Woolmers Estate in Longford, Tasmania | Arts and entertainment

Woolmers Estate

Locality: Longford, Tasmania

Phone: +61 3 6391 2230

Address: 658 Woolmers Lane 7301 Longford, TAS, Australia

Website: https://www.woolmers.com.au

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25.01.2022 We are thrilled to welcome the return of our guided convict tours! From Tuesday 12th January we will be offering two guided convict tours each day. Here at Woolmers Estate we tell the story of the convicts who were assigned to private masters for the purpose of undertaking agricultural and domestic work. While this was the most widespread experience of the convicts transported to Australia, less of this part of the larger story has been told - it is our aim to give these pe...ople a voice and to ensure their stories live on. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsites #convictlife #walkthroughhistory #echoesfromthepast #keeptheirstoriesalive #volunteers #convictbuilt

24.01.2022 When a rose blooms it is because that flower is the first stage of the rose instinctively doing what all things in nature want to do. Reproduce itself. A rose sets a flower, the petals fall off and they are followed by what are called hips. Within the hips are rose seeds. When we deadhead the rose hasnt finished its job and it produces another flower in the hope of it becoming a hip.... Its only when the rose sets hips, that it can go to sleep and take a break. That is exactly what we want in late autumn as we enter the Tasmanian winter. This year has been unique in that we have been able to let the roses set their hips at a time of their choosing. The last roses are still giving us some beautiful little pops of colour, waiting patiently for some regular visits by Jack Frost. #woolmersestate #woolmersrosegarden #roses #rosehips #nature #tassiewinter #jackfrost

24.01.2022 Constructed by W.R. Lade who developed his knowledge of modern motoring from time spent in the United States, this child’s car has been on exhibition for the sporadic duration of of Woolmers on Wheels exhibition. Thanks covid! Thomas VI’s father hoped his passion for cars would be equally appreciated by his young son, thus purchasing this impressive toy. It may look like a child’s pedal car but it is so much more! This fully operational small scale vehicle, built approximat...ely 98 years ago came complete with single cylinder internal combustion engine, accelerator and brakes. The car, together with the other Woolmers on Wheels exhibition pieces, will soon return to storage, to make way for our next exhibition. Our little car will be heading off for a well earned break away from being on show, but we would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have visited the exhibition and made a contribution upon entry-we sincerely appreciate your support. #woolmersestate #woolmerscollection #discovertasmania #thankyou #conservation #motoring #heritagemotoring #carcollection #australianconvictsite #holidayathome #motoringenthusiast #childrenstoy #childsplan #exhibition #tasmanianhistory

24.01.2022 Those with a keen eye may have noticed something a little odd about the floorboards in the Chapel. The floorboards on the eastern side are wider, the floorboards on the western side are narrower. This is just one of the many stories the buildings at Woolmers tell us if we take the time to look.... We believe the wider floorboards are evidence of the earlier days when the Chapel was used for worship by the assigned convicts. When the building was later adapted for the purpose of apple packing, the added floorboards were narrower. There are a number of other features that also demonstrate this change of use. Next time you visit Woolmers, be sure to take a closer look at what the buildings tell you about their lives. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsites #convicts #chapel #history #holidayathome #discovertasmania #architecture

23.01.2022 Today our resident patrol crew were out inspecting all of the wonderful work being done by our gardeners. #woolmersestate #woolmersrosegarden #woolmersroosters #nofoulplay

23.01.2022 Our gardeners have been putting in an incredible effort throughout July, busily tackling the enormous task of annual pruning in the Woolmers Estate Rose Garden. There is more pruning to be done but here is a peek of the progress. We think they deserve a standing ovation for all they have achieved!... What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness. ~John Steinbeck #woolmersestate #woolmersestaterosegarden #roses #rosegarden #winterintassie #volunteersareawesome #thankyou

