BOTHWELL TIMELINE

This updated timeline is based on one prepared by Mary Ramsay and an unknown Bothwell resident published on the Bothwell Historical Society website

1807

Thomas Laycock, a Lieutenant in the NSW Corps, was sent by Lieutenant Governor Paterson to walk with a party of men from Launceston to Hobart for food.  They camped on the banks of the Clyde River, somewhere near Bothwell on 8th February 1807.  After this, kangaroo hunters visited the area, grazing licences were issued and stock keepers and stock huts occupied the area.

Source: Thomas Laycock, Australian Dictionary of Biography, (https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/laycock-thomas-2340)

1818

Michael Howe, reputed to be the worst of the Bushrangers, was killed on the banks of the Shannon near Hunterston. His body was buried on site but his head was taken to Hobart for the reward.

Source: Michael Howe, Australian Dictionary of Biography, (https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/howe-michael-2206)

1820

Lieutenant Governor William Sorell and surveyor, George William Evans, visited the district and found the land suitable for sheep farming.

1821

Charles and Horace Rowcroft arrived in Hobart on board the Grace on the 11th of August along with Edward and Susannah Nicholas and became the first settlers in the district. Charles settled on the property known as Norwood; Horace settled at Grassy Hut and the Nicholas family settled at Nant. In October a To Let advertisement was placed in the Hobart Town Gazette and Van Diemen’s Lan Advertiser for a grazing farm of 1000 acres situated on the Clyde River (formerly called the Fat Doe).

Source, Charles Rowcroft, Australian Dictionary of Biography, (https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/rowcroft-charles-2613)

1822

March saw the arrival of the ship Castle Forbes into Hobart bringing several families who also chose to settle in the district. They being - Captain Patrick Wood, Dennistoun; Alexander and Mary Reid, Ratho; Myles and Katherine Patterson, Hunterston; Philip Russell, Strathbarton; Captain Francis and Mrs Sockett, Logan and Adam Smith, Meadsfield. Alexander Reid laid out a golf course on his land and is now renowned to be the oldest golf course in Australia and is still operating to this day. Thomas Axford settled on his property Thorpe and commenced to build a a brick mill-house that derived its energy from the Clyde River with an undershot water wheel.

Source: Alexander Reid, Australian Dictionary of Biography, (https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/reid-alexander-2584)
Source: Philip Russell, Australian Dictionary of Biography, (https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/russell-philip-2620)

1823

James Ross was granted land on the Shannon River and named it the Hermitage. The Honorable Captain William Langdon took up a grant on the Clyde River consisting of 1500 acres and called it Montacute. He had the dubious honour of introducing the blackbird to Tasmania. John and Alice Sherwin arrived on board the Brixton and took up land naming it Sherwood.

Source: James Ross, Australian Dictionary of Biography, (https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/ross-james-2607)
Source: William Langdon, Australian Dictionary of Biography, (https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/langdon-william-2327)

1824

Archibald and Jean McDowall after arriving from Scotland on the Portland, took over the property Logan from Captain Patrick Wood who had earlier bought it from Captain Sockett. James Foster was in charge of a Fifeshire bull that arrived on the Triton and was taken to the Dennistoun property. This was the beginning of the Aberdeen Angus cattle and was destined to become the oldest in Australia. Captain William Clark settled on his property Cluny.

1826

In October, Country magistrates put a case forward to obtain a permanent magistrate at Upper Clyde with Captain Patrick Wood appointed to the role.

1828

On the 16th March, the Venerable Archdeacon preached at the Clyde and marked out the site for a chapel to be built in the township. John Vincent received his first hotel license for the Norwood Inn in late September. The name was changed to the Castle Hotel in 1831 and has been continuously licensed to the present day and is one of Australia’s oldest licensed hotel.

