Enfield is a south-western suburb of Sydney in New South Wales. It has many famous landmarks, such as the Enfield Council Chambers, the Enfield War Memorial, Enfield Savoy Theatre, Enfield Olympic Swimming Pool, St. Thomas Anglican Church and Henley Park. Enfield has also had a few notable residents such as James Anderson, Gerry Hazlitt and Bob Norton OBE.

Enfield got its name from a suburb in London named Enfield Town. Before Enfield was called Enfield, it was called Druitt Town, which was a combination of the suburbs now known as Strathfield, Enfield and Burwood. Prior to the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788, the Enfield area belonged to and was cared for by the native people of our land, the Wangal people. The Wangal people are a clan of the Eora, which covers most of Sydney.

The suburb of Enfield encompasses several schools, including our school (Enfield Public School), which is located on Beaumaris Street. St Joseph's Primary School is located on the corner of Burwood and Liverpool Roads and is a catholic primary school for students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

It also has two churches that serve the local community. St Joseph's Catholic Church is located on Liverpool Road and connects directly to the school. This church is used by both students attending the school, as well as members of the public. The other church in Enfield is St Thomas' Anglican Church, which is located on Coronation Parade and was designed by John Frederick Hilly. It was opened for worship on 9 January 1849. Great historical significance is placed today on the cemetery containing the graves and headstones of pioneer families.

Below are a number of old maps of the Enfield area, as well as the development of Enfield as a suburb.

ENFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOL

Enfield Public School opened in 1924 and is a school dedicated to teaching students from Kindergarten to Year 6. The school motto is 'Our Best Always'. Originally a boy's school, then adding a separate girls' and infants department, it is now a co-educational school for all students.

Prior to the opening of Enfield Public School, another school existed to educate students within the local area called Adelaide Park Free School. This previous school was built in 1847 by Thomas Hyndes and served as a church hall and day school before the opening of St Thomas' in 1848. Thomas Hyndes was buried in the family vault at St Thomas' after his death in 1855. This school remained as the district's elementary school for almost forty years.

ENFIELD COUNCIL CHAMBERS

The Enfield Council Chamber operated for 60 years between 1889 and 1949. The former Enfield Council Chambers and Town Hall were built in 1930 on Liverpool Road, Enfield. These chambers are heritage listed on Strathfield Council’s Local Environment Plan.

The architects for the 1930 Council Chamber were DT Marrow and Gordon. At the time the Chambers were built, the Enfield to Mortlake and Cabarita Tram service was still in operation and ran alongside the eastern side of this building. The foundation stone for the new building was laid in March 1930 by the Minister for Local Government Mr Buxner and Mayor Ald, Stanley Lloyd. This firm undertook the design of numerous municipal buildings including extensions to the Strathfield Council Chambers, the design of the Strathfield Council Baby Health Centre, Strathfield (late 1940s), the former Strathfield Branch Library in High St (1956) and many buildings for Burwood Council. The builder was known as Mr Udall.

ENFIELD savoy theatre

Enfield saw several theatres open and close, spread over many decades. The first theatre, called Enfield Theatre, had iron walls on Liverpool Road, where St Joseph’s Catholic Church is now. It opened in 1912 and closed in 1916, only operating for a short four years.

The second theatre, the Broadway Picture Palace, was located at 325 Liverpool Road. It was a simple brick building with a raised section at the back. It opened around 1927 and closed when the Enfield Savoy started. It later became the British Carpet Company, before being knocked down.

The third theatre, called Enfield Cinema (Enfield Savoy), opened on November 16 1927. It cost £17,000 and had seats for 1,878 people. It was designed by Kaberry & Chard architects. In 1932, Western Suburbs Cinemas Ltd took over the theatre. The theatre formed part of this company, along with Strathfield Melba Theatre and Homebush Theatre. In 1938, the cinema was changed to reflect an Art Deco style. A unique organ was later fitted with glass ornaments and hidden lighting. Its name changed to be known as 'The Savoy' and reopened in July 1938. In 1944, Hoyts took control of Western Suburbs Cinemas Ltd. From 1940, the theatre was used for ANZAC Day and Armistice Day services, but in the late 1950s, fewer people came, and they only showed a few movies. The last movie was ‘Some Like It Hot’ shown in 1960 before the closing down of the cinema. After the closing, the cinema was turned into a carpet, furniture and plumbing warehouse.

