History

Historic Richmond Village – Historic Buildings

The first European to explore the area known now as the Coal River Valley is said to have been a surveyor by the name of James Meehan, in 1804.

Early explorers to the region noted the existence of coal and land suitable for the farming of produce to supply Sydney. The Coal River Valley became known as the ‘Granary of the Colony’ during this time, which was of course before the farming potential of the western side of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales had been discovered.

Between 1816 and 1841 wheat and grain was sent to New South Wales – first to Hobart by barge and then by ship to Syndey.

During this time Richmond became the third largest town in Tasmania. The village was well placed between Hobart, Port Arthur, the East Coast and the Midlands regions to make it important for convict and military stations.

Richmond was thus named by Lieutenant-Govenor William Sorell on 23 February 1824. The original town site was 36 ha and was made up from a property owned by David Lord who exchanged this land for 1400 acres in the district of Harrington.

In 1861 Richmond became a municipality and was declared a historic town in 1980.

In 1993 Richmond was amalgamated with the City of Clarence.

Now at the turn of the century, the lifeblood of Richmond is tourism.

I trust these pages will provide you with a sense that Richmond is much more than just the only Georgian Village in Australia with the oldest bridge etc. It is a place of important cultural and historic significance to Australians and provides any visitor with a sense of heritage and pride for the way in which our forebears tackled a difficult and challenging existence in order to forge the Australia which we know today.

Click on the picutres below to reveal the history of some of the buildings left standing today and see what they are currently used for.

Historic Building	Picture
Prospect House map number 24 Built as a family home about 1835 by local merchant James Buscombe. Current Use Accomodation and Dining Local produce served to international standard in 1830’s ambiance with 21st century service. 4 1/2 star heritage accommodation.
Old Post Office map number 15 Formally Buscombe’s Store and Postoffice. The original single storey building was built in 1826 and was added to by James Buscombe in the 1830’s to become the present fine example of a Georgian store. It served as the post office for many years. Current Use Currently vacant.
The Granary map number 14 Built in 1829 this three storey sandstone building was the wheat store to the nation. The Granary was used to store grain befor it was shipped to Hobart by Barge along the Coal River and then shipped to Sydney. Current Use The Granary Bookshop, Internet Cafe and Exhibition Space.
Richmond Arms Hotel map number 13 Formally the Commercial Hotel. Built in 1888 to replace the earlier "Lennox Arms Inn" which was built in 1827 and stood slightly to the right of it near the Granary. The name was changed to the Richmond Arms in 1972. The old stable in the car park is all that remains of the original inn. Current Use Excellent meals seven days a week. Colonial accommodation in the old stables. All modern conveniences.
Bridge Inn I Current Use Ma Foosies Tea Rooms Devonshire Teas and light lunches with charm, service quality and value.
The Bridge Inn II Current Use Saddlers Court Country Style
Town Hall Current Use Community Hall
Court House Current Use Old Council Chamber/Community Meeting Room.
Gaol (Jail) map number 1 The oldest goal in Australia, constructed in 1825 and added to in the 1830’s. It is an important part of both the military and police history of Richmond. It was last used in 1928 and has housed many interesting characters.The oldest goal in Australia, constructed in 1825 and added to in the 1830’s. It is an important part of both the military and police history of Richmond. Current Use This is the nation’s best preserved existing gaol with extensive relic displays. The gaol is open most days.
Miller’s Cottage Current Use Teddies on the Green.
Congregational Church Current Use Congregational Church.
Richmond Hotel Current Use Private Dwelling
Redcoat’s Cottage Current Use Accommodation
Old School House Current Use On-line access Centre.
St Lukes Anglican Church map number 39 Designed by John Lee Archer and built by convict labour. Building commenced in 1834. James Thomson, the convict who did the timber work inside the roof was granted his freedom because he did such a good job. The clock in the tower originally came from St David’s Church in Hobart and was installed in 1922. Current Use Regular services are still held here.
Richmond Bridge map number 43 The oldest bridge in Australia, constructed in 1823 and still in every day use. The sandstone bridge must be one of the most photographed attractions in Richmond. Build by convict labour and officially named Bigge’s Bridge, the cutwaters were added in 1884. The bridge is said to be haouted by several ghosts, including Grover the wicked flagellator. Current Use Still in every day use.
St John’s Catholic map number 45 The oldest Catholic Church in Australia, commenced in 1836. Current Use Regular services are still held here.
Union Hotel Current Use Private Residence.
St Lukes Cemetry
Congregational Burial Ground
Geraldine Cottage

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Last Updated June 16, 2020