22.01.2022 This beautiful Mulberry tree located in the historic Walled Garden, was classified as being of national significance in November 1989. It is estimated that germination occurred in 1864 and at approximately 157 years of age the tree carries on humbly producing fruit year after year. This sweet little tree is recognised as having social and historic significance and appears on the Tasmanian Heritage Register and the National Heritage List.... #woolmersestate #australianconvictsites #botanicalhistory #morusnigra #mulberry #heritagetree #mulberrypie #chickenfood

22.01.2022 This year has been tough. We have seen drought, bushfires and now the COVID-19 pandemic has turned lives upside down. At times like these, we rally and we watch heroes emerge - like many communities around Australia at Woolmers Estate our heroes are our volunteers. National Volunteer Week provides us all with an opportunity to say a very special thank you to our caring and generous volunteers and celebrate their invaluable contribution. This years theme Changing Communities..., Changing Lives feels particularly appropriate as that is exactly what we are all doing. The work our volunteers do here at Woolmers Estate will leave behind a legacy that will endure for far longer than any of us. Volunteers are the heart of it all. It can be rewarding and settling to work in a place where you can reflect on whats going on around you, within the heritage landscape, shaded by trees that have seen two centuries pass by, where you can help and make a difference. While you cant visit us right now, if you happen to know someone who is a volunteer, please give them a wave, a smile and a heartfelt thank you. #woolmersestate #NVW2020 #waveforvolunteers See more

22.01.2022 Friday flashback! For a period of time in the mid 1900s the only income recorded in the estate journals was from fruit - apples and apricots, much of which was bought by the big jam manufacturers, Jones & Co. #woolmersestate #appleisle #anappleaday #tassieapples #australianconvictsite ... Image: Thomas Archer 5th in the former convict chapel, sorting his apples

21.01.2022 The Pump House - Woolmers Estate As you traverse Woolmers Lane in the Northern Midlands of Tasmania, an unusual octagonal building can be seen sitting proudly o...n the banks of the Macquarie River. This building was designed and built in c.1845 to accommodate a horse drawn pump. The pump remained in use until the 1890s. Extraordinary engineering is evidenced by the exposed timber roof structure. Due to its location and visibility to the nearby roadway and its location at such a picturesque part of the river, much effort was taken to make it appear as an attractive landscape feature. The Pump House was horse-powered and water was pumped up to a large lead-lined storage tank located on top of the Store at Woolmers Estate. The water was gravity fed to where it was needed on site. This pump which originated in the convict era was replaced by the American Fairbanks & Morse timber windmill c.1900. The Pump House was originally among a group of riverside buildings and structures including puntmans cottage and convict barracks. Today this rare and beautiful building stands as part of the Woolmers Estate collection of over 18 remaining and intact convict era structures. #woolmersestate #pumphouse #convictera #australianconvictsites #worldheritage Photo source: Woolmers EstateThe

19.01.2022 ONE WEEK TO GO!! OPEN GARDEN - NOVEMBER 15 We are very excited to open our gates to showcase our beautiful garden and enjoy a day out with our wonderful community. Fingers crossed for another beautiful sunny day ... Tickets still available at https://launcestontickets.com.au//woolmers-estate-open-gar

19.01.2022 Only five days to go! The countdown is on and we are gearing up to re-open our historic site to you from this coming Thursday, 17th September. As we commence our staged reopening, our team is taking every precaution to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our workforce, visitors and community. ... When you visit you may notice that we are: - Minimising contact surfaces and sanitising regularly - Encouraging cashless transactions - Offering self-guided tours only - Our staff will be available to provide information where some features of the site may not be available for a little while yet This is to ensure we can offer you a lovely day out and so that we can maintain a safe environment. See you Thursday! . . . . . Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 3pm with last site entry by 2pm #discovertasmania #australianconvictsite #woolmersestate

