Over the past 216 years Tasmania has had 55 men and 1 woman in the role of governor. Originally the role was titled Lieutenant Governor (1803 – 1855). With responsible self-government, and the name change from Van Diemen’s Land to Tasmania, the role was titled Governor. Throughout this whole period Read more
In the early days of Hobart, the only religious instructor permitted in the colony was the Church of England preacher, Robert Knopwood, who was in the employ of the governor. British settlement was seen as opportunity to instill in the convict population better moral habits and to convert the native Read more
28th December, 2018 Constitution Dock is famous for its association with the Sydney Hobart Race. It was the final destination from the first race in 1945. The arrival of the maxi yachts in the 1980’s forced the move to Kings Pier Marina – but we still hear the commentators say Read more
20th December, 2018 Prior to 1840, Christmas celebrations in colonial Hobart were a sober affair, similar to the usual religious observances on Sundays. The festive habits of Hobartians changed in the mid-1840s with the introduction of the fashions of Victorian England. When Queen Victoria married her cousin Prince Albert in Read more
14th December, 2018 As we have just passed the 180th Anniversary of the Hobart Regatta, it’s a good time to find out some of the more interesting details of what has become a part of our Tasmanian tradition. The Hobart Regatta was Tasmania’s most important public event for more than Read more
19th November, 2018 Governor John Franklin and his indomitable wife Lady Jane Franklin were convinced that well-proportioned classical architecture had a civilizing influence on people and society. Their time in Hobart (1837 – 1843) saw the construction of two significant structures reflecting this ideal. The first was the portico at Read more