NSWMining
Lambton
A Scottish company’s colliery built a self-governing town.
1863Lambton Colliery opens
WHAT STARTED IT
The Scottish-Australian Mining Company opened Lambton Colliery west of Newcastle in 1863, and the township took the mine’s name. A company railway, completed for the opening, carried the coal away for shipping.
WHAT SUSTAINED IT
Lambton became a municipality in 1871, with colliery manager Thomas Croudace a leading figure and later mayor, and in 1890 it was the first Newcastle municipality lit by electricity. The mine closed in 1936 and the council merged into Greater Newcastle in 1938.
TURNING POINTS
1863Lambton Colliery opens with a celebratory dinner in December.
1871Lambton is proclaimed a municipality.
1887Lambton Park is dedicated for public recreation.
1890Lambton is lit by electric lights.
1936Lambton Colliery closes.
WHAT IT DOES NOW
An established Newcastle suburb centred on the 14-hectare Lambton Park, with its 1890 rotunda and former council chambers. The main pit entrance is now Lewis Oval and surrounding houses.