While many are known to us, such as Elizabeth Macquarie, Lady Mary FitzRoy and Elizabeth Macarthur, others remain more peripheral, overshadowed by their male contemporaries and circumstances. And yet, so many were achievers beyond their years and times. Learn about Anna Josepha Coombe, who married Philip Gidley King in England in March 1791. Four days later she sailed to the colony to live on Norfolk Island, and later became the first wife of a governor to live here.

Mary Caroline Stewart, née FitzRoy, arrived with her husband and four daughters in August 1849 to take on the role of Vice Regal Hostess for her father, Governor Sir Charles FitzRoy, after the tragic death of her mother – a role she fulfilled to acclaim.

Discover stories of convicts and servants – most recently, the Matrons who cared for the boys of The Kings School, and the women of the National Trust (NSW) who readied the property for its first Royal visit in April 1970, after its care was vested in the National Trust in 1967.

If purchasing as a National Trust member, please bring membership card on the day or you may be required to pay the difference.

The exhibition is open Thursday to Sunday.

For more information or to make a group group booking, please email ogh@nationaltrust.com

Please note: the exhibition is only accessible via a flight of stairs.

Important Information for Visitors

The National Trust (NSW) has Terms & Conditions of Entry and a commitment to COVIDSafe practices to keep you safe through the coronavirus pandemic. When you purchase your ticket, you agree to these Terms & Conditions of Entry: https://bit.ly/national-trust-nsw-covid-19-reopening

You will be asked to present your ticket at point of entry. You can do this by either printing a copy or displaying a digital version on your selected device.

We are asking all visitors to provide their contact information at the time of entry.