Light’s Vision: the place to understand Colonel Light's plan

Tarntanya Wama (Park 26)

Adelaide from Montefiore Hill Sketch, City of Adelaide Archives, LS0449, circa 1860

Adelaide Oval Test Match, City of Adelaide Archives, LS0179, date unknown

Victoria Square with Statue of Colonel Light, City of Adelaide Archives, HP1338, circa 1934

View from Montefiore Hill, City of Adelaide Archives, HP0490, circa 1936

Montefiore Hill, City of Adelaide Archives, 1461ITEM0020[06], circa 1938

Sheep grazing in Pennington Gardens, City of Adelaide Archives, HP0364:01, circa 1905

Colonel William Light

Montefiore Hill, which has also become known as 'Light's Vision' after the statue of Colonel William Light (1786-1839) was moved here from Victoria Square in 1938. Light was Surveyor-General of the colony of South Australia and his 1837 plan for the City of Adelaide remains much as he planned. The redevelopment of Adelaide Oval in 2012-2013 means that the view over the city is no longer as prominent.

The design of 'Light's View' and its balustrading was influenced by Walter Bagot (1880-1962), a prominent architect in the State who was well-known for his typically Italianate designs such as those that can be seen at the University of Adelaide.

After settlement and until 'beautification', much of the Park Lands were used for practical purposes, such as grazing of animals, camping and tree felling.

From this places you can appreciate why the Adelaide Park Lands and City Layout is listed as a National Heritage Place.

Light's plan for the City took advantage of higher land to give views over the City and Park Lands, towards the Adelaide Hills in the distance. The Park Lands encircle to City ad remain intact to this day.

City of Adelaide acknowledges the traditional Country of the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains and pays respect to Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land. We acknowledge that they are of continuing importance to the Kaurna people living today. We also extend that respect to other Aboriginal Language Groups and other First Nations.

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