In 1840 William Davis donated the land on which St Patrick’s is built, gifting that section of his 1809 grant bounded by Gloucester and Grosvenor Streets. The foundation stone was blessed on 25 August 1840, and the now elderly Davis astonished everyone when he came forward and placed a cheque for £1000 on the stone, an incredible sum in those days.
To know more,
visit our History Page.
St Patrick's Historical Tours
Twice a month St Patrick’s Courtyard Coffee Shop provides a guided tour of the St Patrick’s site, where this rich history is outlined in association with the various heritage buildings.
The tours normally take place on the first and third Monday of each month, commencing at 10.30am.
Bookings are essential, and can be made by contacting the Coffee Shop between 10am-2pm, Monday-Friday, on 9254 9824. Cost is $2.
In the course of the 60 minutes
tour, there is an opportunity
to view the foundations of
William Davis’ 1809 cottage,
descend below street level to
inspect sandstone rooms built
by Archdeacon John McEncroe
in 1861, and climb up to the church
choir gallery for a breathtaking view
of the beautifully restored church
interior.
All the heritage buildings are included
in the tour: St Patrick’s
church
(1844), Convent chapel (1876),
former presbytery (1889),
former convent (1892).