ENFIELD OLYMPIC SWIMMING POOL

Enfield Aquatic Centre (Enfield Olympic Swimming Pool) is a council-run swimming pool located on Portland Street in Henley Park. It is one of Sydney's oldest public pools. It was opened in 1933 and is the oldest freshwater swimming pool in Sydney. The foundation stone of the Enfield Olympic swimming pool was officially laid by Mrs S. A. Lloyd, Mayoress of Enfield on 23rd September 1933. The main opening was held on November 18, 1933, with the premier of NSW in attendance (Bertram Stevens).

The pool project was developed during the time of the Great Depression, which created many jobs in a highly unemployed area. The aim of the project was to encourage local employment and was funded partly by NSW Government loans and grants from the Unemployed Relief Council. It is recorded that the total cost of this project was approximately £15,000. Architects Rudder and Grout designed Enfield pools, as well as a couple of other pools in North Sydney and Petersham.

The Enfield Swimming Pool represents an Olympic-quality pool. It was also made purposefully deep for diving tournaments and events. A 40-foot tower with diving boards used to be seen within the pools, although this is no longer in existence.

The pool remained a popular location for locals, with over 130,000 people visiting alone in 1936. Today, it continues as a popular and well-used recreational facility in Enfield by community members of all ages. Enfield Public School has a strong connection to the local swimming facility, using it for lessons and recreational activities throughout the year.

ENFIELD tram line

An interesting and unique feature of Enfield was the tram service, which once operated between the suburb of Enfield to Motlake/ Cabarita via Burwood.

The Enfield Tramway system started in 1891, travelling between the suburbs of Ashfield and Enfield. It began as steam-powered and single-track, with additions made in the following years to reach Ashfield Station. In 1901, the tracks were extended from Enfield through Burwood and Concord to Mortlake. A branch line to Cabarita joined in 1907.

The tram travelled along Coronation Parade and Liverpool Road to the depot on Tangarra St. In 1912, the tram became electric and a second track was added in 1915. Due to a large increased number of community members using buses, the tram ceased in 1948. The tracks remained however until 1951. The old tram stop can still be viewed today, becoming part of Coronation Reserve! The Enfield stop along the tram line was later turned into a bus depot but now forms part of the residential suburb of Enfield.

st thomas anglican church

Thomas Hyndes built St Thomas' Church on Coronation Parade, whilst John Frederick Hilly was the designer. The church was opened for worship in January 1849. Important items within the church include a sanctuary, chancel, nave and vestry. It also has a spire on a square Norman tower. Inside, there are special verses over the chancel arch and nave walls.

Thomas Hyndes was from London and came to Sydney Town in 1803. Even though Governor Macquarie didn't approve, he was given land in Enfield. Thomas spent several years on the south coast before returning to Enfield in 1823. In 1842, he built his home called Adelaide Park on Punchbowl Road. Five years later, in 1847, Mr. Hyndes donated five acres of his land for the Bishop of Sydney to build a church. This area was used to hold services in a hall until St Thomas' opened to the public in 1849.

The church holds a cemetery with graces and headstones, which is still visible today!

The church itself is made from rough sandstone and looks like an English village church. There are 3,500 graves around it. In 1849, when the church opened, the hall was used for a school. In 1923, they made a new Parish Hall with a second floor for meetings.

The windows at St. Thomas depict illustrations of biblical scenes and stories, such as the Last Supper. The church was first part of St. John's Ashfield district and then became its own parish in 1868. In the past, the church area was lit by candles and had simple seating and roughly finished walls. In 1939, the church underwent renovations, where the old roof was changed to replicate the slate that matched the stone walls. Electric bell chimes were also added to the tower, in a sign of remembrance for the fallen from World War II. A wall of remembrance stands on church grounds, connecting the past and the present.

The significance of this church in Enfield can never be undervalued, as an integral part of connecting and bringing community members together.

henley park

Enfield is fortunate to have a large and thriving park used by many community members and visitors. The first park in Enfield was opened in 1913 for inclusion in the Railway Marshalling Yards, but the Council had a large low-lying area drained and developed as Henley Park. The park was named as a tribute to the local M.L.A., Sir Thomas Henley.

Henley Park underwent major renovations in recent years, opening its new facilities and recreational areas on 8 October 2021. It has multiple sports fields, including soccer and basketball, cricket nets, and a 1.5-kilometre track that wraps around the entire park. This makes it a popular spot for walking. It also features an obstacle course, nicknamed "The Ninja Warrior Course", which incorporates a variety of physical challenges. There is a timer so users can complete time trials against others.

notable residents and students

Below are a list of both notable residents who lived in the Enfield area and ex-students who attended Enfield PS:

James Anderson

1894-1973

Tennis Player

In 2013, James Anderson was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. His most celebrated achievements include winning his home tournament (Australasian Championships) three times: 1922, 1924, and 1925. He was also triumphant in the doubles tournament at the 1922 Wimbledon Championships and the 1924 Australian Championships. He became a sensation in Australia for bringing a big toy kangaroo onto the court.

