Barham House: The Real Inspiration for Barclay Manor

At the heart of the Sisters of Barclay Square series stands Barclay Manor — the fictional home of Poppy, Posey, Petunia, and their mother Arabella. But this grand villa, where the Barclays live, is based on a real house, still standing, and deeply rooted in Sydney’s history.

Barham House (pronounced “Burrum”), built in 1833, is one of Darlinghurst’s earliest fine residences, reflecting the ambitions of Sydney’s colonial elite. While many early villas were demolished over time, Barham House remains, thanks to its purchase in 1900 by the Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School (SCEGGS), where it still stands as part of the school grounds.

A Scandalous Painting

The 1845 painting of Barham House is quite scandalous in its own right. It was created by George Edwards Peacock, a gentleman convict artist. Peacock’s story offers a fascinating glimpse into the early colony’s convict population and social class — but that’s a story for another blog.

Designed by John Verge for Sir Edward Deas Thomson

Barham House was designed by architect John Verge for Sir Edward Deas Thomson, a Scottish-born official who migrated to Australia in the late 1820s. Thomson impressed Governor Sir Ralph Darling enough to be granted six acres of land in the new Darlinghurst estate.

For 40 years, Thomson and his wife Anna-Maria (daughter of Governor Richard Bourke) raised their family at Barham, shaping not only their own history but Sydney’s social landscape. After Thomson’s death in 1879, the property passed briefly to the Ogilvie family before being acquired by SCEGGS.

Barham House: A Colonial Georgian Gem

Barham House is a beautifully preserved example of Colonial Georgian architecture, considered a significant part of Darlinghurst’s architectural history. The two-storey home, with its sandstone basement and timber detailing, remains largely intact, including later additions like the boarders’ dining room and headmistress’s office.

While tucked just off Forbes Street, the house remains mostly hidden from public view — a historical gem waiting to be discovered.

Blanche d’Alpuget and the Plantagenets

Famous SCEGGS alumna Blanche d’Alpuget, wife of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, is an acclaimed author known for her novels, including historical fiction. Blanche discussed her five-book series on the Plantagenet Kings and Queens on The Joys of Binge Reading podcast. You can listen to the episode here, where she shares her fascination with the Plantagenet dynasty and offers insights into the complex relationships between the Norman rulers and the French.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this interview is one you won’t want to miss!

Visit Barham House Today

Barham House may not be visible from the streets, but it is a key part of Sydney’s rich history. For more stories like this, be sure to explore the Sisters of Barclay Square series and dive into the historical events that shaped the characters’ world.

You can dive into Posey’s story right now in Posey’s Peril, the latest book in the Sisters of Barclay Square series. If you’re new to the series, start with Poppy’s Dilemma — it’s available as a free download to welcome you into the world of the Barclay sisters.

Check out the series here

Thank you for reading, and I can’t wait to share more of these characters’ journeys with you!