Gresham County is one of New South Wales’ 141 cadastral divisions, on the mid-north coast hinterland around Grafton. It was named after Sir Thomas Gresham (1519–1579), a London merchant. Grafton is its principal town.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | New South Wales |
| Region | Northern Rivers hinterland |
| Named after | Sir Thomas Gresham (1519–1579), London merchant |
| Principal town | Grafton |
| Local government areas today | Clarence Valley Council, Glen Innes Severn Council |
Parishes in Gresham County
The county holds 33 parishes, listed below.
- Alder
- Barool
- Boyd
- Braylesford
- Broadmeadows
- Buccarumbi
- Camelback
- Chaelundi
- Chandler
- Cowan
- Cunglebung
- Dalmorton
- Glen Nevis
- Grafton
- Grange
- Henry
- Jackadgery
- Kaloe
- Marara
- Marara West
- Marengo
- Newbold
- Newton Boyd
- Nullama
- Oakwood
- Sara
- Springbrook
- Stanley
- Sturt
- Urania
- Wellington
- Willy
- Worra
Towns and Localities Today
Grafton, on the Clarence River, is by far the county’s largest town and the Clarence Valley’s administrative seat. Jackadgery, a small settlement upstream on the Mann Highway, is the only other named locality of note.
| Town | LGA | Approx. population |
|---|---|---|
| Grafton | Clarence Valley Council | 7,100 |
Geography
Gresham County lies south of the Mann, Nymboida and Clarence rivers, and takes in part of the Guy Fawkes River National Park in its west. It shares a boundary with Gough County to the north-west.
History
The county’s name honours Sir Thomas Gresham, the Tudor-era financier who founded the Royal Exchange in London and gave his name to Gresham’s Law of currency. Grafton was proclaimed a town in 1851, on a bend of the Clarence River that gave it access for river shipping and later made it a base for cedar-getters working the surrounding rainforest. The town is now known for its jacaranda-lined streets and an annual jacaranda festival each October.
FAQ
Is Gresham County still used?
Cadastral counties like Gresham remain in land titles and property descriptions but have no government function today.
What is the main town in Gresham County?
Grafton, seat of Clarence Valley Council, is the county’s principal town.
Which rivers border Gresham County?
The Mann, Nymboida and Clarence rivers run along its northern edge.