The Netherby
Netherby is by the bridge leading into Kempsey. Originally, the land on which the house stands was part of portion 123 granted to Samuel Onions in 1836.
Hamilton Gordon Elrington built Netherby in 1922.
The builders were Messrs. Allen Brothers. It has had only two other owners since then. H.G. was the founder of the firm H.G. Elrington Co. Ltd., a stock and station agency which delt in real estate and produce.
Great care has been taken by the present owners, Robyn and Nick Weare to preserve the architecture and special features of this old home.
Modern features have been discreetly added to make the change to a Guest House.
The name Netherby is taken from the poem by Sir Walter Scott, Lochinvar from Marmion V. In Lady Herons Song, the story poem tells of the daring of young Lord Lochinvar when he claimed his bride “the fair Ellen game of Netherby who was reluctantly betrothed to another.”
“He stayed not for break, and he stopped not for stone, He swam the Eske river where ford there was none; But ere he alighted to Netherby gate. The bridehad consented, the gallant came late: for a laggard in love and a dastard in war, was to wed the fair Ellen of brave Lochinvar. So boldly he entered the Netherby Hall, among bride’smen and kinsmen and brothers and all: Then spoke the brides father, his hand on his sword (For the poor craven bridegroom said never a word) “O come ye in peace here, or come ye in war, or to dance at our bridal, young Lord Lockinvar?”
Mrs. Elrington was a direct descendant of the Games of Netherby.
The Elrington’s daughter Mrs. Kitty Ling remembers her father bought the site through O.O Dangar. There was already a house there built entirely of cedar. “Dad had the old house taken down, much earth brought in to build up the site.” When the present house was built, the cedar from the old house was used for panelling.
Mrs. Ling returned to Kempsey in 1995 for the book launch “Streets of Honour.” Her brother Richard was posted missing believed dead in a mission over Germany in 1942. He was honoured by having a street named for him Richard Elrington Drive at Crescent Head.
Kitty stayed at Netherby (the Guest House) and was most impressed. She wrote to Nick and Robyn Weare, and after congradulating them on the standard of their enterprise, said “In Mother’s day (at Netherby) there were many bridgeparties in friends’ homes in the afternoon from 2 to 5. In the evening, the gentlemen also played…black ties and long evening gowns. I have one of Mother’s still…nice teas and suppers. The hostesses provided tables, chairs, cards, score cards and pencils (all very pretty) and refreshments. Players made up their own table’s.”
Netherby is situated on the river bank overlooking the town. A private wharf was below the house. Richard Elrington was a skilled yachtsman and his yacht Falcon was a familiar sight in the river and sea.
Extract from: Macleay river historical society journal no.120 april 1996
