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LONGFORD

Brickendon, Woolmers, Eskleigh & Perth

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Nearby: LAUNCESTON-CITY, LAUNCESTON-TREVALLYN, LAUNCESTON-CATARACT GORGE, TASMANIA ZOO, CAMPBELLTOWN, ROSS, AVOCA, TAMAR ISLAND, GRINDELWALD, EXETER, LILYDALE FALLS, Mt ARTHUR, Mt BARROW, BEN LOMOND, BEN NEVIS, CARRICK, WESTBURY, TAMAR VALLEY REGION, MIDLANDS REGION

  • LONGFORD
  • Brickendon
  • Woolmers
  • Rose Garden
  • Perth
  • Eskleigh
  • Tom Roberts

 

Longford

1/ Longford's Christ Church is a Gothic Revival style, Anglican Church that was built in 1839. It shows the strong lines of classic late 19th Century architecture. The church dominates a large park on the northern edge of the older part of the town. This impressive church is the symbol of Longford.

Christ Church at Longford

2/ Behind Christ Church is an old grave yard. The plethora of European trees and old graves that you see make the grave yard seemed to be a part of the Old England that the settlers came from.

settlers grave at Longford

3/ I was very fortunate to discover this grave lying horizontal on the ground on the far western end of the yard. It was in a deplorable state, but when I darken the letters, I could read the following very interesting text: "Sacred to the Memory of Anne Edmunds Who Departed this life October 184? Aged 86 Years And Who was the Mother of the First Child of British Descent born on the northern side of Van Diemensland ..." Until 1852 Tasmania, then called Van Diemensland, was divided into northern and southern colonies. I would guess that Anne Edmunds had a child in Yorktown about 1804.

church at Longford

4/ This lovely old church is St Augustine's. It is a Catholic church built in the Gothic Revival style, which was popular in the late 19th Century. The grave in the front shows a fine example of a Celtic cross. St Augustine's is in the southern part of Longford.

church at Longford

5/ This is the lovely Uniting Church. It is also built in the Gothic Revival style. It is located in the southern part of Longford.

main street of  Longford

6/ This view is of an old section of Longford photographed from near Heritage Corner. It shows Wellington Street, which has this impressive array of Victorian era buildings showing a complete 19th Century streetscape.

Heritage Corner at Longford

7/ The heart of historic Longford is the corner of Wellington and Marlborough streets. This former hotel has now been transformed into a lovely cafe.

The Big Store at Longford

8/ The Big Store is a grand old example of a 19th Century emporium. It was built in 1889 and is one of the largest surviving buildings in the older part of Longford.

Mill at Longford

9/ This old mill towers over the older part of Longford. At present (2015) it is not being used.

old factory at Longford

10/ I presume that this interesting old building is some kind of 19th Century factory.

school at Longford

12/ Longford has a lovely state school built in 1934. Its lovely gardens make it an attractive example of early 20th Century architecture.

Tabernacke at Longford

7/ The old Tabernacle is a former church. It was built in 1880 and is today used as a funeral parlour.

old house at Longford

8/ Longford has many fine examples of the different kinds of 19th Century houses. The 19th Century extensions to this old cottage show that it has an interesting tale to tell.

old house in Longford

9/ This lovely house is a classic, Victorian era, working man's cottage. It was what every average, colonial family aspired to own.

old house in Longford

10/ This large, Victorian era house is built in the late colonial style. The two halves design, plus the large joining verandah suggest that it may once have been a hotel.

old house in Longford

11/ This quaint old house is a classic example of a mid 19th Century, Georgian era cottage.

old house in Longford

12/ The double storey, plus the elaborate, stone porch attest to this being a 19th Century manor house. I am sure that it too has a tale to tell.

war memorial at Longford

13/ Longford has a war memorial located in a lovely park. This park is opposite the Christ Church shown above and marks the beginning of the older part of Longford.

old hotel in Longford

14/ This is the Racecourse Inn, which is located on the southern edge of Longford. It was built in the 1840s to service the Longford race track, which it is just opposite. Today it offers patrons older style accommodation.

old hotel in Longford

15/ This is Kingsley House. It is a Victorian era, colonial style hotel with an unusual balcony. It is located on the northern edge of Longford near a modern supermarket. It also offers patrons older style accommodation.

old hotel in Longford

16/ This large, Victorian era hotel is located in the Heritage Corner area of Longford. To the right you can see the new mobile phone tower, which many local residents say spoils the appearance of the older part of the town.

old hotel in Longford

17/ This Victorian era hotel located in the northern part of Longford has a very good display of the car races that were held in Longford in the 1950s and 1060s.

