The Braidwood district was discovered by the European community in
1822. Dr Thomas Braidwood Wilson (1792 - 1843), a highly respected
pioneer of this district, gave his name to the town. A Surgeon
Superintendent of convicts transported by the Royal Navy, Dr
Braidwood Wilson was a humanitarian and during his several voyages,
tried to teach all to read and write.
Cattle and sheep properties
developed in the area in the 1820s and 1830s. In the 1850s,
Braidwood's population exploded as "gold fever" hit the surrounding
region; but, as the gold ran out, the numbers declined and today,
Braidwood is listed by the National Trust as an historic town with a
population of 1,100.
Nineteenth century architecture dominates the undulating
townscape, from workmen's cottages to the larger public buildings.
Preservation and restoration are encouraged by the local council and
guided by the NSW Heritage Council.
Many of the beautiful early Australian buildings have been
restored to their early glory, and now house a variety of
businesses, hotels, galleries and sophisticated eating houses. Many
writers, quilters, potters and ceramicists call Braidwood home.
The National Theatre Community Centre in Wallace Street,
Braidwood, is thought to be the oldest operating picture theatre in
Australia. The Braidwood Visitor Information Centre is housed at the
Wallace Street entrance to the National Theatre Community Centre.
Braidwood celebrates its historic past each April, at the annual
Heritage Festival. Visitors are made aware of Braidwood's diverse
past, the turmoil of the gold mining era, the influence of Chinese
settlers and the hardworking farmers. Locals and visitors alike are
encouraged to dress in period costumes to add to the festivity of
the day.
Following the discovery of gold in the Araluen Valley in 1851, the
infamous bushrangers Ben Hall, the Clarke brothers and the Connell
family played their part in the fascinating history of the Palerang
Shire.
The Clarke Gang, also known as the "Jingera Mob", held up stores,
hotels and homesteads, and shot policemen and "special constables".
In January 1867, when the Braidwood Police found the bodies of the
four "specials", they wrapped them in bark and buried them nearby.
After a few days, Premier Parkes ordered that the bodies be exhumed
and brought to Braidwood. Today, a memorial to the four constables
can be seen in the Braidwood Cemetery.
Having survived those wild days, Braidwood is now listed by the
National Trust. The beautiful buildings from the second half of the
1810s form Braidwood's historical streets cape and interesting
original settlers' cottages can be found in the lanes and in the
outlying villages.
The old gold mining village of Majors Creek now plays host to
"Music at the Creek", held on the first weekend in November. And,
while in the vicinity of Nerriga, the adventurous can thrill to the
excitement of white-water rafting.
Visitors now enjoy horse riding, bush walking and scenic drives
through the very same countryside that was once frequented by the
wild colonial boys of bygone days.
You can learn every historical fact there is to know about the
local area at the excellent Braidwood museum, which resides in a
lovely old stone building opposite the pleasant tree-filled park.
The collection includes over 2100 artefacts and 900 photographs
of local origin. A unique attraction is the Nomchong collection
consisting of items from the Nomchong family (Chinese traders in the
town from the 1870s to the 1870s).
The Museum also features a machinery shed and other rural items
displayed in the grounds. A library of local records, newspapers and
family histories can be used for research. You can also see the
armour worn by Mick Jagger in his portrayal of Ned Kelly in the
movie he filmed in and around Braidwood.
