This pair of houses was built in 1871. I am not yet sure who built them. They were built between what is now 43 Cecil Street and 51-53 Cecil Street, which were also owned by Benjamin Woodhead, a dairyman who lived at 43 Cecil Street. You can find out more on Woodhead at the 43 Cecil Street link.
The addresses first appear on the 1871 Rate Books, they are recorded as 33 and 33A Cecil street but there is no description of any houses on the land at this point. The following year they have tenants.
Residents during Benjamin Woodhead’s ownership:
47 Cecil Street
- 1872 – James Cross (Collector)
- 1873-1875 ?
- 1876 -1897 – William D Nichols (Mariner) – by 1879, he is now referred to as a Ships Captain and by 1887 as a Civil Servant. In 1898, William moves into 7 Cecil Street, which is owned by Robert Vietch.
- 1898 – Alfred Hall (Pastry Cook) and then later in the year it is Vacant
- 1900 – William Ryan (Letter carrier)
49 Cecil Street
- 1872 – Joseph Cooge? (Painter)
- 1873-1875 ?
- 1876 – Thomas Floyd (Compositor)
- 1877 – Henry Whitely (Leather Cutter) – he moved here from 35 Cecil Street where he lived the year prior
- 1878 – John L Secker (Clerk) – in 1879 he has moved a few doors up to what was number 41. He also has become a Sheep Drover.
- 1879-1887 – William Burge (Upholster)
- 1888-1889 – William Atkinson (Saddler)
- 1889-1890 ?
- 1891-1900 – Michael Gooney (Produce Merchant)
The properties must have been sold in 1900. #47 was sold along with #45. These two properties were eventually sold to different owners in 1923. 47 is described as “Substantial Brick Cottage, Slate Roof, 4 Rooms, Bathroom, &c. LAND 16ftx81ft.6in. to Right of Way” (The Argus, 8 Sep 1923)
In 1905 (Sands & MacDougall) have the properties being George Hind and Mrs M O’Connor.
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