We moved north up the Bass Hwy to Ross. (warning pics of lots of old buildings)
A walk through the town of Ross & lots of old buildings.
The Ross Bridge was finished in 1836 & is the 3rd oldest bridge in Australia.
This is on the side of the road just out of Ross in a cherry orchard. We wondered what is was, so I looked it up. Its amazing the history you find. The red brick portico is all that remains of one of colonial Australia’s most prestigious educational institutions. It was built by Samuel Horton, a sea captain in the merchant service, who came to Van Diemen’s Land in 1823 and was given a sizeable land grant “near the Ross Bridge”, which he named Somercotes, after the area in Lincolnshire where he grew up. The school was completed in 1855, with convict-made bricks and sandstone quarried from Ross. By 1892, the school was broke. In 1917 the building was pulled down and about 1920 the bricks and other building materials were sold off, leaving only the portico that stands today.
Drive to Campbell Town & more old buildings.
The Red Bridge crosses the Elizabeth River at Campbell Town. It was built in 1838 using penal labour, it is the oldest surviving brick arch bridge in Australia.
Dropped into a little place called Tunbridge. Great old spot, got bailed up by old mate that had lived there all his life. Fascinating stories. It was originally a coaching stop on the Hobart to Launceston road.
The Blackman River Bridge at Tunbridge was built in 1848 & is Australia’s oldest timber decked bridge. Based on my viewing it will not last much longer, the timber bearers are in not a good condition.
Next stop Oatlands. As a village it has the largest number of colonial sandstone buildings in Australia. Unfortuantly it seems to be struggling. The pub has closed down, the Callington Mill which was a major tourist attraction is closed as well.
Nice sunset at the caravan park.
Quote of the Day
“I cannot look at modern buildings without thinking of historical ones.”
Kevin McCloud