Street Smarts

Mystery surrounds the origin of Blakeney Place’s name.

Frankly, no one seems quite sure where the name came from.

Given the street was named in 1895 it seems the most likely source was Thomas Blakeney, who lived in Dorcas St during the 1860s and 70s.

The reason no one wants to say it is definitely named after him is that there is no evidence to show he achieved anything worthy of the honour!

There are also several places in England called Blakeney, so it is plausible that the name was brought over from there.

Perhaps Southbank Local News should ask Federation Square’s CEO Bill Blakeney if he has any idea where the origins of the street’s name.