19.01.2022 In late November 1834, eight of Thomas Archers assigned convicts were brought before the magistrate to answer a charge of being drunk and fighting. Thomas Barker (Woodford) John Bottomly (Woodford)... Benjamin Budworth (Woodford) John Cornelius (Royal George) Barnabas Hutchinson (Eliza) Job Rogers (Dromedary) Joseph Wansborne (Circassian) William Phillips (Isabella) Records indicate that for some of these men, this was not a first offence in relation to drunkenness under assignment. For some, not the last. It appears the men were of varying ages, working in a variety of roles at Woolmers. A farm labourer, a sheep shearer and a ploughman among them. Like so many, these men had possibly existed in impoverished rural areas and industrial cities of Britain and for many at that time, it was survival of the fittest. Recreation time for convicts was a more secretive past time than that of free society. Had these mens past time become a little too rowdy and destructive or had there been an altercation between the workers? We will never know. For some of these men, aside from brief entries in the convict and court records, there is very little information now available. Others have had books written about them, often written by scholars or devoted descendants. Were these men among the earliest to possess a larrikin streak in the most positive sense (as opposed to when the term was first used), but today is epitomised by so many of our legends and is a characteristic of the Australian identity? #woolmersestate #convictsite #convictlives #aussielarrikins #convicts #australianconvictsite Image source: Wikipedia

18.01.2022 There's an abundance of fruit on the two ancient mulberry trees in the Walled Garden, and in the Rose Garden, species roses are producing rose hips in an eye-catching range of colours and sizes.

16.01.2022 We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses. Abraham Lincoln #woolmersestate #woolmersrosegarden #glasshalffull #roses #wisdom

15.01.2022 Paradise doesnt have to be tropical ~Unknown Our gardening team are doing a magnificent job working very hard to ensure all of the Woolmers Estate gardens are looking outstanding.... Thank you to all of the volunteers who are working away with such passion and enthusiasm in their respective areas! We cant wait to once again share with the world, the fruits of their labour. Until then, please enjoy a little peek of our very own paradise in the Woolmers Estate Walled Garden. #woolmersestate #walledgarden #volunteersareamazing #pixiesgarden #australianconvictsite

15.01.2022 Throughout this period of closure many of our precious Woolmers Collection items, in particular those in the homestead, have been undergoing some much needed conservation and cleaning. Room by room, structure by structure, our team have been preparing the site to share its stories once again. The site will remain closed for a little while yet but we are well advanced in our preparation and look forward to welcoming you back in a couple of weeks. #woolmersestate #woolmerscollection #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #australianconvictsite #preservation #wearenearlythere

15.01.2022 As the frantic pace of life has changed, we are enjoying a bright spot in among the chaos of the pandemic. We hear of fish-eating birds returning to the clear waters of Venice, mountain goats roaming suburbs and deer walking through normally busy underpasses in Japan. Here at Woolmers, we have always enjoyed existing with nature but even in this peaceful rural and virtually pollution free environment, we are enjoying how the wildlife has returned to the site.... While we wait for the doors to reopen and the roses to bloom, we can take some joy from the delights of a resurgence of birdsong. A wonderful time to reflect on all of the sounds those that came before us may have heard, both familiar and foreign to them. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsite #naturereturns #birdsong #lookingonthebrightside

14.01.2022 It was wonderful to see so many people out and about over the weekend, enjoying the rose garden and visiting the Woolmers Estate Annual Art Exhibition. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the art exhibition, making it our longest running fund raiser. Curated by volunteer Mary-Ann Orchard and a small team of volunteers, this year’s exhibition boasts an exciting mix of well known and emerging artists.... The team have been incredibly determined to get the event up and running this year in spite of all that has been going on, because of the 20th anniversary. Their efforts have paid off as this year’s exhibition has seen the galleries hanging space and displays at capacity with more pieces than ever before. It truly is an achievement to keep an annual fundraiser going for 20 years. Thank you to all who contributed. The artists, curators, volunteers, staff, guests, proud new owners, art lovers, those who have already visited and those who are yet to come along and enjoy the fine creations. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsite #localartists #tasmaninanartists #supportlocal #discovertasmania #tasmania #volunteers