Esk River near Longford in Tasmania

18/ This is the South Esk River near Longford. Its banks are lined with willow trees and give the whole area a very European appearance. Unfortunately, willow trees in Tasmania are now known to clog rivers and are now, thus, considered to be pests.

Esk River near Longford in Tasmania

19/ This is one part of the old South Esk Railway Bridge. It is an impressive example of mid 19th Century, industrial architecture. It is located near the northern entrance to Longford. There is a large open area at its base.

Esk River near Longford in Tasmania

20/ This is the other section of the old South Esk Railway Bridge. It is adjacent to the bridge shown above. I can easily imagine that these two structures could be the centre piece of a great river, adventure park. These bridges are located on the northern edge of Longford.

Longford

21/ This is the view of the old South Esk Railway Bridge from the western side, where there is pretty park and walking track. It would be good, if this park could be extended to the other side of the river.

 

BRICKENDON is an estate just south of Longford. It was developed by William Archer, the brother of Thomas Archer, the founder of the nearby Woolmers Estate, from 1824 to the 1850s. Like Woolmers, it is also on the National Heritage list. Today it offers guest accommodation, plus receptions. You can telephone on 0418 127 767 or contact accommodation@brickendon.com.au or www.brickendon.com.au

Brickendon Estate Longford

1/ The homestead was built in 1829 in a grand Georgian style. It was made out of 300,000 bricks that were baked on the site itself. It is surrounded by a very large garden.

Longford Brickendon Estate

2/ This rear view shows the adjoining wings to the main house. On the left is the guest and storage block and on the right is the female servants block, between them is a court yard. 

court yard of the Brickendon Estate Longford

3/ This view looks directly at the court yard. This was where the servants did many out door jobs. The bell in the centre was used to summon the servants working further away.

Brickendon Estate Longford

4/ This photo shows a long view of the homestead from a path. Note the variety of foliage.

Coach house at the Brickendon Estate near Longford

5/ This photo shows the coach house of Brickendon Estate. The possession of this facility attests to the relative wealth of the Estate.

Longford Brickendon Estate

6/ The gardener of Brickendon had his own cottage reflecting his high status on the estate.

monkey puzzle tree at Brickendon Estate Longford

7/ The effects of 170 years of growth can be seen in this beautiful monkey puzzle tree.

Longford Brickendon Estate

8/ This view shows one of 3 very large barns that now form the entrance to Brickendon Farm. The farm hamlet part of the estate was started in 1824. In 1829 William Archer moved from the cottage in this area to the Homestead, which was located a mile away.

Longford Brickendon Estate

9/ These three large barns form a work court. The barn to the left is today used for receptions, while the central barn is to day the entrance.

Longford Brickendon Estate

10/ The barns are called "Dutch" barns. They were positioned on stilts as part of the building method.

Longford Brickendon Estate

11/ The tiny building on the left is the smoke house, where meat was smoked to preserve it. Next to it is the cottage that was first used by William Archer, before he moved to the Homestead.

Longford Brickendon Estate

12/ The Farm is made up of a number of streets with many farm buildings. In the centre you can see the original William Archer Cottage. Behind it is the chapel. To the right is a worker's cottage and to the left is the Smoke House.

Longford Brickendon Estate

13/ This is the Blacksmiths Shop. His skill was vital to the independence of the Estate.

Longford Brickendon Estate

14/ Every decent estate had its own private chapel. Religion was considered vital for the reform of convicts, so Sunday attendance was mandatory for them.

Longford Brickendon Estate

15/ The Chapel was quite well furbished. The stain glass windows show that some expense was involved in building it. This Chapel would reflected well on the prestige of the owner

Longford Brickendon Estate

16/ This photos shows a view of the grounds of the Estate. Note the ditches built to move water and the hawthorn hedges planted to confine stock. An important painting was done from this point.

Longford Brickendon Estate

17/ This photo shows the shearing shed. Wool was an important product produced on the Estate.

Longford Brickendon Estate

18/ The stables were adjacent to the shearing sheds. Note the large size of these buildings.

Longford Brickendon Estate

19/ The implement sheds once housed the machinery and vehicles used on the Estate.

Longford Brickendon Estate

20/ The Estate is a working farm and still rears many animals, who were quite friendly to visitors.

