New Norfolk's big day

IN the absence of any other definitive date, the foundation of the New Norfolk can be said to have been formalised 200 years ago today, November 27, 1811. On this day, colonial governor-in-chief Lachlan Macquarie visited the small settlement of New Norfolk and announced that he would build a town on the bank of the River Derwent. Settlers had been in residence since their inauspicious arrival in November 1807 and the local constable, Denis McCarty, was appointed in early 1808 and is credited with building the first house - Birch Grove Farm.

From the governor's diary:
"Wednesday 27th November 1811.
At 6 o'clock this morning Mrs M. and myself, on horseback, accompanied by the gentlemen of our family and Lieutenant Gunning, set out from Hobart Town on purpose to visit and inspect the farms in the district of New Norfolk. We rode to a farm called Black Snake Point on the south side of the river about twelve miles from Hobart Town, where we halted to breakfast; after which we proceeded on horseback again to Tea Tree Point, three miles farther up the river, where we embarked on board of Captain Murray's Barge, which we found waiting for us there. We set out in her at 12 o'clock, and after two hours and a half's row up this fine river, we arrived at Mr Dennis McCarty's farm in the district of New Norfolk; five miles from Tea Tree Point on the north side of the river, where, finding a comfortable farm house, and a hearty rural honest welcome, we took up our residence for this day and night.

At 1/2 past 3pm Mrs Macquarie & myself attended by the gentlemen of our party, and Mr McCarty, crossed the river to the south side to visit the Government Farm & Stock Yard, running along this fine long reach of the river for about three quarters of a mile North East & South West. The land here is quite clear of timber and the view from this farm is beautiful and extensive; having a very pretty rivulet of fresh water running at the back of. The farm being elevated, and running along a fine ridge between the great river and the rivulet. This situation appeared to me so eligible and so remarkably well adapted for a township, being twenty miles only from Hobart Town, that I have determined to erect one here for the district of New Norfolk, naming it "Elizabeth Town", in honor of my dear good wife, and I have christened the rivulet "The Thames". After a delightful walk at Elizabeth Town, we re-crossed the River to Mr McCarty's, where we had a most excellent dinner.

A great number of the settlers received us with many cheers and huzzas on our first landing at McCarty's Farm, where they continued drinking, singing, and making bonfires the greater part of the night. We went in the boat to see the 1st fall after dinner."

The governor's diary has been lightly edited for clarity. Read the original at:
http://www.lib.mq.edu.au/all/journeys/1811/1811.html