For whom the bell tolls

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One of Maryborough’s first pioneer settlers, Edgar Thomas Aldridge is considered a founder of Maryborough. He arrived in Maryborough in 1848 after George Furber had settled on the southern banks of the river, now known as Tinana. 

Aldridge and brothers Richard and Henry Palmer established a settlement on the northern bank of the river. It was not long before Aldridge opened his ‘Bush Inn’ and store, and began farming. He named the area Baddow after his home town in England.

The main township later settled further down river to the current Maryborough central business district. Aldridge invested in many businesses in the new township and took and active role in public affairs but remained living in Baddow. 

In 1883 Aldridge contracted the construction of Baddow House, considered Maryborough’s finest heritage home.

Originally employed as a housekeeper to Edgar Aldridge, widow Maria soon became the love of Aldridge’s life and in 1849 Edgar and Maria married. 

In 1888, in memory of his wife Maria, Aldridge gifted to the city nine bells crafted in England, housed in the free-standing bell tower at St Paul’s Church. Each bell is inscribed “To the Glory of God and to the Memory of Mrs Aldridge 1886”.

Six weeks after the dedication of the bell tower, Aldridge died aged 70.

The love of Edgar and Maria Aldridge can still be heard today when the bells peal out over the city.