 

Woolmers is a magnificent English style estate just south of Longford. It was built between 1819 and the 1840s. For more information telephone 03 6391 2230 or contact www.woolmers.com.au

Woolmers Estate at Longford

1/ The approach to Woolmers shows the Commissariat Store built in the 1840s on the left and the main house, which was built in stages between 1819 and the 1840s on the right. The estate is a 19th Century English hamlet that is frozen in time.

Woolmers Estate at Longford

2/ This 1890s windmill is believed to be the last of its type still working in Australia. It pumps water from the Macquarie River to the high ground for the use of the estate's live stock.

Woolmers Estate at Longford

3/ These cottages were for the bakers and are adjacent to the Commissariat Store on the right.

Woolmers Estate at Longford

4/ I took this photo of the Cookery Nook Cottages, because I was impressed at how peaceful, timeless and English the scene appeared to me. I love the way it is framed by ancient trees.

Woolmers estate near Longford

5/ The main house was very large and included servants quarters and a cellar. This area is now used as a restaurant. The main part of the house is out of sight to the left.

Woolmers estate near Longford

6/ It was easy to imagine the Archer men seating here and smoking their pipes, as they discussed the affairs of Van Diemens Land and the British Empire.

Woolmers estate near Longford

7/ This view allows you to appreciate how large the main house was. It was built in stages from 1819.

Woolmers estate near Longford

8/ The Archers even provided their gardeners with a retreat, where they could take a break.

Woolmers estate near Longford

9/ The coach house shows the proud lines of Victorian architecture from the master's side. It is just north of the garden fronting the main house.

Woolmers estate near Longford

10/ This side shows the servants industrial view of the coach house. It fronts a large court yard where the work was done. Veteran cars are now kept in the garage.

11/ The house on the right is Tally Ho, the coach man's cottage. It is now used as a guest house.

Woolmers estate near Longford

12/ The coach house now houses the veteran cars of the family. These are a 1913 Wolseley on the right and a 1954 Dodge on the left. Both are seen regularly at rallies.

Woolmers estate near Longford

13/ The estate was self sufficient, which meant that it had its own blacksmith and this was his shop.

Woolmers estate near Longford

14/ When you look around Woolmers you see the gently Macquarie River from many directions. Note how all the trees that you see are European species.

Woolmers estate near Longford

15/ The Cider Shed on the left was used to turn the estate's apples into cider. Beyond it is the Wool Shed and furtherest away are the independent cottages.

Woolmers estate near Longford

16/ This old grinding wheel was used to turn apples into cider. It was man powered when it was used.

Woolmers estate near Longford

17/ The large building is the Wool Shed. Grazing sheep was a major industry of the Estate.

Woolmers estate near Longford

18/ On the edge of the Estate are three cottages, which are now used by guests.

 

Woolmers near Longford

1/ The Rose Garden is a separate entity from the Estate. It sits on the site of Woolmers original orchard. Above is the original house of the orchardist, which now looks out on a vast rose garden.

Woolmers Rose Garden

2/ Rose Garden Lane looks down at the Orchardists House and the Woolmers Estate. Beyond are the Macquarie River and the Tiers Mountains.

Woolmers Rose Garden

3/ This is another view of the pretty cottage of the orchardist. It really did remind me of a house in Toyland. Some 19th Century house really do look like houses out of fairy tales.

grove at the National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

4/ This is the lovely grove that leads into the heart of the National Rose Garden at Woolmers. To the left is a rose decorated arcade.

arcade at the National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

5/ The rose arcade was an enchanting place to walk through with all its rose blooming. It is a major attraction of the National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

sculpture at the National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

6/ This interesting modern sculpture is a recent addition to the National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

rotunda view at the National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

7/ At the centre of the National Rose Garden at Woolmers is the rotunda and its water feature.

rotunda at the National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

8/ The rotunda adds an interesting piece of geometry to the lovely colors and shapes of the National Rose Garden at Woolmers Estate.

topiary lanes at National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

9/ A major supporting feature of the National Rose Garden at Woolmers is the lanes of topiary. This really adds to the effect of the roses.

National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

10/ The lanes of clipped trees and topiary reminded me of some of the best features of classic Italian gardens.

National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

11/ This was one of the lanes leading to the rotunda, which you can see on the left.

National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

12/ This photo shows the plethora of colors and shapes that made up the National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

National Rose Garden at Woolmers.

13/ This lane lead towards the top of the garden with its toyland orchardists house.

