The Distance Between Us ... Ester and Elizabeth

A very easy ride around the Johnston 'Annandale' estate.

We meet at the Pioneer Memorial Park in Leichhardt, ride down to the mouth of Johnston Creek. Then we go along the creek to Stanmore, where the Johnston Estate was. We may see one remnant.

Our theme, beyond the Johnstons and Macarthurs, is the relationship between Sydney Town and Parramatta (Rose Hill). The relationship endures to this day (Parramatta as the second city). The transport links were central; Parramatta Rd, the river and later the railway.

Ester Abrahams and George Johnston lived at 'Annandale', Elizabeth and John Macarthur had Elizabeth Farm, at Rose Hill.

From the old tollgate near the Johnston estate, will ride down to the Greenway and look at the Whipple Truss railway bridge (from the footpath). The importance of the rail link today is clear.

From there, we go along the Greenway, under Parramatta Road, taking in Battle Bridge.

Then coffee.

It's only a short ride today.

The second half of the ride, for another day, is out to Parramatta; see Elizabeth Farm, the Parramatta toll marker, the site and memorial of Parramatta Junction Station.

The Johnstons and Macarthurs were central to the Rum Rebellion of 1808. The rebellion can be told as the story of strong willed characters, corruption, soldiers marching through the streets. Some people see Governor Bligh, who was deposed, as a despot. Others see John Macarthur as a grifter who manipulated Johnston into leading the coup, and then tried to rule as an autocrat using his name.

What is also remarkable is the story of the two women behind these men.

Ester Abrahams (or Julian) was sentenced in 1786 to seven years transportation for stealing lace. She was either a teenager or just 20. As part of the first fleet, she met George Johnston, a first lieutenant in the Marine Corps. They lived together, she ran the estate while Johnston was away on trial or on service. It wasn't until 1814 that they married, possibly the status of Ester as an ex convict was a problem for Lieutenant-Governor Johnston. Ester could probably read, but not write. Later in life, her son had her declared insane.

Elizabeth Macarthur also ran her husband's properties during his extended absences. She was educated, wrote extensive letters, and mixed in the upper echelons of the then society. Her letters reflect her concerns, those of propriety and status. She came free in the second fleet with Macarthur. Not a word did she write about the others dieing in that terrible voyage, her maid servant of many years was never mentioned by name.