City Detail Sheets, 1855

This set of plans and the similar City Section Survey Plans 1833 are both copies, drawn in the 1880s by draftsmen of the City Council, from the originals held by the NSW Department of Lands.

The original index maps to each series are in poor condition and have been replaced here with a newly drawn index for the 1833 series and an index redrawn in the 1960s for the 1855 series.

Description

This series consist of original drawings on paper which record survey details of Sydney in the 1850s. Some sheets are missing, surviving coverage is clear from the index map.

The drawings show the outline of all existing buildings, a colour coding scheme identifying the buildings as brick, iron, stone or wood. In addition wharves, high water marks, gas works, gratings, fences, gas lamps, fireplugs, water locks and water closets are identified.

Notable buildings or interesting details have been added to some plans, for example, buildings on Observatory Hill, the tank stream, banks, dancing rooms, gold escort office, bowling alley and a "blind beggar" corner. Other buildings include the Prince of Wales Theatre, Sydney Female Refuge, the Benevolent Society, Lyceum and temporary wooden church on the site of the present Town Hall.