14.01.2022 Visitors to the Rose Garden will love the colourful display near the old brick wall. On one side is the stunning vibrant pink rose, 'Pamela Hutchins' and behind is a range of modern shrub roses and the tall standard, 'Crepuscule'. #rosegarden #gardentourism #opengarden #tasmaniangardens #northernmidlands #discovertasmania

14.01.2022 We love how the carpet of autumn colours is so beautifully set off by the moody sky #woolmersestate #woolmerswalledgarden #pixiesgarden #worldheritagesite #autumn #tassiegarden #seasons #horsechestnut

14.01.2022 When Woolmers was establised in 1817, the perfect position was chosen for the homestead and buildings, overlooking the Macquarie River and across to the Western Tiers. Two centuries later and we can still appreciate the beauty of this setting as we immerse ourselves in the historical buildings and gardens.

14.01.2022 Its the moment we have all been waiting for! Its almost time for the gates to reopen at Woolmers Estate, the flowers are budding, the wildlife is in abundance... and the teams are buzzing. We are delighted to announce that Homage Restaurant, Woolmers Estate will be opening in the very near future. Due to an overwhelming number of existing enquiries, we are currently unable to answer telephone calls, we can be reached by email [email protected]. Over the coming week, we look forward to sharing with you what we have been dreaming up. In the meantime we are head-down-tail-up as we reset and get ready to welcome you back to the Estate. Homage and the entire Woolmers Estate team

14.01.2022 We are seeking a diligent and enthusiastic casual housekeeping team member, able to attend to our facilities with integrity and attention to detail. The goal is to create a clean and orderly environment for our visitors and guests. Responsibilities will include performing a variety of cleaning activities, ensuring all zones including our accommodation, Nigel Peck Centre and other site amenities are cared for to a high standard, manage all tasks with professionalism and patien...ce, monitoring of consumables and reordering where appropriate and adhering strictly to all rules and guidelines regarding health and safety. This position is based at Woolmers Estate, Longford. Applicants must possess the following: Experience as a cleaner or housekeeper with current references or a willingness to learn The ability to work with little supervision and maintain a high level of performance Customer-oriented and friendly Prioritisation and time management skills Working quickly without compromising quality Excellent communication skills Current manual drivers licence A respect for heritage is an advantage Availability at weekends and public holidays is essential Willingness to be flexible around the tourist season Applications for the position of Casual Housekeeper and Cleaner are now open. Please email your cover letter and resume by COB 15th September to [email protected]. Those applicants who are invited to attend an interview will be contacted via email or telephone. #woolmersestate #positionvacant

13.01.2022 five, six, pick-up sticks! In the past, families made much of their entertainment at home, in particular those who lived in rural areas. Pick-up sticks date back to at least the 1800s and possibly farther.... Also known as jackstraws, spillkins and mikado, the game involved the sticks being bunched and then released suddenly, the challenge being the picking up of the (dis)arrayed sticks, one at a time without disturbing any other sticks. The sticks may have been made of bone, ivory, wood, bamboo, straw, reed and of course later, plastic. A steady hand and patience was needed! Has anyone been dragging out their old games and toys during isolation? #woolmersestate #australianconvictsite #isogames #toysandgames

13.01.2022 Open Thursday-Sunday from 10am for self guided tours of the gardens & explore the out buildings. Join us this Sunday for our Open Garden Day. Numbers for the two sessions are strictly limited and tickets only available online. https://launcestontickets.com.au//woolmers-estate-open-gar... #woolmersestate #opengardentasmania #australianconvictsite #rosegarden #roses #festivalofroses #buylocal #discovertasmania

