History of Kenthurst

Shire of Baulkham Hills Location: 39 kilometres north-west of Sydney off Old Northern Road

Originally known as Little Dural, this suburb lies north-west of present Dural in the Baulkham Hills area. In 1886 a public meeting was held to discuss a change of name for the area. The main agitator for the change was Charles Gibb, who declared that the developing settlement merited a more elegant title. Kent Forest was suggested, possibly because several Kentishmen had settled in the area, but it was considered ungainly and finally the name Kenthurst was chosen. The meeting applied to the ministry for public instruction for permission to change the suburb's name, and the Cumberland Mercury covered the story of the residents' revolt. The answer was obviously favourable as by 1887 Kenthurst was in general use. The first land grants were made here in 1823, when John O'Hara received 50 acres near the corner of the future Kenthurst and Annangrove Roads; Michael Cantwell also received 50 acres and Thomas Sanders was granted 60 acres further north. At this time loggers were busily denuding the splendid forest of its glory, and by 1858 a survey reported that all the good timber had been felled. In 1861 the Robertson Land Act enabled prospective land-buyers to select acres before they were surveyed and to purchase on a deposit of 5 shillings an acre. The price per acre was £1, and not less than 40 acres and not more then 320 acres had to be acquired. The Act encouraged settlement in this area, and the new residents took up fruit-growing and farming.

In 1883 Kenthurst's public school was opened. In 1888 the post office was established and in 1889 the School of Arts was opened.

Today this suburb retains its rural atmosphere and new houses are built to blend with the natural charm of the area.

Reference: The Book of Sydney Suburbs, Compiled & Edited by Frances Pollon, published by Angus & Robertson Publishers 1988