1829

CLYDE - In making a tour through the country last week I visited the Upper Clyde, Bothwell, on my return home, and was struck with the improvements in that settlement since my last visit there. Mr Vincent, who keeps the Norwood Inn, has built a good brick house, forty feet by forty-two for an inn. The house contains ten rooms, with out-buildings, and is two stories high. In my travels from Hobart town to Launceston, I found no house to equal it, for I find that other settlers at Bothwell are about erecting brick buildings, seeing such a pattern before them. Doctor Sharland has been appointed District Surgeon, and government is about to erect a brick building for his reception. Many large buildings are now going on. Mr Axford has commenced a brick building close to his flour mill. Mr Garrett preaches regularly at Bothwell every Sunday. Mr Sharland, the Assistant Surveyor is still at Bothwell, busily employed in measuring grants.

Source: "Colonial Times" Clyde, TROVE, 28 Mar 1829, p1, c3, (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4217505)

1830

The laying of the first stone of the Church at Bothwell took place on Monday the 24th May. Floods turned the Cross Marsh into a complete sea and the Clyde messenger nearly lost his life and post-bags attempting to cross the rapid running Jordan River.

1831

Captain D’Arcy Wentworth wrote to the Colonial Secretary stating the new church will be completed and ready to be opened on Sunday the 6th March. The Reverend Robert Drought was directed to perform the Devine service that morning.

1833

The Lieutenant Governor appointed Major Charles Schaw, Esquire, as the Assistant Police District of Bothwell, replacing Captain D’Arcy Wentworth.

1834

The Reverend James Garrett instigated the forming of the Bothwell Literary Society being the first country library in Tasmania. Foundation members included Alexander Reid, Archibald McDowall, Dr Sharland, Captain Patrick Wood, Reverend James Garrett, Robert Barr, Thomas Axford, George Nicholas and John Tod. In late August, allotments consisting of approximately three roods were to be released for sale forming Sections K, L, M, O, P and Q.

1836

An advertisement placed in the Colonial Times for the sale of the White Hart Inn, presently let to a respectable Tenant. James Babtie issued a hotel license for twelve months from September 1836 as licensee of the Falls of Clyde in Dalrymple Street, along with James Macdonald and James Young for the Crown Inn. Thomas Axford placed an advertisement saying the mill at Thorpe had been finished.

1837

A Public Auction took place on the 5th December selling Crown Land allotments in Sections H, I, N and O.

1844

There are many excellent houses in Bothwell, the most conspicuous of which is, the extensive and expensive superstructure reared by Major Schaw, (late twenty-first infantry) the assistant police magistrate of the district. Bothwell boasts a very neat hewn stone church, partly erected by subscription of its inhabitants, but being more favoured than their Hamilton brethren, their edifice did not cost them a fifth the amount which was drawn from the pockets of the Hamiltonians. Service is performed by the Rev Mr Garratt, a clergyman in connection with the church of Scotland. The church, however, was distinctly built for Episcopalian purposes, so that Mr Garratt is liable to removal when the local authorities shall demand. Bothwell also possesses a small military barrack, gaol, police office, and several good inns. There are, likewise, some important estates, whose proprietors' residences are within a short distance of the town; among the most conspicuous are, Dennistoun, the seat of Captain Wood; Fordell, that of Robert Barr; Ratho, of Alexander Reid; Logan, of Walter Macdowall; and Grassy Hill, of Philip Russel, Esquires.

Source: "Cornwall Chronicle" TROVE, 6 Mar 1844, p4 c3, (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/66021579)

1853

John Mitchel, an Irish prisoner, wrote a letter to the Lieutenant-Governor stating he was revoking his parole of honour and appeared in front of the Bothwell Police Magistrate, showing him this note. He offered himself to be taken into custody but turned and absconded, never to be seen in Tasmania again. Scarlet fever took hold in the Bothwell district during August and December with ten children under the age of nine succumbing to the disease; many belonging to the same family. Edward Andrews, a carrier, sold two cart horses for the unprecedented large sum of £420.

1854

Bushfires raged within the district in February with considerable damage done to fences on the property of Fordell and the barn and grain on the property of William Lewis. The following month saw the worst floods in living memory. Bridges were swept away with fences and irrigation channels damaged. Sheep and cattle drowned; crops and orchards destroyed. Crown land to the East and West of the township were put up for sale in August.

1856

The second public School building consisting of three rooms was completed; one of these being the Public Library. Reverend Wickham Hesketh purchased Wentworth House as the Rectory.

