Taylor Street, Darlinghurst

Taylor Street is a one-way street that cuts through from Flinders Street to South Dowling Street. Indeed, not far from Taylor Square.

The Dictionary of Sydney states that Taylor Square (and, presumably, the street) is named in honour of Allen Arthur Taylor who had a couple of stints as Lord Mayor of Sydney in the early years of the 20th century. It was he who progressed the idea of widening Oxford Street following the 1909 Royal Commission. It was he who 'convinced' all the ratepayers that they were getting value with the mandatory resumption of lands.

And this is where one needs to be careful when blogging. Because there is another site that claims a much more colourful possible derivation of the naming of the area. Darlinghurst.Biz acknowledges Allen Taylor, but also tells the story of ex-convict, Robert Taylor, who wheeled and dealed into land and property ownership before his demise in 1850. Who to believe? Who to believe?

The Dictionary of Sydney is produced by academics and historians and receives government funding. I have no idea about the Darlinghurst.biz site. But it reads so well ... It is convincing, but I have no idea whether it is accurate.

And so to the terraces along Taylor Street. Judging by styles nearby and dates nearby, I would judge them to be c. 1870-1880, but with a number of changes over the years, notably the 'verandah' which has an almost Federation look about it.