Tenterfield Saddler

 

PLEASE NOTE:  The Tenterfield Saddler is currently closed until further notice (Covid-19 related)

For 50 years this quaint blue-granite Saddlery on High Street was the meeting place for those who enjoyed discussions on a wide variety of topics. Saddler George Woolnough continued to ply his trade, listening but undisturbed by the chatter and opinions of his many friends who wandered in. It was the compassion of George Woolnough that attracted so many to the High St Saddlery from 1908 until his retirement in 1960. One famous customer was A. B. “Banjo” Paterson, well-loved Australian poet and author.

The land was originally bought by Sir Stuart Alexander Donaldson for 32 pounds 10 shillings in 1858. Sir Stuart was the owner of Tenterfield Station and went on to become the first Premier of New South Wales. It was sold in 1870 to Charles Pavel the first Saddler for 34 pounds. He then sold it to the Australian Joint Stock Bank in 1874. The old building was perfect for use as a bank as the granite walls were over 20 inches thick.

For a time the saddlery was the private home of Miss Catherine Bourke, 1895 to 1897, who then sold it to Dan Egan the next saddler. It is interesting to note that the solicitor who arranged these last three sales was Major J.F. Thomas of “Breaker” Morant fame.

After the first two saddlers, C. H. Pavel and Dan Egan, came George Woolnough, Ted Daly and Trevor Gibson.

The Tennerfield Saddlery was classified by the National Trust of Australia in 1972. The doors and woodwork are of red cedar and apart from the maintenance, the Saddlery is in its original condition.

George Woolnough’s Grandson, Peter Allen, internationally acclaimed singer and songwriter, has perpetuated the memory of George Woolnough in one of his best known songs “The Tenterfield Saddler”.

The Saddlery also draws fans of Peter Allen who want to see the home of the famous “Tenterfield Saddler”. Even if you are not a fan, the Saddlery is still certainly worth a visit.

Opening Hours

Monday – CLOSED

Tuesday – 9.00am to 1.00pm

Wednesday – 9.00am to 1.00pm

Thursday – 9.00am to 1.00pm

Friday – 9.00am to 1.00pm

Saturday – 9.00am to 1.00pm

Sunday – 10.00am to 2.00pm

*Please note the Tenterfield Saddler is staffed by volunteers. If you are making a special trip, please call ahead to double check they will be open.

Click for larger photo

Email:Contact Us
Phone:02 6736 1478
Address:123 High Street
Tenterfield NSW 2372