1858

It was proposed to reserve a site for a Church, Minister's House and School for the use of the Roman Catholic Community, situated at the corner of George and Patrick Streets.

1859

The Wesleyan Chapel was opened for the first public worship on Sunday the 20th March when the Rev Mr Smith of Campbell Town preached a sermon suitable to the occasion.

1860

An earthquake hit the area in late March vibrating the beds of inhabitants back and forth as they slept. Many described the sensation as “a heavy goods train passing along the railway.”

1862

Bushfires destroyed a large amount of fencing on the Cluny estate and other properties in the district in March and many complaints were heard about the continuing drought. Bothwell was proclaimed a municipality on the 23rd October. The Bothwell Cricket Club was formed.

1863

The first election of councillors took place on the 30th January. The population for the district was 1300; the township 539. Just before Christmas, the Clyde River burst its banks and flooded a great portion of the township; the lower end of Patrick Street being completely submerged.

1864

The Bothwell Rifle Club consisting of fourteen members was formed taking to the field at Logan for the first time on the 25th June. St Andrew’s Catholic Church was opened on the 11th December.

1866

Bothwell was proclaimed a town on the 3rd July 1866.

1868

A “handsome and valuable church clock” was presented to the township by John Dennistoun Wood and erected on the steeple of St Luke’s Church. Twenty-five English trout that had been bred at Salmon Ponds from ova brought from England, were released into the Clyde River at Logan by Archibald McDowall. Snow fell turning the township white; in some outlying areas it was two feet deep.

1872

Floods hit the township again, the highest since 1854, spreading over the low lands like a sea. People were forced to leave their premises for safety.

1885

After a visit from Mr Brown, the Minister of Lands and Works, it was decided the Public School was in urgent need of new buildings and plans were put into place to erect a new schoolhouse at Market Place.

1886

On the 22nd June the tender from M J Flanagan for £839 was accepted for the erection of the new State school.

1888

The ceremony for the turning of the first sod for the Brighton to Apsley railway took place on the 30th October.

1891

The official opening of the Brighton to Apsley railway occurred on the 22nd April providing a comfortable and easy means of communication between Apsley and Hobart. There was talk of it being extended to Bothwell, but this never came to fruition. St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church was consecrated by Bishop Henry Montgomery.

1892

The Crown Inn on the corner of Alexander and James Streets was burned out on the 13th June; the people of the house barely escaping with their lives. By the 26th November, the hotel had been rebuilt and newly furnished throughout.

1897

This year we have not had many visitors, and those who have honoured us with their presence must, while strolling round, be struck with the neglected appearance of some of the buildings and fences. One building in particular calls for comment, viz, the Wesleyan Chapel, which presents a very unsightly appearance. There is scarcely a whole pane of glass in the windows, the boundary fences are broken more or less, and also the grave fences. This is almost in the centre of the township. One would think that the trustees of the Chapel would try to make the building an ornament to the place instead of what it is now.

Source: "The Mercury" TROVE, Bothwell, 22 Apr 1897, p3, c7, (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9395682)

NOTES FROM THE COUNTRY
18 Aug 1903

Article written in The Mercury, 18 Aug 1903, p6, c3 (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12273727)
The Mercury, (Hobart, TAS : 1860-1954). TROVE (https://trove.nla.gov.au).

BOTHWELL. One of the oldest settlements in Tasmania is Bothwell, which is situated on the Clyde River, and just 45 miles from the capital. The immediate country is very level and open, but a few miles in any direction from the post office the hills rise, and practically appear to hem in the whole place. The land is very good, being for the most part dark, loamy soil, but there is very little difference, if any, in the formation of the hills, to those existing in the Midlands. The majority of the pioneer settlers were Scotchmen, and at present their descendants have a large stake in the district. Bothwell is a grazing centre, but a good deal of agriculture is carried on, especially of late years.

