Thomas Clarkson --- BUILDER

    We are reminded on many occasions, of the fact that Thomas Clarkson was a builder of, as well as a purchaser of, premises. References to his "new house", descriptions of his building commitments, houses said to be "lately built by Thomas Clarkson" and many others, consolidate his capabilities in this field, so it comes as no surprise to find him contracting to finish off homes for others.
One very interesting contract actually gives a description of the work to be done. This was a contract between Thomas and Caleb Wilson to finish the house in Market Street that Wilson had purchased from Mary Gotham on 16 June 1814.(74)
Contract for finishing a house in Market Street belonging to Caleb Wilson -- to be finished by Thomas Clarkson in manner following vis -- to be bricknogged -- plastered    and whitewashed, weatherboarded and roundboarded. Floor, chair backing and skirting boards, stone hearth and fire place boarded round, Front door to be paneled -- the other doors and window shutters to be ???, the windows to be lined and front windows glazed and one room lofted -- the whole to he completed in three weeks in a workman like manner for thirty pounds colonial currency - each window to have 12 squares of glass 8 tenths in size with proper fastenings to the doors and windows. signed Thomas Clarkson .
    On the 21 September 1814 Andrew Kaine of Sydney transferred a piece of ground in Macquarie Street bounded on the north by Brady and on the south by Mould, to Catherine Clarkson Junior, for the sum of £17 sterling.(75)
    On 28 September 1814 Mary Lewis sold her house and premises at No 46 George Street to Thomas Clarkson. This property cost him £120 sterling and was apparently considered a valuable acquisition considering the price and the fact that it remained part of Thomas' estate until after his death. Both these sales were witnessed by George Jubb.(76)
    The George Street property was on the Brickfields Hill near the Old Burial Ground. Today, this is in the vicinity of the Town Hall.


 Page last updated -  7 July 2006