The History of Kensington

Those who have visited the Toowoomba office of Hede Byrne & Hall, may be familiar with the heritage listed building known as Kensington.

1853

In 1853, the land upon which Kensington is erected formed part of a holding owned by Henry Stuart Russel, a member of the Legislative Council of New South Wales, James Taylor, Squatter of Cicil Plains Station and William Horton, Innkeeper of the Bull’s Head Inn, Drayton.

Russell became the Darling Downs first historian and actively supported the agitation to separate the Moreton Bay District from the colony of New South Wales. Horton arrived in New South Wales as a convict in 1832 having been sentenced to transportation for stealing a coat. He was called ‘Bill the Fiver’ because of his gambling successes.

1868

Taylor served as the Queensland Minister for Lands between 1868 and 1870 and also owned Clifford House near Kensington.

The site was part of a parcel of land comprising 142 acres abutting the Swamp (later Toowoomba) which Taylor perceived to have advantages over Drayton as the regional centre of the Darling Downs. Taylor was popularly known as ‘The King of Toowoomba’ and is acknowledged as the founding father of Toowooomba.

1897

The land was transferred to Sophia Merry, wife of George Pitlow Merry, Draper of Toowoomba, in 1897 and Kensington was erected soon after.

1987

The building was used as a private residence until 1971 when part of it was used as a doctor’s surgery. In 1987 it was converted for use as a restaurant and function centre.

1990

The law firm of Shine Murdoch purchased the property in November 1990. The building was restored and substantial additions completed for use as a professional office in July 1991.

Today Kensington is home to the law firm of Hede Byrne & Hall.