12.01.2022 The comfort and wellbeing of our visitors and community continues to be our foremost priority, so while you get busy planning your visit, our team will be busily preparing the site to safely welcome you back in accordance with our COVID Safe work plan. If youre keen to get that road trip started, this weekend marks the perfect time to discover the fascinating history and serene beauty our convict site offers. The gates are open from 10am, Thursday-Sunday. Well see you soon...! #australianconvictsite #discovertasmania #welcomeback #woolmersestate

12.01.2022 We are experiencing some rather chilly conditions on site but a little cold weather cannot deter our wonderful team! According to his diaries, on the 11th June 1849, William Archer set about pruning some indigenous shrubs and trees he discovered near a river which he planted in a garden. Whether these were planted at another Archer property or at Woolmers we do not know, however it seems that a love of gardening, botany and plants can inspire great productivity, even on the coldest of days. #williamarcher #botanist #woolmersestate #woolmersrosegarden #volunteersareawesome

11.01.2022 From 1819 Woolmers Estate was developed and farmed by a large workforce of assigned convicts under Master, Thomas Archer. Today the property still contains a large and uniquely intact complex of convict-built structures, many of which are in working order. These structures bear witness to the lives of the male and female convicts who worked under private assignment.... To learn more about the Convict Assignment System, be sure to book a Guided Convict Tour when you next visit us. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsites #convictlife #assignedconvicts #heartheirstories #learn #educate #holidayathome #discovertasmania

11.01.2022 One of our little friends is doing a marvellous job supervising the gardeners. #woolmersestate #woolmersrosegarden #wobbly #wallyorwilma #australianconvictsite #nativewildlife #helpingout #woo

10.01.2022 Were counting down, just two weeks until we re-open the historic site to our Tasmanian community! We are throwing the gates open from 17 September, so start planning your journey to travel back in time at Woolmers Estate. As part of our re-opening, we are preparing an Annual Site Pass.... We are really excited and cant wait to share this with you. Until then, here is a sneak peek of what we are working on. #australianconvictsite #woolmersestate #tassie #journeybackintime #annualpass

09.01.2022 Weve kept the home fires burning, our accommodation cottages are almost ready for that get away we know youve all been waiting for & Homage Restaurant, our on-site restaurant, is already welcoming diners for a delicious snack or a hearty lunch. Whilst guided tours will remain on hold for the time being, our workforce continue the enormous task of caring for the gardens, grounds and collections. We are thrilled that we can very soon welcome our locals back to visit, wander t...he grounds, gardens & out buildings & enjoy our pristine air. It is not too long now before we can welcome everyone back to Woolmers Estate. #woolmersestate #tassie #welcomeback #accommodation #freshair #staysafe #stayhappy #discovertasmania #australianconvictsite

09.01.2022 With only a week until we celebrate our 20th Anniversary Art Exhibition Cocktail Party, our curators are hard at work setting up. The cocktail party is being held on 20th November 6pm-8.30pm in the Nigel Peck Centre. The venue is nearing capacity and we now have a limited number of tickets remaining at $40 per person. ... Call Woolmers Estate on 03 6391 2230 to purchase your ticket. Canapés by Homage. RSVP: 14 November or earlier if we reach capacity. #woolmersestate #art #cocktailparty #anniversary #artexhibition #buylocal #discovertasmania #supportsmallbusiness #homagerestaurant

09.01.2022 What a stunning day it is here today Our rose garden looks and smells amazing and the site is ready and waiting to take you on a journey back in time. We hope to see you soon!... #woolmersestate #australianconvictsite #woolmersrosegarden #discovertasmania

09.01.2022 Keys and locks were originally constructed from wood until mankind developed metal-working skills that could produce more precise pieces which led us to the well known skeleton key. Metal keys were known to have been in use in Medieval society for castles, the front gates of fortifications & such. At a settlement like Woolmers Estate, keys to buildings such as the Store would have in the early days, been held by an overseer, often by a trusted assigned convict. A number of as...signed convicts held positions of great responsibility at Woolmers Estate during the convict assignment period. Many large keys are still very much in use today, over two hundred years later. Have you been on a Guided House Tour and seen some of our amazing keys? #australianconvictsite #woolmersestate #convicts #lockandkey #safe #skeletonkey #trust

