Let the history lessons begin.....

Richmond is a very historical little town about 24km outside of Hobart. As we drove into Richmond, Frank and I agreed that this little place is what we had imagined Tassie to be like.


Georgian homes line the streets full of old world charm and character.

Richmond boasts several 'historical firsts' from the 19th century....the oldest bridge, the oldest gaol, the oldest catholic church, and the oldest postal building.


The Richmond bridge was built by convict labour and was completed in 1825. All materials were hand carted by the poor ol' convicts.


The bridge is still in great condition and handled our 'big rig' quite easily. A true architectural masterpiece.

The Richmond Gaol predates the penal settlement at Port Arthur.

The Gaol courtyard..

As you can see the punishments were extremely harsh and quite ridiculous.

The kids found the dark solitary confinement cells quite intriguing. Locking each other in the cells provided amusing entertainment until Mum and Dad put a stop to it.


When in 'Solitary' the convicts were only fed bread and water. They had a night bucket and a single blanket and weren't allowed out for exercise.


They could be confined here in the darkness for up to 30 days. True torture and spirit breaking punishment.

This hot, itchy, uncomfortable uniform was worn by the 'worst' convicts. It was apparently very shameful to wear this uniform as well. They called it the 'Magpie'.

Charlie found the 'Cat of Nine Tails' and reminded us that we saw one on the Endeavour replica in Fremantle.

When not in solitary confinement this is how the convicts slept....

Richmond also boasts having the oldest Roman Catholic Church (built in 1836) and the oldest Postal building in Australia.


Prior to Richmond we found the 'Spikey Bridge' which was also built by convicts in 1843. The name speaks for itself.

It is thought that the 'spikes' on the bridge wall were designed to prevent cattle falling over the sides of the bridge.

Such great history for the kids to see first hand. 
There have been many conversations about how fortunate we are....