The story of this place
John Cadman was convicted of stealing a horse in 1797 and sentenced to transportation for life, arriving in Sydney aboard the Barwell in 1798. Yet he transformed himself completely, becoming the Superintendent of Government Boats at Sydney Harbour and living in this cottage from 1827-1845. Cadman's remarkable rise from convict to trusted official overseeing all government maritime traffic exemplifies the unexpected second chances Australia offered to those who could adapt and survive. He went from stolen horses to controlling the harbour.