When I think of historic Tasmania, I think of Richmond first. We first came to Tasmania way back in1985 and Richmond is what I remember the most. It certainly wasn't as busy and as commercial as it is now.

Located 27km from Hobart, Richmond was one of the first areas explored after settlement at Risdon Cove in 1803. Coal was discovered in the area and the river therefore became known as the Coal River. With the establishment of Hobart in 1804, the district became an important stop on the route from Hobart to other parts of the colony. Settlers were encouraged to settle in the area and in 1823 the Richmond bridge was started. The Coal River was often difficult to cross in times of flood, a high bridge was needed. It is said to be the oldest surviving large stone arch bridge in Australia, and was originally called Bigges Bridge after the Royal Commissioner, John Thomas Bigge, who recommended it be built. It was built by convict labour and made of sandstone quarried from nearby Butchers Hill, and completed in 1825.

Richmond was built as a convict settlement and the town was named in 1824 after David Lord's Richmond Park Estate which adjoined the settlement. As a convict settlement the town needed a goal, barracks, magistrate, and courthouse. The town has over 50 colonial buildings, although most are now private residences.

The streets are laid out in a grid fashion, so it is easy to walk around the village.

St John's Roman Catholic Church is the oldest church in Australia that is still used. A short walk from Richmond Bridge, the church is Gothic in style and is the usual rectangle shape of most churches, and located on top of a small hill overlooking the village. With over 1000 Roman Catholics in the area by the 1820's, Richmond had the highest Roman Catholic population outside of Hobart and Launceston. The establishment of the church was lead by Australia's first Roman Catholic Archbishop, John Bede Polding, while visiting Richmond. He persuaded local landowner John Cassidy to donate a portion of his land for the new church. The foundation stone was layed in 1835 and was blessed by Archbishop Polding before he left Tasmania, and money was raised for the construction of the church by both the public and the government. The church was completed in 1837. Additions were made in 1858 and were adaptions to the original design were made by convict Frederick Thomas, who later became an architect.

The inside is beautiful, with stained glass windows and old fashioned pews.

A sad story is the grave of the infant son of the Irish rebel leader, Thomas Francis O'Meagher. Henry Emmet Fitzgerald, aged 4 months, died in 1852 and his father never saw him. His mother, Catherine Bennett was a local colony girl who while travelling to Ross to be governess to six children of Dr Hall, was introduced to O'Meagher who came to help when their carriage was trapped in a ditch. A friendship followed and lead to marriage in 1851 at the home of Dr Hall. His father Thomas, was an Irish Political exile. He found living in Van Demons Land to restricting and escaped to America early in 1852. Catherine, a free settler, was to follow later after the birth of their child. Henry was born and contracted influenza and died at only 4 months. Catherine left for America to join her husband, only to find that O'Meagher had changed. She spent three months with her husband, only to leave for Ireland when she with child. She lived with her father in law in Ireland who loved her like a daughter. Catherine died, aged 22years, soon after the birth of their second son - Thomas Meagher III - and she is buried in Ireland. The second son also never met his father, died in the Philipines and is buried there. Their father, who became Governor of Montana, drowned in 1867 and his body was never recovered. A sad story with all four family members being buried in different continents. Henry Emmett Fitzgerald O'Meagher's grave is located at the front left had side of the church.

Looking like a castle turret, St Lukes Church has hardly changed since being completed in 1835. Constructed by convicts from local sandstone (Butchers Hill). Designed by John Lee Archer with the interior woodwork designed by convict James Thompson (who was pardoned due to the high quality of his work), the church took a while to complete. The church was closed for some time due to the decaying of the interior and money was raised for restoration.

The Richmond Arms is the only remaining pub in the village. Built on the land of the original Lennox Arms (1830) which also served as the Post Office and offered groceries. It was a stopping place for travellers passing through and as well as a meeting place for locals. It was sold to Cascade Brewery in 1879, and was destroyed by fire in 1888. Cascade quickly rebuilt the hotel and called it The Commercial Hotel. It was renamed The Richmond Arms in 1972. 

So many beautiful buildings and gardens. There are a lot of cafes and craft shops, and of course antique shops. A place to go back to go.