Glebe is a vibrant inner-city suburb of Sydney, located just three kilometers southwest of the CBD. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, known for its diverse range of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and markets. The suburb is rich in history, with a variety of historical buildings and landmarks that are still standing today.

The traditional custodians of the land on which Glebe now stands are the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. They lived in the area for thousands of years prior to the arrival of European settlers in the late 18th century. In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip and his First Fleet landed in Sydney Cove and established a settlement, which eventually led to the colonization of the area.

60 choice building sites, Toxteth Park Estate, Glebe Point, 3rd subdvn. : for sale on the ground Sat. 23rd Octr. 1886 at 3.30 p.m. / Mills & Pile, auctioneers, Sydney

Glebe was initially developed as a residential area for wealthy merchants and professional families. By the mid-19th century, the suburb had become a thriving community, with a variety of shops, schools, and churches. Glebe Point Road, the suburb’s main thoroughfare, was originally a dirt track that connected the area with Sydney’s central business district. However, as the population of the suburb grew, Glebe Point Road was upgraded to a fully sealed road in the early 20th century.

Glebe Point Rd 1950’s . From ‘A History of Glebe” by Max Solling

One of the most significant events in Glebe’s history occurred in the 1970s, when the NSW government proposed a plan to demolish large parts of the suburb to make way for a new freeway. The plan was met with fierce opposition from local residents, who formed the Glebe Society to fight against the proposed destruction of their neighborhood. The Glebe Society was successful in stopping the freeway’s construction, and its efforts are still celebrated today with an annual festival called the Glebe Street Fair.

Today, Glebe is a thriving, diverse community that is home to a wide range of people, including students, artists, professionals, and families. The suburb’s architecture is a mix of old and new, with many historical buildings and landmarks still standing alongside modern developments. Some of the suburb’s most notable landmarks include the Glebe Town Hall, the Glebe Post Office, and St. John’s Anglican Church.

Glebe Town Hall in 1935, photographed by Sam Hood.

The suburb is also known for its vibrant food and drink scene, with a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to all tastes and budgets. Many of these establishments are located on Glebe Point Road, which remains the heart of the suburb’s social and commercial life.

In conclusion, Glebe is a unique and fascinating suburb that has a rich and complex history. From its beginnings as a residential area for wealthy families to its present-day status as a vibrant and diverse community, Glebe has undergone many changes throughout the years. Despite these changes, however, the suburb has remained a much-loved part of Sydney, and it continues to be a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.