Tottenham was proclaimed a village on 6 November 1907 following the discovery of copper in the area. The population of the town is 330, and it supports and sustains a regional population of 1000. The beautifully presented streetscapes, refurbished shop facades, lush parks and gardens and friendly relaxed atmosphere are immediately evident. It is an important population centre located within Lachlan Shire Council, part of the Heart of NSW.
Just 500kms west of Sydney, Tottenham is the closest town to the geographical centre of NSW. Located 42 kilometres west of the township, this spot is marked by a cairn constructed of materials taken from the original copper mining leases.
With the advent of the copper mining industry came the railway line, allowing the region to build a very strong primary production sector, based on large scale cropping and grazing, which continues to this day. The township, through its numerous business houses, supports a strong and growing agricultural region.
It also has a beautifully preserved local pub as well as two bowling and an 18-hole golf course. The lovingly restored Tottenham Hotel was built in 1931 and well worth a visit. From its beginnings as a coal mining town, Tottenham has prospered to become a major primary producing area.
The photo shows the remains of one of the smelters of the Mount Royal Mine that was built around 1908-09. Mount Royal Mine operated from 1903 to the late 1920's and its production was helped by the arrival of the railway to Tottenham in 1916. This mine had the most production and was deepest mine of the area. A township sprang up around this mine and eventually Tottenham was proclaimed in 1907.
