(Swansea)
Home 
Community Overview
Community History
Local Businesses
Local Groups & Services
Community Calendar
Community Photo Album
Local News
Popular Links
Sponsors
Volunteers
Fees and Charges
 print - friendly version |
|
|
|
 |
Swansea, Tasmania
Set on the edge of Great Oyster Bay with stunning views of the Freycinet Peninsular and beyond, Swansea lies at the heart of Tasmania's East Coast. With more hours of sunlight than any other place in the state, this historic town has seen convicts, garrisons, saw mills, whalers, fishing fleets and landowners come and go. Much of the town's history can still be found in the buildings, the museum and the historical society.
Enjoy immersing yourself in the history of the oldest municipality in Australia, or kick back with fine local wines and shelfish at one of the many restaurants and take in the tranquil view.
History of the Swansea Community
Swansea's story begins with early explorers; among them were Tasman in 1642, Dufresne in 1772, Captain Cox 1789, Nicholas Baudin in 1802 and Amasa Delano in 1803. The mix of countries give us a clue to the purpose of the early settlement in this area.
Great Swanport was originally established as a garrison, and settlement of the hinterland followed. A convict station was established at Rocky Hills and housed some 400 convicts.
In 1850 the military garrison (a small contingent of the 40th Regiment of Foot) was withdrawn and Swansea became a police district. It remained so until 23rd January 1860 when it became the first rural municipality in Tasmania. There were 6 Councillors. In 1864 the seal of the Municipality was purchased. It was designed by Louisa Anne Meredith and depicted the black swan.
The original settlers of Great Swanport were the Meredith family and the Amos brothers, the Talbot, Buxton and Cotton families who brought their workers and their families, tools, seeds, expertise and their animals.
The first farms were complete little communities-very isolated. The farm industry included: orcharding, hop growing, whaling, wool and grain production, beef cattle and sheep hides.
The community grew with the arrival of families like the Pykes, Castles, Flacks, Dodges, Gregsons, Watsons, Grahams, Grays, Pooles, Quins, Skeggs, Webbs, Rapps, Grahams, Dilgers, Hunn, and Keefer who worked to make this district prosper and grow.
Small coastal sailing ships plied to and from Hobart Town with people and supplies. It wasn't until the early 1900's with the opening of the Denison Canal that the ships didn't have to go right around the Tasman Peninsula.
Food was often in short supply if crops failed or fruit didn't set. Game such as fish, kangaroo, swan, duck and rabbit helped augment the very meagre food supply.
Wheat was an important crop and there were mills at Glen Gala, Gala, Riversdale and Mayfield. Granaries at Riversdale and Lisdillon supplied the community with its staple food.
Schools began in 1858 with 53 children in 2 schools in this area. By 1864 there were 152 pupils enrolled in state schools as well as children tutored at home.
Coaches transported people and as the rough roads gradually improved people were able to move more freely. Cars gradually replaced the coaches and boat transport.
In 1901 there were about 261 permanent residents, today there are about 500.
There are several historic buildings in the town including the Glamorgan Community Centre built in 1860 and now housing a museum of local history, and the Bark Mill - the only restored working Wattle Bark Mill in Australia. Located on the southern approach to the town, Kate's Berry Farm has an established reputation for jams, ice-cream, wine and country produce.
In addition to the various shops and numerous places of interest in and around the town there are a range of restaurants and cafés to suit all budgets.
[ comment on this story ]
|
Comments:
more info on the webb history in swansea
would like to know more about the webb side of the history in swansea
|
|
|
|
