Colonial Tasmania | TV programme

Colonial Tasmania

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25.01.2022 It was news to everyone when George Bass discovered a strait of water separating the mainland and Van Diemens’ Land. It was this discovery that hastened Britain’s plans to claim the southern end of the continent before the French menace threw down their flag, claiming a bit for themselves. Bass ended his days in the silver mines of Chile after attempting to force a trade there (or so the story goes).

21.01.2022 A great little video featuring some very interesting Tasmanian convicts sites shared by Gordon. Well worth a look

21.01.2022 Lieutenant Governer Collins attempted to settle Port Phillip at Sullivans Bay near Sorrento in September 1803 but was forced to move to Sullivans Cove (Tas) after fierce resistance from local Aboriginal tribes and poor conditions. Meanwhile convict William Buckley escaped and would spend the next 32 years living with the natives until Port Phillip was again settled by Europeans in 1835. Get the full doco on DVD (including online access) here: https://bit.ly/tasdoco or online only here: https://bit.ly/tastream

18.01.2022 If English paranoia was correct, we may well have been speaking French in Tasmania today. Find out why the discovery of Bass Strait and a colony in crisis led to the first European settlement of Van Diemen's Land. Get the full doco on DVD (including online access) here: https://bit.ly/tasdoco or online only here: https://bit.ly/tastream

17.01.2022 Great to have my friend and camera operator Clive helping me film some content for the upcoming series this week!

16.01.2022 Liuetenant Bowen was clearly out of his depth when he led a small party to set up camp at Risdon Cove in 1803. This episode covers the disastrous Risdon settlement, the first recorded outrage against local Aboriginal people, and England's increasing concerns that French explorers could not be trusted. Get the full doco on DVD (including online access) here: https://bit.ly/tasdoco or online only here: https://bit.ly/tastream

10.01.2022 Fascinating little ditty sung at celebrations to mark the end of convict transportation in 1853. Quite eloquent in their lyric writing back then. #tasmania

08.01.2022 In the early years of white settlement in Van Diemen’s Land, the prisoners were referred to as ‘the workers’ or servants but never convicts, especially within their hearing. It insulted them.

06.01.2022 Filming at Sullivan Bay site at Sorrento yesterday where Collins first attempted to settle. An excellent display there that tells the story.

06.01.2022 Dr James Ross got a rude awakening when in early 1823 he set out with his family and assigned servants to settle his selected land on the Shannon river. His one-eyed nursemaid had found the medicinal Rum and declared drunkenly that free men had no business in Van Diemen’s Land as she cursed the new settlers to hell.

04.01.2022 David Collins first came to Australia with the first fleet, acting as Judge Advocate for the new Sydney colony. It made such an impression on him he wrote a book about his experiences. When he became Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemens Land, he used his NSW experience when deciding the best gift the English settlers could give the local Aboriginal people was to leave them well alone.

04.01.2022 Cold wintery days remind me of ‘The Steamer’, once the unofficial national dish of Van Diemen’s Land in the early years of settlement. It was made using finely diced kangaroo meat with some slices of salted pork (would have once come from rations allowance) added to the pot and left to steam or slowly cook next to the fire. A Shepherds delight!

03.01.2022 In 1820 it was reported in the Hobart Town Gazette that during a storm an electric fireball entered government house through a window and tore through the place from floor to floor knocking doors of hinges, smashing plates and melting bell-wires before exiting, leaving behind a strong smell of sulphur. Sounds like a couple of party guests I’ve had over the years!

02.01.2022 Quick update from Jamie about the upcoming web series as well as a couple of invites to connect.

02.01.2022 Lieutenant John Bowen was just 23 when he was hastily put in charge of a small outpost at Risdon Cove in 1803. He soon abandoned his post to return to Sydney to proudly announce he wanted to be sent home to fight the French. Governor King wasted no time in sending Bowen back to Risdon with his tail between his legs. Bowen had two daughters to a young Martha Hayes before finally getting his wish and being sent home to England. His two daughters and Martha would never see him again.

01.01.2022 In 1803 Convict William Buckley was destined for Tasmania as he boarded the ship ‘Calcutta’ whose passengers would be the first to settle Sullivan's cove. Whilst making a go of settling Port Phillip along the way, Buckley escaped with 5 others shortly before the camp was abandoned. One was shot and 4 returned for the ‘lash and loaf’ but Buckley would have freedom or death. Buckley made it to Tasmania as a free man 34 years later after living happily enough with the Victorian Aboriginals for 32 years. Incredible story!