William Davis donated the land on which St Patrick’s is built, gifting that section of his 1809 grant bounded by Gloucester and Grosvenor Streets. The foundation stone was blessed on 25 August 1840, and the now elderly Davis astonished everyone when he came forward and placed a cheque for £1000 on the stone, an incredible sum in those days.

Twice a month St Patrick’s Courtyard Coffee Shop provides a guided tour of the St Patrick’s site, where this rich history is outlined in association with the various heritage buildings.

The tours normally take place every first and third Wednesday of each month. Meeting within the courtyard or inside the coffee shop, the tour commences at 10.30 a.m. to finish at 11.30 a.m.


Bookings are essential
For anyone interested in booking a tour, please telephone St Patrick’s Courtyard Coffee Shop between 10.00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m., Tuesday – Friday, on 9254 9824.  Bookings need to be made by the Friday prior to the tour. Cost is $10.00 per person and this includes a complimentary cup of coffee or pot of tea or other drink sold at the coffee shop.  Where to meet? In front of or inside of St Patrick’s Courtyard Coffee Shop.

In the course of the  1 1/2 hour tour, there is an opportunity to view the foundations of William Davis’ 1809 cottage, descend below street level to inspect sandstone rooms built by Archdeacon John McEncroe in 1861, and climb up to the church choir gallery for a breathtaking view of the beautifully restored church interior.

All the heritage buildings are included in the tour: St Patrick’s church (1844), Convent chapel (1876), former presbytery (1889), former convent (1892).