For the centenary, Michael Jones records the story of Strathfield, an inner western suburb of Sydney, Australia. The Municipality of Strathfield was created on 2 June 1885, and the suburb was favoured by the wealthy of Sydney. The first free settlers who arrived in Sydney in January 1793 established their farms in the area, then called 'Liberty Plains'. From 1841 to 1860 the famous Homebush Racecourse attracted the wealthy to the district. The Rookwood Cemetery, established in the early 1860s cheapened land at the outset and enabled the Redmire estate developer in 1868 to cheaply sell off large blocks. Extensive tree planting, community pride in garden maintenance and a ring of parkland allow the residents to enjoy the best of environments in an area close to the city.