They’re forgotten – but we use their names every day. Glebe streets in the 19th and 20th centuries were frequently named after people, mostly men but occasionally women like Jane Harden, who were once important and well known locally and whose lives were significant at some time in the past.

They were people of varying status and social standing – governors Phillip and Darling each had a street. Men who were local councillors like William Burton achieved a nomination. Sir Allen Taylor twice Lord Mayor of Sydney was also honoured. In the 20th century the union leader, Thomas

Reverend William Binnington Boyce (source: http://companyofangels.net)

Keegan who represented Glebe in parliament had a street named for him. As you shoot up Boyce St remember the Reverend William Binnington Boyce, a distinguished theologian and academic who was a friend of George Allen. Allen had the power to name streets for his friends but he was not the only one. The Anglican Church ensured that the first Church of England bishop, Grant Broughton, had a street named for him as did less high powered clergy like the Rev Ralph Mansfield.

Some whose importance was national rather than local were also selected. Streets named for King Edward VII and Queen Victoria were obvious in Glebe and elsewhere. Those of lower status but critical function in the military or other professions might be rewarded with a street. Lord Cardigan, commander of the light brigade in the Crimea was one. The explorers Oxley and Edmund Kennedy each had a street as did Andrew Garran editor of the Sydney Morning Herald.

For more info about Jane Harden.