Woolmers Rose Garden

14/ A lovely pond bedecks the edge of the Rose Garden. It was full of frogs at the time of my visit.

Woolmers Rose Garden

15/ Beyond the Rose Garden is Woolmer's original house. This was the earlier house, he had before he built the Estate. It has now been acquired and was in the process of being restored.

Woolmers Rose Garden

16/ Woolmers House includes a verandah and a servants annex. The open door leads to the court yard, which was then being restored.

Woolmers Rose Garden

17/ The old court yard was in the process of being refurbished with a stone court yard like it originally had. Colonial houses often included a court yard where servants could work outside, while still being surrounded by the house and under the watchful eye of the master.

Woolmers Rose Garden

18/ The verandah had an excellent view across the fields to the Macquarie River beyond.

Woolmers Rose Garden

19/ The house look out over the flooded Macquarie River. These fields were once part of the orchard.

 

Perth Tasmania

1/ Perth is just East of Longford. It is on the main A1 Midland Highway to Hobart, which makes it a busy town. Perth has some interesting heritage buildings like this Baptist Tabernacle.

Perth Tasmania

2/ This is the impressive view of the front portico.

Perth Tasmania

3/ Across the street from the Tabernacle is this lovely heritage church.

Perth Tasmania

4/ A short distance beyond is this heritage church.

Perth Tasmania

5/ Finally there is a fourth church in the main street that was built in 1838. It is probably the oldest.

Perth Tasmania

6/ This is the attractive Victorian era post office, which it still used today.

Perth Tasmania

7/ Robur House Antiques occupies a Georgian era shop. Note the large ancient window near the door.

Perth Tasmania

8/ Dominating the main street is the Georgian Queens Head Inn.

Perth Tasmania

9/ There are a number of attractive Georgian era houses in Perth.

Perth Tasmania

10/ This was another Georgian era house on the northern edge of Perth.

Perth Tasmania

11/ There are also many Victorian cottages in Perth. Note how a much older building lies behind it.

Perth Tasmania

12/ On the northern edge of Perth is the War Memorial. It displays this late 19th Century, breach loader cavalry style cannon.

Perth Tasmania

13/ Near the cannon is Perth's war memorial. You can see it in the rear.

Perth Tasmania

14/ The strangest building in Perth is this windmill house.

 

Eskleigh House near Perth Tasmania

1/ Eskleigh House is a mansion near Perth in northern Tasmania. Although it has been added to in recent times, it retains some of the finest wall decorations extant in Tasmania. The old residence now houses an art gallery. The rest of the property is private.

Eskleigh House near Perth Tasmania

2/ The front view shows an extravagant late Victorian style. It was the centre of a large estate. It seems to have lost none of its original charm.

Eskleigh House near Perth Tasmania

3/ The front view shows an extravagant late Victorian style. It was the centre of a large estate. It seems to have lost none of its original charm.

Eskleigh House near Perth Tasmania

4/ Many rooms include ornamental hearths.

Eskleigh House near Perth Tasmania

5/ Eskleigh House also has many decorative arches.

 

Illawarra near Longford Tasmania

1/ A few kilometres north west of Longford on the B52 road to Carrick is this lovely, old church. In its cemetery lies the grave of one of Australia's most famous painters Tom Roberts.

Illawarra near Longford Tasmania

2/ The church at Illawarra lies on a small hill, which looks south towards the Great Western Tier Mountains. There is a plough monument behind the church.

cemetery at Illawarra near Longford Tasmania

3/ Just north of the church is this cemetery, wherein lies the humble grave of Tom Roberts.

shearing the rams by tom roberts

4/ This is one of the most famous of Tom Roberts paintings "Shearing the Rams". It was painted in 1890. Tom Roberts was a founding member of the "Heidelberg School" of Australian painters. The Heidelberg school adapted the new impressionist style of painting to reflect the vibrant colours of the Australian landscape.

tom roberts grave at Illawarra near Longford Tasmania

5/ I was disappointed to find that despite the massive contribution that Tom Roberts made to Australian art, this is the humble grave that he presently lies in. His wife is in the same plot.

church at Illawarra near Longford Tasmania

6/ I included this collage, because the church is frankly hard to find, as no sign presently (2014) points it out. To reach it, you need to drive on the B52 road that connects Longford to Carrick. A few kilometres north of Longford look for this church and this sign on the northern side. You have to open and close a gate to drive up to the church. Remember to close the gate after you pass to prevent stock walking out onto the road.

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