The largest holding in the district is Dennistoun Estate, which is owned by Mr J G Wood. It was taken up by his father, the late Captain Wood, about 80 years ago and was acquired, at first, by grant, and afterwards by purchases of blocks in different places. Captain Wood, by his will, devised his lands in various lots to his five sons, all of whom were minors at his death. Only two of them, the youngest and eldest, now survive, and these two are in possession of all the country that was formerly owned by their father and deceased brothers. The youngest living son is Mr Alexander Wood, who resides in England, and has never yet visited the Commonwealth. His land is rented by Mr J G Wood, and comprises 3,254 acres in the vicinity of Bothwell, 2,072 at Spring Hill, between Bothwell and Hamilton, and 5,900 at the locality known as the Den. The areas owned by Mr J G Wood are 6,287 acres in Dennistoun proper, 2,643 at Lake Crescent, 3,500 at the Den, and 11,600 on the Hamilton side of Bothwell. These lands collectively are spoken of as the Dennistoun Estate, but from the foregoing figures it will be seen that Dennistoun proper is not a very large area.

Grazing Merino sheep is the staple industry adopted by Mr Wood, the number of sheep annually shorn being about 21,000. He does not cater for prize sheep.

Within the last few years a good deal of agriculture has been followed on Dennistoun on the share system, but no estimate could be formed of the quantity that will be cropped this year, as the weather, up to the time of my visit, had proved a great obstruction. The residents of Bothwell have hailed with satisfaction the action of Mr Wood in setting apart a large area for agricultural purposes. The owner of Dennistoun only grows fodder crops himself.

When Captain Wood was alive he imported some Fifeshire bulls, but the breed died out, and for many years past the cattle bred on the estate have been Polled Angus. In 1900 Mr Wood imported two Angus bulls from New Zealand. One of them, Monarch II, took four first and champion prizes in that colony, and won the first prize in his class at the Hobart show in October, 1901.

The Dennistoun homestead is situated about five miles to the north of Bothwell township, and is 1,150ft above the sea level. Mr Wood took up his permanent residence there in 1898, and since that time he greatly improved the place by adding a wooden building to the old stone one. The homestead possesses a lovely drawing-room and library.

Mr Wood was educated in Scotland, and soon after being called to the English bar, settled in Melbourne at a time when that city was nothing but canvas. He practised his profession with success, and after a few years became a member of the Legislative Assembly, and was Solicitor-General in the first O'Shanassy Ministry, Attorney-General in the Nicholson Ministry, and Minister of Justice in the third O'Shanassy Ministry. Upon the death of his brother William, he abandoned his professional practice at the Melbourne bar, and after more than two years spent in travel, settled in London, where he practised at the Privy Council bar. In 1889 he returned to Melbourne, and ten years later settled at Dennistoun, as stated above, Mr Wood holds the position of Warden for the rural municipality of Oatlands, and the residents are very fortunate in having a gentleman with such legal knowledge for the post of chief magistrate.

From the homestead there is a grand view towards the west of a range of mountains, culminating in such peaks as Frenchman's Cap, 4,756 feet high, and Mount Field, which is about the same height. To the north is Wood's Quoin, rising 3,033 feet above the sea level.

Dennistoun has witnessed one or two thrilling events, which were not unusual in the early days. When Captain Wood arrived he put up, in the first instance, a row of huts, built with turf, with thatched roofs, earthen floors, and hung blankets up at the entrances to serve as doors. Here he and Mr P Russell, a relation, of the well-known pastoralists of that name in Victoria, whom he engaged in Scotland and some servants, resided for a time. Mrs Reid and her two children, who, with her husband had been fellow passengers of Captain Wood, were staying there (Mr Reid being on his way from Hobart) until Mr Reid could put up a habitation of some kind on the land lower down the Clyde, now known as Ratho, when a man armed with a gun made his appearance, saying that he was a constable, looking for bushrangers, and took up his station at the door. An accomplice then went to where Captain Wood and Mr Russell were at work, and told them that Mrs Reid and the women were terrified by some bushrangers. They ran to the hut, and were seized by a gang of about 14, and had their arms bound with cords. The robbers remained until morning, occupying themselves all night in turning out the stores of clothing and other things. When they did leave they took as much as they could carry in sheets. Some of the men were afterwards arrested in the streets of Hobart wearing shirts with Mr Reid's name on. As there was then no court in Van Diemen's Land before which they could be tried, they were taken to Sydney, whither Captain Wood had to go to prosecute them. They were found guilty, and several were hanged. In a little burying ground on the estate is a tombstone which tells of another risk to which settlers in the early days were liable. The inscription thereon reads as follows- "Here lie Mary wife of Richard Daniells, and her two children, who were murdered by blacks at the Den in the year 1831."

