Richmond May 14, 2012

Went to  Historic Richmond today - just 24 km.from Hobart located in Tasmania's Coal river Valley. Construction of the Richmond's Bridge, the oldest bridge in Australia commenced in 1823. the township of Richmond was named in 1924.  St. John's Church 1837 is the oldest Roman Catholic Church still in use in Australia. Richmond's goal built in 1825 was last used in 1928 and has not be refurbished and is in its original condition.  The Mill House c 1850 a former steam mill, it was later used as a butter factory and is now used as a bed and breakfast.  The village main street is made up old houses that are now used as store fronts.   Granny Rhodes's cottage c1830 - honors a small group of women who came to join convict  husbands in Van Diemen's Land. in 1827, Mary Wilby, a lace maker, came to join her husband. She was a lace maker- a poor free woman traveling across the world with three daughters, one whom, Maria who became the legendary Grannie Rhodes of Richmond

On the way out to Richmond we stopped a several wineries and did some tasting and bought several bottles of wine.  There are also several local cheese makers who have store front shops along the way and stopped and samples the cheeses.  Have purchased a couple different cheeses - tried yogurt cheese with chili that was in olive oil - was very good.  Then home to have a dinner of the cheese, bread and wine that we purchased.   A great day  in the company  of a  friend that I had not seen for several years, good food and a sunny day, what else could a person asked for.

Richmond Bridge

Richmond Goal

In side the goal

this is a man trap -set up to trap escaped convicts

old houses used as stores

stained glass window in ST. John's Church

back view of St. John's Church

St. John' Church

the mill House

St. John's Church

Richmond's Bridge and the Old Mill House

Granny Rhode's House

The Pooley Family Home at Belmont Vineyard