08.01.2022 As the Walled Garden once again inches its way toward midwinter, the imposing Coach House and Stables keep constant watch as it has done for over 160 years. #woolmersestate #woolmerswalledgarden #pixiesgarden #coachhouse #australianconvictsite

08.01.2022 Beautiful warm days mean beautiful blooming roses. We are open Thursday-Sunday for self-guided tours. If you are joining us for our Open Garden Day, be sure to book soon to avoid disappointment.... https://launcestontickets.com.au//woolmers-estate-open-gar #woolmersestate #festivalofroses #woolmersrosefestival #woolmersestatetasmania #opengarden #roses #rosegarden #discovertasmania #gardening

08.01.2022 The following is based on one of the fabulous interest articles our team have been producing for the Northern Midlands Courier, the piece penned by Woolmers Collections team member Leonie. This year has seen some of us experiencing higher levels of social vulnerability and our need to connect with loved ones has become extremely important. Spare a thought for those who lived in Van Diemen’s Land (now Tasmania) two hundred years ago. Whether by choice or compelled to relocate...Continue reading

08.01.2022 We’re open from 10am Tuesday-Sunday. Explore the gardens, take in the rich history, book a guided tour and enjoy this beautiful time of year #woolmersestate #tasmania #australianconvictsites #heritage #rosegardentasmania #roses #tour #convicts #assignmentsystem

07.01.2022 The Woolmers Estate Woolshed is believed to be the oldest and of course one of the proudest existing Woolsheds in Australia. It celebrates the rich, cultural and pastoral history of the region, constructed during the convict assignment system using convict labour. Today, this estimated 201 year old building exists as a rare and intact monument to those convict and free workers who served and the many who went on to succeed in the new colony.... #woolmersestate #woolshed #australianconvictsite #assignmentsystem #ticketofleave #clickgotheshears

07.01.2022 What stunning weather we are having! Just perfect for wandering the gardens and taking a tour. #woolmersestate #tasmania #australianconvictsites #woolmersrosegarden #rosegarden #walledgarden #freshair #holidayathome #convict #convicthistory #assignmentsystem #discovertasmania #tourism #touringtasmania #lovetassie #history

07.01.2022 Woolshed at Woolmers Estate By 1820 Van Diemens Lands (now Tasmania) population had reached 50,000 with settlers having cleared and subdivided 100,000 acres, a...nd with considerable irrigation. The two sea town ports in Van Diemens Land were thriving as well as industries such as shipping, coal mining and salt works. One million fleeces were shorn annually! Woolmers Estates woolshed was in its heyday! Within 17 years, Van Diemens Land had become a commercial force to be reckoned with. The British subjects who had achieved so much in such a short space of time were far from the depraved beings they had been painted as. They had acquired skills under the assignment system, which set many up for success and advancement which could never have been achieved had their original sentences not be commuted to a sentence to be served on the other side of the world. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsites #vandiemensland #assignmentsystem #worldheritage Photo source: Woolmers Estate

07.01.2022 We think this could be captioned The un-sheepish sheep who went on a big adventure #greatescapes #woolmersestate #200yearsofsheep #australianconvictsites #stables #australianshepherd #littlebopeep #sheep #woolshed #wool #wanderlust #exploretasmania #discovertasmania #holidayherethisyear

06.01.2022 William Archers diary entries across 5 months in 1847 detail the advanced stages of the construction of new kitchen wing. On the 20th July of that year, William made a drawing of a crane for the kitchen fireplace and later the plate of the stewing stoves, hot plates and fire dogs. This must have been a very busy time for William Archer of Woolmers as he was also working on the plans for the Hutchins School and designing a new wool press for Woolmers.... #woolmersestate #williamarcher #firsttasmanianbornarchitect #botanist #australianconvictsite #servantskitchen

