Episode 212 - Callan Park Mental Hospital

Along the Parramatta River, extending out from the area now known as Petersham, was a large area of land that was part of the lands under the management of the Wangal people. Between 1789 and 1821, 15 land grands were made by the European settlers regarding the area, but with them being so far away from the then-town centre, they were slower to develop. Garry Owen House was built in 1839 for the estate’s owner, Ryan Brenan. He went bust during the 1844 depression, and in 1845 he gave up the rights to the Garry Owen estate. He sold it to Sydney Businessman John Gordon, who renamed the property Callan Park.In the ensuing ~180 years, Callan Park Mental Hospital has had guests of all manner of persuasion, from famous newspaper editors to suffragettes, and surprisingly, was never once considered as an Old Folks Home or Young Girls' School (That's weird for Australia!)Join Holly and Matthew as they revisit the history of the area, the inmates, and the "breakthrough" medical practices that took place on the Parramatta River. (Recommended by fan Vanessa P.)Main Theme music – Kevin MacLeod"Slow Ticking Clock" – Kevin MacLeodUsed under a Creative Commons license.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weird-crap-in-australia--2968350/support.