The Meadsfield Estate is another large property, comprising about 19,500 acres. It is situated six miles to the west of Bothwell, and was taken up about 1830 under a grant, by the late Mr E C Nicholas, whose executors are the present owners. About 16,000 sheep are shorn annually, 7,000 of them being high class Merinos. On an average 600 head of pure Hereford cattle are grazed on the estate for the greater part of the year. Though no show stock is bred, none but the best sires are used, the bulls being from the Winton strain. Rape is the chief crop grown on Meadsfield, 100 acres being cultivated every year with this fodder, which is used for fattening purposes. The management of the estate is in the hands of Mr H R C Nicholas.

Adjoining Meadsfield on the north is Selma. The area is 7,000 acres, and the owners are Messrs McRae Brothers. About 400 acres are cultivated annually, principally with wheat. As cropping country, it is very superior. One paddock of 40 acres has been cropped continuously for the last 23 years without being manured, and the average yield of wheat has been 26 bushels. The same paddock will be sown again this year but at present it cannot be worked owing to the ground being too wet. Selma is the only part of the district where potatoes can be grown to perfection, but through a railway station being so far away the industry cannot be followed with success financially. The proprietors have a standing flock of about 5,000 sheep, and three years ago a start was made to improve the breed by introducing rams from the celebrated Winton flock. About 150 head of pure Hereford cattle are also grazed on Selma.

There are several other large properties in the Bothwell district, and as they are all similarly engaged in practically the one industry, grazing, it is hardly necessary to outline them individually. The acreage, however, of some will serve to convey what an important pastoral centre Bothwell is.

Nant, owned by the executors of the late Mr W Nicholas, is 15,000 acres in extent and rented by Mr T C Newnham.
Ratho is an area of about 10,000 acres, and the owners are Mr A A and the Misses M and A Reid.
Ibbott Vale is owned by Messrs G W and A Ibbott and comprises about 16,000 acres.
Cluny, managed by Mr S Porter, is an area of about 25,000 acres.
Hunterson is owned by Messrs Allison Brothers and is 7,000 acres in extent.
Southernfield is 8,200 acres. The owner Mr W P Dobson is a son of the late Chief Justice of Tasmania.

Mr F McDowall is the owner of Katrine Vale, an estate of about 5,000 acres. Mr. McDowall's father was police magistrate for the district before it was proclaimed a municipality and for nearly 20 years was Warden for Oatlands, though not in continuous periods.

The township of Bothwell is nicely laid out with surveyed streets supported by substantial and commodious dwellings and business places. In the street facing the Church of England and State school is a narrow strip of land fenced in and planted with ornamental trees which give a pleasing appearance to that part of the town.

The principal business places are those of Messrs White and Bowden, H W Ellis and Son, Mrs J B Evans, and W H Sealy, all of whom conduct general stores. Mr Sealy is the local agent for "The Tasmanian Mail." There are three hotels, the Castle, White Hart, and Crown, the respective licensees being Messrs R Bowden, T Best and H N Nichols. Bothwell at one time possessed a brewery but it is now like industries referred to in previous articles.

The Town hall is a fine building capable of holding 500 people. It was only erected in October last at a cost of £1,389. As a sounding hall it has few rivals and everyone who has visited it and is competent to judge, congratulates the residents on having such an excellent hall in their midst. The old council-chambers are close to the bridge over the Clyde River and from present appearances the new hall was not erected before it was required as the old one was certainly not in keeping with the district's progress or surroundings. It is proposed to repair the discarded hall and use it as quarters for the resident sub-inspector of police. The council clerk is Mr A C Hirst.

On the opposite side of the river to the old council chambers is Wentworth Fort, which was used as barracks for the soldiers in the convict days. It now serves as the local watch house.

