Highfield - the first white settlement in N.W.Tasmania.

This settlement was established after the British Parliament granted the Van Dieman's Land Company a very large land grant in the new colony. The company, which was formed in 1824, consisted of influential merchants, businessmen and politicians. The Chief Agent (Mr Curr) for the new venture chose a site near Stanley on the North Coast of Tasmania.He brought his wife and she requested the construction of a large home (they had 15 chidren) with many large windows to allow light to enter. This was a very new architectural feature in that time. Their house was established on a magnificent site using both convict and indentured servants. The discipline was extreme. Unfortunately the aboriginal occupants of Tasmania had been gradually driven from other areas and had taken refuge in this N.W.corner. There was continual friction between the aboriginals and the white men - the last few aborigines (approx 200) were rounded up under order of the Governor and transported to an island in Bass Strait. Chief Agent Curr is reputed to have been directly and indirectly responsible for the deaths of many of the people who had sought refuge in this area.
After 25 years the original 600,000 pounds invested by the VDLCo had returned only 34,045 pounds. The company stopped trying to grow wool and started selling freehold land. They ceased business in 2016.... This island has some very dark histories.

[Casablanca]

Gosh, what a sobering story. That house holds some secrets and memories, I would think......

[Rob Z]

@casablanca Hi Casablanca - you are so right - it was quite horrifying to move from room to room and read more of the history of the house. It was a very cruel environment for many people.

[Ann H. LeFevre]

It's so ironic (and not uncommon) that these beautiful homes were built on such ugly practices. And to think the company moved out without even trying to return the land to its rightful heirs. Nice collage though.

[Rob Z]

@olivetreeann Hi Ann - you have put that so succinctly - something so beautiful from some things so ugly!! It was very disturbing to read all the history. Thanks you for your comment!