Image right: 13 Abbotsford Road, Homebush, c.1961. Courtesy Strathfield Local Studies
Sherleigh at 13 (formerly 7) Abbotsford Road, Homebush was built for the Herriott family c.1915 on Lots 15 and 16, Section 3 of the Underwood Estate. The property measured 100 feet by 200 feet and by World War II, also boasted a tennis court. Arthur Herriott was a sheep grazier from Mulga Station, Hillston who probably moved to Homebush to be closer to the Homebush Saleyards. However Sherleigh was actually owned by his wife, Catherine. The family was in residence by 1916 when they advertised good wages for a general servant (no washing) for their ‘modern cottage.’[1] The family retained Mulga Station too as William Inglis and Son advertised the sale of 30 station-bred colts and fillies from Mulga Station for Arthur Herriott in 1919.[2]
Both of Arthur and Catherine’s sons enlisted in World War I from their home in Abbotsford Road. Eldest son, William Malcolm Herriott (SERN: 3349), an accountant and auditor, enlisted in early January 1916 and served with the 30th Battalion and, later, the Audit Section. He married Ethel Meddick in East Horsham, West Sussex, England shortly before the end of the war. He was promoted several times and brought to the attention of the Secretary of State for War. As Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) he received the MBE (Military Division) in 1919 ‘for valuable services rendered in connection with the war.’ Younger son, Arthur Ernest, public accountant and grazier, enlisted later in the war and served in Rabaul as a Lieutenant and Captain.
Underwood Estate, first subdivided in 1878. Courtesy State Library of NSW
Catherine, or one of her daughters, lost a gold wristlet watch between Abbotsford Road and the Strathfield Council Chambers in early 1925 and offered a reward for its return.[3] In 1928 she advertised for a ‘competent lady help’ for her ‘small adult family’.[4] By 1930 Sherleigh also featured a garage but in July 1931 Arthur offered his Chevrolet Capitol Tourer for sale for £65.[5]
Arthur Herriott senior died at Sherleigh on 9 December 1933, aged 73.[6] Catherine died in 1954 after which the property was sold and subdivided creating 15 Abbotsford Road - just visible in the photo above.
The street view of 13 Abbotsford Road, Homebush has changed little over the years, 20 May 2025. Courtesy Strathfield Local Studies
By J.J. MacRitchie
Local Studies Advisor
References
[1] Illawarra Mercury 3 November 1916 p.7 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/135944652
[2] Sydney Morning Herald 27 September 1919 p.6 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/15846057
[3] Sydney Morning Herald 6 January 1925 p.12 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/28069239
[4] Sydney Morning Herald 29 June 1928 p.22 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16475947
[5] Sydney Morning Herald 3 July 1931 p.17 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16790406
[6] The Sun 11 December 1933 p.6 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/230196508