There are three churches, viz, the Church of England, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian, all freestone buildings and close to each other. There are some beautiful stained glass windows in the first named, and a costly communion rail. The cost of the latter was borne by the employees of the Nant Estate in 1888. It may be mentioned that this church is regarded as one of the best outside the two cities. The minister is the Rev W J Dodson who has only been in charge for a short time. The Rev Father Murphy, of New Norfolk, officiates at the Roman Catholic Church. In the Presbyterian Church there is a striking clock that was a gift from the present Warden Mr J D Wood. The minister is now out of the State on a visit.

Although Bothwell has a population of nearly 400 people, yet it is minus the services of a resident doctor. At present, if medical assistance is required it has to be brought from either Hamilton or Oatlands, a distance of 20 miles. A strong local feeling prevails to obtain a doctor and to this end the municipality has agreed to guarantee one a salary of £100 a year as health officer, whilst £150 will be guaranteed privately. No doubt if this were known generally some medical man might feel disposed to commence practice under such conditions.

One of the district sights is the Clyde Falls, about two miles down the river from the township. They are fully 50 feet in height and when the river is running pretty full the locality is a favourite visiting place among the residents. The river abounds with trout, and in the season some large catches are made. The fish vary in size, some of them turning the scales at very creditable weights. Mr R Bowden has a photograph of a catch made by three rods last year, a glimpse of which would be sufficient inducement for any ardent angler to make a trip to Bothwell in the season.

The leading sporting institution is the Racing Club. The course is quite close to the township on the Dennistoun Estate and is fairly well improved. A race meeting is hold on the 17th March in each year, when about £120 are given away in prizes. The golf links and tennis court are popular places of amusement.

There is at present residing in Bothwell a Mr S W F Taplin who is one of a New Zealand family of five sons, all of whom had seen active service in the late South African war. Mr Taplin went as a trooper with the second New Zealand contingent and was discharged on the expiry of his term of service, but returned to South Africa and joined the Imperial Light Horse and was rather badly wounded at Fraserburg after being appointed a sergeant. The oldest brother T K Taplin, who was living in New South Wales, went to the front as sergeant with the second Mounted Infantry from that State, returned home, discharged, and reenlisted in the first Commonwealth contingent, but, unfortunately, he was killed in action at Klerksdorp. Stanley R S Taplin joined the Peninsular light Horse in South Africa, and the fourth son, Sergeant Wm K Taplin, went to the front with the sixth New Zealand contingent and after serving obtained his discharge at Capetown and formed one of the Coronation contingents. Burton B W Taplin was given a commission in the eighth New Zealand contingent, and after peace was declared he started business in Johannesburg where he still resides. They all left good situations to go out on active service and it is believed that the family hold the Australasian record for having the most representatives in the field. The father is a native of Borley, in Hampshire, and bore arms himself as a colonial volunteer during the Maori war.

MONTACUTE.

This is the name of a locality about 10 miles on the Hamilton side of Bothwell but there is no habitation beyond that on Montacute Estate to attract the notice of strangers. The road leading from Bothwell to the estate is now in very bad condition and on those portions that are not metalled the horses attached to vehicles cannot be driven any faster than at walking speed. The Montacute Estate comprises about 5,500 acres and was first taken up by the late Mr W Langdon. A large portion offers every advantage for agricultural pursuit, a fact recognised by the present tenants Messrs Hallett Brothers who cultivate on an average about 500 acres annually. Wheat is the principal cereal grown. A fair acreage is set apart for growing rape to feed the stock when the natural supply is at a minimum. With the exception of between 200 and 300 head of cattle the remainder of the estate is grazed by crossbred sheep. The tenants are noted locally for the splendid teams of horses they possess. Close to the homestead is a neat little freestone building that was erected by the original owner of the estate as a Church of England. Services still continue to be held in it, the minister journeying from Bothwell. As may be imagined the congregation is not a very large one but several of the adherents attend from Hollow Tree, some few miles distant. In common with many other parts of the district the rabbit industry is giving employment to trappers on Montacute. The rabbits are collected by a Bothwell resident on behalf of a Hobart firm for freezing purposes.