¨
Illustration of the changes to Batman’s Hill between 1840 and 1882 (J MacFarlane – The Illustrated Australian News, 1 April, 1980 [SLV Accession No. IAN01/04/92/13]
Around 1836 John Batman built a house at the base of Batman’s Hill where he lived with his family until his death in 1839. His family moved away after his death.
Port Phillip’s first gaol opened in 1837 and was a hut on Batman’s Hill. It was surrounded by a 2.4 metre fence and was burnt down the following year by some escaping aboriginals. This highlighted the need for a more substantial building.
Also in 1837, the Hoddle Grid used Batman’s Hill as its western boundary.
Around 1839 it was used as a grandstand for Melbourne’s first horse race and also the first cricket match played in Victoria by the founders of the Melbourne Cricket Club.
In 1856 the government formed the Victorian Railways with the railway station being erected at Spencer Street in 1858. The freight sheds were expanded in 1863 and subsequently Batman’s Hill was removed.
To this present day, there is a mysterious blue pole at Spencer Street Station which marks the height and location of the original Batman’s Hill.
Looking south-west from the Collins Street Bridge
(source: wikipedia.org – Photo credit: Marcus Wong )
Contributed by Dianne Wheeler PPPG Member No. 1505