From 1919 to 1925, Anderson contributed his skills to the Australian Davis Cup team, achieving an impressive record of 28 wins and 8 losses in 15 ties.

From 1929 to 1934, Anderson partnered with the 'Alexander Patent Racket Company' to create a range of tennis racquets known as 'J.O. Anderson' racquets. Anderson's go-to move was his forehand drive, which he hit with very little topspin. It was his response to having a weaker backhand shot. His quickness on the court earned him the nickname 'The Greyhound'.

Gerry Hazlitt

1888-1915

Cricketer

Gerry Hazlitt was an Australian cricket player known for his talent within the cricket world. He played in nine test matches between 1907 and 1912.

Gerry was known for his bowling skills, especially as a right-arm medium-pace and off-spin bowler. He was also good at batting and played with the Australian team in England, in 1912. In his last test match against England at The Oval, he did something super impressive by taking 7 wickets for only 25 runs in the second innings. When he started his test career in 1907-08, he made 34 runs and helped Australia win by two wickets.

A big moment in Gerry's career was his fantastic finish. In the last match of a special tournament in England in 1912, he took 5 wickets for just 1 run in his last 17 balls. His total was 7 wickets for 25 runs, which was his best ever.

Bob Norton OBE

1922-1992

Dentist

Bob Norton was the former president of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons and lived in Enfield during his childhood. Bob Norton was born in Sydney, and his early education was at Croydon Preparatory School. He attended Newington College in secondary school (1933–1940) and excelled in the sport of cricket. He was a member of the Newington 1st XI (1938–1940) and was selected in the Combined GPS XI in 1939 and again in 1940. After completing the Leaving Certificate, Norton went to the University of Sydney in 1941 and he graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1946 and a Masters of Dental Surgery in 1947. Whilst at university, he received a Blue for both cricket and baseball. After post-graduate study in the USA, Norton returned to Sydney to specialise in orthodontics. He provided specialist services on a visiting basis in Goulburn and Wagga Wagga.

Norman "Wizard" Smith

1890-1958

Racing Car Driver

Norman Smith held the Australian land speed record in the 1930s. In World War 1, Smith served as a driver at Melbourne, setting off on 22 December 1916, aboard the ship HMAT Persic, A34. After capturing his third major championship, the Alpine Rally in Victoria, Smith became known as 'Wizard Smith' or 'the Wizard'. During his career as a competitive motor racer, Smith drove over 20,000 miles. Driving at incredible speeds never reached before, Smith held the national record for most distance speed records broken in Australia during his time. Among others, he broke a long distance driving record previously set by John "Iron Man" Burton. He was such a fast driver that he made an "express train look like a goods train" after driving significantly faster than it. Smith could reportedly drive on for days with little sleep.

Harold Burfield Taylor

1890-1966

Chemist and Army Officer

Harold Burfield Taylor was born on 10 August 1890 in Enfield, Sydney to Ernest Taylor, a civil servant originally from England, and his Australian wife, Louisa Chowne. He was educated at Sydney Boys' High School and the University of Sydney, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1912. Interested in chemistry and military science, he served with the Sydney University Scouts (a Militia unit), and was commissioned in 1913.

Taylor commenced his analytic career as assistant government analyst in the New South Wales Department of Public Health in 1915. While his work involved analysis of a wide range of products, he became well known for giving evidence in criminal trials involving poisons.

Bob Windle

Born 1944

Swimmer

Bob Windle won the Olympic 1500m freestyle gold medal at Tokyo in 1964. Born in Sydney on 7 November 1944, Windle grew up in the eastern Sydney suburb of Waverley. Windle and his sister Norma learnt to swim at nearby Bronte Beach. His family later relocated to Bexley North and he swam for his school team at Marist College Kogarah. Windle was coached by Frank Guthrie at the Enfield pool from the age of 12. After a fortnight of training, he entered the district age group championships and won a place in the top three. From then on, he began training three or four times a week and his father drove him to Enfield for morning training. By the age of 15, he was training every day.

John Singleton

Born 1941

Entrepreneur

John Singleton built his success and wealth in the advertising business in Australia in the 1970s and 1980s. He now invests in radio broadcasting, publishing and thoroughbred breeding and racing. In 1994 Singleton was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for service to the community through his own personal support and fundraising activities more broadly. In 2000 Singleton was awarded the Australian Sports Medal. In 2009 Singleton was included in the inaugural twelve inductees to Ad News magazine's, Australian Advertising Hall of Fame.