KEMPTON & Melton Mowbray

 

1/ Kempton is a hamlet in southern Tasmania north of Hobart with many historic buildings. It was formerly called Green Ponds and it was established as military station in 1828. Later it served as a probation station for misbehaving convicts. This impressive arch is the war memorial of Kempton. Behind it is part of the old probation station. Its most famous prisoners were a group of Canadians, who revolted in favour of joining the United States of America in 1840. The accounts of these political prisoners tell us a lot about the old Van Diemen's Land.

2/ This lovely, blue church is the old Presbyterian Church. It was built in 1886 and was recently restored thanks to the kind bequest of Thomas Gorringe. The tourist information board, a picnic ground and a public toilet are located to the immediate left of this church.

3/ The is the town hall of Kempton. It is an interesting example of late Victorian style of architecture.

4/ This is the historic Wilmot Arms Inn built in 1844. It now offers colonial, style accommodation in Kempton.

5/ This is the historic Highfield House, which was built in 1840. It also offers colonial style accommodation.

6/ This is the historic Glebe House. It was built in 1839 for the Anglican Chaplain of Green Ponds. It is a first class example of the early Victorian architectural style.

7/ This was St Peter's Catholic Church. It was built in 1886 by the famous Alan Walker, who also designed Hobart's historic post office. Today St Peter's is being turned into a luxury residence.

8/ This is the historic Dysart House. It was built in 1842 as the Green Ponds Hotel. It has been described as the most impressive inn on the old Midland Highway between Hobart and Launceston.

9/ This impressive old church is St Mary's Anglican Church. It was built in 1839. There is a large cemetery to the rear with many historic graves.

10/ This is the rear view of St Mary's. Its age and style makes you think that you might be in Old England.

11/ This is a lovingly, restored shop cum residence. It is a pity that none of the old shops of Kempton are currently (2015) operating as shops.

12/ As the title says this is the original Green Ponds Store.

13/ This old shop has now become an art gallery.

14/ This is the historic McKay's Bakery. This building was built in 1910, but the family have been making bread on this site at Kempton since 1857.

15/ This is the old General Store of Kempton.

16/ This is the stadium of Kempton. Kempton has a large well kept football field.

17/ This is one of the lovely, old houses of Kempton. The bay windows in the roof were added in the 20th Century.

18/ This is one of a number of lovely, historic houses in Kempton. Notice the well maintained garden.

19/ This is a lovely Victorian era cottage on the southern edge of Kempton. Note the brown hills in the background. Kempton is in the dry southern Midlands of Tasmania.

20/ This is a historic streetscape in Kempton. It shows how the whole town has a lovely, historic air about it.

22/ I spotted this lovely old church at Ti Tree south of Kempton.

23/ This historic church at Bagdad south of Kempton was being converted into a house.

 

1/ Melton Mowbray is a historic hamlet north of Kempton. This is the historic Melton Mowbray Hotel.

2/ The building to the right was the old Congregational Chapel, which was built in 1866. To the left is a Victorian era church and cemetery.

3/ This is the historic church at Melton Mowbray.

4/ This is the view back to the Melton Mowbray Hotel.