06.01.2022 Would you like to join us? Our 20th Anniversary Cocktail Party is 20th November 6pm-8.30pm in the Nigel Peck Centre. Limited tickets are now available $40 per person. ... Call Woolmers Estate on 03 6391 2230 to purchase your ticket. Canapés by Homage. RSVP: 14 November #woolmersestate #art #cocktailparty #anniversary #artexhibition #buylocal #discovertasmania #supportsmallbusiness #homagerestaurant

06.01.2022 The white camellia flower is said to be a symbol of adoration. We are all adoring our beautiful camellias now coming into flower and cant wait to be able to welcome you back to enjoy Woolmers with us. #woolmersestate #pixiesgarden #walledgarden #australianconvictsite #reopeningsoon

05.01.2022 Would you like to join us for our Annual Art Exhibition Cocktail Party? Our 20th Anniversary Cocktail Party is being held on 20th November 6pm-8.30pm in the Nigel Peck Centre. Limited tickets are available $40 per person. ... Call Woolmers Estate on 03 6391 2230 to purchase your ticket. Canapés by Homage. RSVP: 14 November #woolmersestate #art #cocktailparty #anniversary #artexhibition #buylocal #discovertasmania #supportsmallbusiness #homagerestaurant

05.01.2022 We are OPEN! After 169 long days, were very thrilled to now be able to welcome visitors again to our World Heritage Site. We have not been resting though! Weve taken this time to improve the gardens and undertake important conservation cleaning on many of our more precious collection items. ... We have made the site COVID Safe for your protection. As part of our re-opening, we have prepared a new Annual Site Pass which offers unlimited site visits. Conditions apply, so please visit our website for more information. We look forward to seeing you soon! #holidayherethisyear #woolmersestate #australianconvictsite #discovertasmania

05.01.2022 Ironing has been around for over 1000 years. Long before blacksmiths started to forge smoothing irons in the late Middle Ages, Northern Europeans were using wood, glass and stones for the purpose. Flat irons were also known as smoothing irons or sad irons (or sadiron) which is an old word for solid. By 1900 electric irons came into use which would have seen the arduous task made much easier.... While Woolmers Estate remains closed, our happy team press on with caring for our beautiful site and look forward to opening the doors again soon. #woolmersestate #worldheritage #australianconvictsite #ironicpun #woolmerscollection Images courtesy of the Woolmers Estate Collections Volunteers

04.01.2022 Thank you to all of our volunteers, supporters and of course everyone who came along to help celebrate Spring at Woolmers. We had a fantastic day and the rain held off! We look forward to more Open Gardens in the future.

03.01.2022 The Church of St Mary in Cloford, Somerset, England was built in the 15th century. The Ball family of Cloford, consisting of parents John and Mary and their six children worshipped at this church and likely baptised their children there also. Their daughter, Ann, had been in the employment of widow Ann Jones. Mrs Jones had placed 36 gold sovereigns in a hand painted deal box kept in the widows bedroom which both women shared. The box was set on fire and a number of sovereigns... could not be located. The loss of the sovereigns led to Anns conviction. First to spend 3 months in gaol, followed by a five month voyage and a sentence of fourteen years. Aged 22, John and Marys daughter Ann set sail aboard the 406 ton ship Edward, never to return home. Ann started her time in Van Diemens Land at the Cascades Female Factory. Her very good ship surgeons report and good gaol report appear to have worked in her favour as she was soon assigned to William Archer of Brickendon. At some time during her time at Brickendon, Ann made the acquaintance of a Coachman, a convict assigned to Thomas Archer from neighbouring Woolmers Estate. Four years after her arrival in Van Diemens Land, this man became Anns husband. Over a period of fourteen years Ann and her Coachman husband Isaac lived at Woolmers Estate while their family grew. While many convicts never heard from home after transportation, records survive of communication from Anns sister in which she hopes that Ann has access to a church or chapple [sic] to benefit her soulI hope you will not forget your soul for its of great value. I hope my deare [sic] sister we shall each other again. Ann never saw her sister or her church in Cloford again, however it seems Ann maintained her faith until her passing in 1898 having lived as a free woman for almost 50 years in Van Diemens Land. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsite #convictlives #annsstory #annandisaac #christchurchlongford #churchofstmarycloford #faith #family Image: Church of St Mary, Cloford, Somerset

