Longford - North East, Tasmania.
Longford is a unique step back in time. Located at the confluence of the Macquarie and South Esk Rivers 24 Kilometres west of Launceston it has the ambiance of a 19th century village.
The first settlers arrived in 1807 when land grants were offered and the area was known as Norfolk Plains. Originally called Latour, the township developed around the Longford Hotel, built in 1827, and was renamed Longford in 1833.
Longford was different to most places in Tasmania in that it was a town established by free settlers rather than convicts. Prominent among these was the Archer family who arrived in 1813 and set about establishing a family dynasty which went on to develop three major estates, Woolmers in 1816, Panshangar in 1821 and Brickendon in 1824. Like the other free settlers the archers were supplied with free convict labour to help bring their plans to fruition.
Today Woolmers is home to the National Rose Garden displaying more than 4000 blooms. It is regarded as the most authentic remaining example of an Australian pioneer farm and is open for public inspection.
The Longford district includes many significant historic buildings. Prominent among them is Christ’s Church built in 1839 and boasting a church clock and bell which were both gifts from King George IV. The Church is also the site of the First Settlers Cemetary.
The Queens Arms Hotel (1835) and the Blenheim Hotel (1846) are two great examples of Georgian period architecture to be found in the town.
The Longford Racecourse is the longest continuously operating racecourses in Australia and the town’s annual Agricultural Show is one of the nations longest running rural shows.
This Tassie Local snapshot was produced by Footloose Photographic & Media Solutions
Things to see around - Longford
Longford - North East, Tasmania
