STORY OF LAUNCESTONS GOVERNMENT COTTAGE

A history of the attempts to establish vice-regal accommodation for northern Tasmania from York Town to Launceston. The book covers the buildings themselves, especially the cottage in Launceston, with supporting plans and illustrations. It also deals with many incidents and personalities from the first settlement in 1804 until the late nineteenth century, especially the various Governors, including Paterson, Arthur, Franklin, Eardley-Wilmot, Denison and Young. Other notable figures discussed include Lady Jane Franklin, RC Gunn, Count Strzelecki and Annie Baxter Dawbin. Topics covered are the immigration scheme for free women and the foundations of the Launceston Horticultural Society. Though based on the history of the cottage itself, the book presents a lively panorama of early Launceston.