The residential suburb of Eastwood in Sydney's north west once sported a dense forest covering deserving of its name. Runaways, bushrangers and general outlaws sought refuge in the bush coverage. Indeed in 1806 an illicit boiler and distillery were seized from John Love's farm, the site of the present day Eastwood shopping centre. In 1792 Governor Arthur Phillip named the region The Field of Mars, and proceeded to settle marines there upon soon after. In 1795 Private John Love acquired a 90 acre grant which was gradually denuded of its impressive coverage. Captain Kent was the successive proprietor of this grant, before William Rutledge purchased it in 1835.

A nephew of Dr Thomas Forster of Denistone and Brush Farm, William Rutledge was renowned for his fiery Irish temper and equally colourful vocabulary. Within five years Terrible Billy, as William was known, erected his residence Eastwood House, from which the suburb was named. Upon the 90 acre expanse the brick Eastwood House consisted of six rooms, servants quarters and a kitchen. Terrible Billy would not have dreamed of the unique and exotic purpose Eastwood House was to serve within the decade.

In 1848 the sericulturist James de Beuzeville arrived in Sydney, having resolved to establish a silk production operation. Borne of sericultural parents, and with years of experience in England and the Continent, de Beuzeville was recognised as a specialist in his field. He petitioned the colonial masters of commerce for financial backing and sought government assistance with labour, proposing the recruitment of institutionalised orphans. De Beuzeville acquired the Eastwood estate for the Silk Institution, and Rutledge's residence was utilised for the housing of his family, labourers and silkworms from China and India. Despite de Beuzeville's obvious skill and tireless dedication, capital was not sustained. After an unsuccessful attempt to finance the venture himself, de Beuzeville accepted a position at The King's School at Parramatta. In 1887 he died in the south western Sydney suburb of Enfield.

Australia's first medical graduate Dr William Sherwin purchased Eastwood House in 1851. It then passed to John Ross before Edward Terry acquired it in 1863. A member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, and foundation Mayor of the Ryde municipality, Terry resided in Eastwood House until his death in 1907. A noted sportsman, Terry was responsible for the laying of a race track. In addition to his official civic duties, Terry was instrumental in the establishment of the local Anglican church, which was consecrated by the Bishop of Sydney in 1884. Twenty two years after Terry's death in 1907, Eastwood House was acquired by the Catholic Church and utilised as a presbytery.

The rural orcharding Eastwood estate was transformed with the extension of the rail line from Strathfield to the Hawkesbury in the mid 1880s. In 1884 Adolphus Bergin erected his hotel and the Anglican church was consecrated. Mr Sluman was appointed master of the Main Camp School, which referred to the rail workers' camp. The name was changed to Eastwood Public School in 1885. A scattering of stores serviced the emerging community, who were outraged when the rail platform was opened as Dundas Station; however, soon after it was officially changed to the rightful name of Eastwood Station.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes