House Of mary Putland - Governor Bligh's Daughter - Wrrington - Aust Womans Weekly Wed 27 June 1951 Pg 32

 

Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Wednesday 27 June 1951, page 32

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GENERAL VIEW of Mr. and Mrs. Alan Williams' historic home at Werrington, N.S.W. Of Georgian design, the house was built in 1806 by Mary Putland, daughter of Governor Bligh. Within 12 months of
the death of her husband, Lieutenant Putland, Mary married Sir Maurice O'Connell.
MRS. ALAN WILLIAMS pauses on the old circular brick walk to admire the beauty of her petunias. More than 3000 roses bloom along the drive and in the five-acre garden surrounding the home. Mr. and Mrs. Williams' aim in life is to restore and keep Werrington Park in its original state of splendor.
MR. ALAN WILLIAMS and a friend survey the Countryside and the tiny town of Werrington, which boasts about thirty-seven houses, including the home once owned by Governor King. From this miniature balcony can be seen on clear days Barrenjoey Lighthouse and the entrance to the Hawkesbury River.
OLD-FASHIONED PILLARED ENTRANCE porch and verandah. Panelled front door leads into small dining-room. The brass plate on left wall bears the names of owners since the death of Mary Putland.
GLIMPSE of one of the superb four-poster Jacobean beds with its lovely Jacobean-design quilted spread. There are five bedrooms on the upper floor which are very spacious and lead on to balconies.
Historic homestead
. One hundred and forty-five years ago, Mary Putland (later Lady O'Connell), favorite daughter of Governor Bligh, was given a 300-acre land grant at Werrington, 1S.S.W.-just beyond Parramatta, There, on top of a hill, her house was built and named Werrington Park. To-day, Mr. and Mrs. Alan Williams own the house. They have furnished it with grace, and so it stands-a serene link with a stirring past.
WESTERN END of first reception room. The sideboard is mahogany. The solid rosewood table stands majestically in the centre. At left, the
door opens into the second reception room.
THE LONG BALLROOM with its mellow, polished tallow-wood floor has been the scene oj many glittering assemblages. Glorious mountain views can be seen from the circular balconies opening off ballroom.
SECOND RECEPTION ROOM houses lovely old pieces, including the cedar cabinet (left) made by convicts. On the shelves are historical treasures. A massive wall-mirror reflects the richly toned furnishings.
ANOTHER VIEW of the resplendent reception rooms, showing the windows overlooking the undulating countryside and a door to the garden. Here, in the early years of the Colony, Governor Bligh & his aides often forgathered.
THIS PAINTING OF MARY PUTLAND, first owner oj Werrington Park, hangs above the beautifully proportioned fireplace as it did 140 years ago. The panel at the extreme right of fire-place forms a secret door leading to the cellar. The fender-stool and fire-irons are treasured antiques.