CESSNOCK
Cessnock is the entry point (gateway)
to the delightful Hunter Valley Wine Region. Cessnock is also a very
busy service town to a rapidly growing region fed by the Greater
Newcastle wealth. And that is no wonder; Cessnock is a really nice
town and would be a highly desirable place to live, and importantly to
visit.
Cessnock was
named after an 1826 grant of land called Cessnock Estate, which was
owned by John Campbell. The local area once known as "The Coalfields".
The transition to wine service centre from a once prosperous mining
town has been a long and at times difficult process. The coal fields’
legacy memorial is a sobering place. Allow time when visiting.   
Pastoralists
commenced settling the land in the 1820s. The establishment of the
South Maitland coalfields generated extensive land settlement between
1903 and 1923. Whilst mining was the principal industrial base and
source of employment in the Cessnock area for the first half of the
20th century, a slump which commenced about 1960 forced the closure of
many mines. Consequently, many areas have undergone a change in
character, with rural lifestyle and vineyards becoming popular. Wine
growing has since taken off.
The really great
thing about Cessnock is the importance of heritage and history.  _small.JPG) _small.JPG)  _small.JPG) 
Buildings
preserved and individuals saluted.
The many great
hotels that remain in Cessnock are all classic NSW and over 100 years
old. Some 150 years plus.   _small.JPG) _small.JPG)  _small.JPG)  _small.JPG) 
The Cessnock War
Memorial is acknowledged on two sites. 
The Anglican 
and Catholic Churches
are open for visitors. Both very different but great in their own way.
The Anglican is just on 100 years old. The others are modern. 
When visiting be
sure to allow a day or two at a minimum. Longer if the vineyards are
tempting.
Heritage diary 
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