03.01.2022 We have so much to be grateful for! Today we welcomed many wonderful visitors to the site and it was a nice reminder of what it is like to be bustling with people! We hope everyone enjoyed exploring the convict history and smelling the beautiful roses in the sunshine.... Today was such a joy to see so many happy faces enjoying all that Woolmers has to offer. Special thanks must go to the lovely tour groups and the incredibly well mannered and well behaved students who visited us We look forward to many more days like today. From all of our team, thank you! #woolmersestate #australianconvictsite #worldheritage #discovertasmania #history #roses #rosegarden #tasmania #supportlocal #convicthistory #woolshed #icons #rosegardentasmania #rosegardenaustralia #woolmersrosegarden

02.01.2022 A DECADE Today Woolmers Estate and neighbouring Brickendon, together with the ten other sites that make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage Property, mark our tenth anniversary since inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This status is the highest level of recognition afforded to a heritage place. The sites include centres of convict administration, worksites, grim penal settlements and of course the more frequently experienced life of a convict assigned t...o Woolmers Estate and Brickendon where they undertook agricultural, construction and household tasks. The responsibility of operating, preserving and presenting the Outstanding Universal Values of a serial World Heritage Property has necessitated a commitment to ongoing collaboration between different state and federal jurisdictions including private owners such as is the case with Woolmers Estate and Brickendon. The Australian Convict Sites Steering Committee comprising of representatives from all 11 sites across four jurisdictions has successfully navigated and guided the effort. This collaboration enables the management of each site to continue the enormous task of the long-term presentation and transmission of the world heritage values. This occasion of the 10th anniversary since inscription causes us to reflect on all that has been achieved during this decade and in the decades that preceded it. We remember the many and wonderful people who have contributed along the way. As custodians, we remain positive that no matter the tribulations, together, we will continue to preserve, present and persist so that the these significant sites may be bestowed safely to future generations. #woolmersestate #unesco #worldheritagesite #australianconvictsites #sarahabad #celebratingadecade Whilst we remain closed for the time being, please enjoy this video produced by the fabulous Sarah Abad: https://www.australianconvictsites.org.au/woolmersestate

02.01.2022 Some days, this is all you need Happy Friday!

02.01.2022 The lavishly decorated drawing room at Woolmers Estate would once have been the epicentre of social activity, its walls witnessing many and varied family conversations and the gossip shared by the Archer family, their assigned house servants & guests. If only the walls could talk! Imagine the stories they could tell. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsite #housemuseum... Image courtesy: Woolmers Collection

02.01.2022 Arnotts was founded in 1865 and we have been enjoying their biscuits ever since. We have located this tin upstairs in the Store while in the process of a very big cleaning project. We wonder what age it might be? A passionate debate is now underway as to what is the best biscuit ... #woolmersestate #woolmers #arnottsbiscuits #isoeating #grandmaspeanutbutterbiscuits #nannasjamdrops #chocolatechip #anzac #cornflakebiscuits #timtams #icedvovos #meltingmoments

01.01.2022 Do you think you know all there is to know about the convict experience? For the convicts assigned to private masters, their experience was frequently very different than those held at facilities such as the other ten Australian Convict Sites. The different experience inevitably led to positive outcomes with convicts serving their sentence and going on to to become successful themselves in the new colony.... We are keen to share these very important but less known stories so be sure to include a Guided Convict Tour next time you visit Woolmers. #woolmersestate #australianconvictsites #convictlife #convicthistory #voices #tour #holidayathome #learnhistory