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| 1823 Australia's oldest still in use bridge |
In the heart of Richmond lies Australia's oldest stone bridge, dating back to 1823.
Visit the Richmond Gaol and lock yourself in one of the ghostly cells, admire the Old Hobart Town model village or get lost in a maze.
There's lots of colonial accommodation available in Richmond, along with restaurants, cafes and an endless array of local arts and crafts. Just exploring Richmond on foot is a delight.
History
Richmond is one of Australia's most authentic Georgian villages with Australia's oldest Roman Catholic Church and oldest Bridge.The official naming of Richmond appeared in the Hobart Town Gazette on Friday, February 27, 1824. It stated: "On Saturday last, His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor (William Sorell) left town on an excursion to Pitt Water and the Coal River and, on Monday last, was present at the laying out of a Township in the last-named district, to which His Honour gave the name Richmond; and on the occasion was attended by all the respectable inhabitants of the neighbouring districts. The Township is advantageously situated on the banks of the river and the Coal River Bridge leads directly to it."
In Richmond's early days, it was the main transport route to Port Arthur and the north of the Island making it a fast growing community. With the opening of the bridge at Bridgewater in 1849 and the Sorell Causeway in 1872, Richmond settled into a farming tradition and growth of the town slowed.
Richmond has much charm and historical value, almost every building in the town has some history attached and much of this history has been well preserved.
Richmond is now a great attraction to visitors from home and abroad and the local community have done a marvellous job in preserving a piece of history and accepting large numbers of people to come and experience the appeal of this genuine Georgian village.
Also visit www.richmondvillage.com.au
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