Ermington, New South Wales

Ermington Sydney, New South Wales
Ermington shops on Betty Cuthbert Avenue
Population	9,470 (2011 census)
• Density	2,104/km2 (5,450/sq mi)
Postcode(s)	2115
Area	4.5 km2 (1.7 sq mi)
Location	19 km (12 mi) north-west of Sydney CBD
LGA(s)	City of Parramatta
State electorate(s)	Parramatta
Federal Division(s)	Bennelong, Parramatta
Suburbs around Ermington: Dundas Dundas Valley Eastwood Rydalmere Ermington West Ryde Melrose Park Silverwater Newington Homebush Bay

Ermington is a suburb of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Ermington is located 19 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Parramatta. Ermington lies on the northern bank of the Parramatta River.

The area now known as Ermington was associated with the Wallumettagal/Wallumedegal people. References also note that the area had been controlled by the Wongal/Wangal people.

Ermington was originally part of the Field of Mars area. In February 1792, Governor Arthur Phillip granted parcels of land on the northern bank of Parramatta River in the Field of Mars to eight marines: Isaac Archer, John Carver, John Colthread, Thomas Cottrell, James Manning, Alexander McDonald, Thomas Swinnerton and Thomas Tining. Most of the parcels were about 80 acres (320,000 m²) in size, except for McDonald's which was 130 acres (apparently because he was married). The settlers used their land to grow wheat, maize and vegetables.

Alexander McDonald's grant extended northward from Parramatta River to approximately present-day Stevens Street, and westward to present-day Spurway Street. His house is still standing near Parramatta River at 15-17 Honor Street. In 1809 he acquired an extra 40 acres (160,000 m²). He used his land to grow wheat, which he ground, dressed and sold to a baker in Sydney. After McDonald's death, his widow sold part of the land to Seargent George MacDonald (no relation), who in turn sold it to Henry Bowerman and Charles Campbell. Bowerman developed an orchard and vineyard on the land, and he built the Broadoaks homestead on the hill immediately west of present-day Rydalmere East Public School, with sweeping views of Parramatta River. The remainder of McDonald's land was purchased by E. B. Miller, who built Rose Farm in Honor Street.