Elizabeth MacquariePrint Page

The sculpture honours Elizabeth Macquarie, wife of Governor Macquarie,whose maiden name was Campbell. Campbelltown was named in her honour. The bronze sculpture of Elizabeth was placed in the park in 2006. 

When accompanying her husband on his official visits throughout the district Elizabeth Macquarie is said to have given corms of irises (or flag lilies as they were called then) that she brought with her to the settlers.  She also would sometimes put them out on the sides of the road.  In later years it was not uncommon to see clumps of these blue and white irises growing on the sides of Old Sydney Road and around the old early settlers’ houses. Tom Bass, has taken this story as the focal point of his sculpture, portraying Elizabeth with a sunbonnet, apron and watering can, and placing her in a bed of irises.

The plaque located adjacent to the sculpture, in honour of the naming of Campbelltown after Elizabeth Macquarie, was unveiled in 1988 as part of the Australian Bicentennial Programme. 

Elizabeth Macquarie (1778 – 1835) was the second wife of Lachlan Macquarie who served as Governor of New South Wales from 1810 to 1821. She played a significant role in the establishment of the colony and is recognised in the naming of many Australian landmarks including Mrs Macquarie's Chair and numerous Elizabeth Streets, e.g. in Hobart. Governor Macquarie named the town (now City) of Campbelltown, after his wife's maiden name.  

 

Location

Details

Dedication