Full details of each lot are displayed, except the lot number, estimate and price. You must be a subscriber to view lot numbers, estimates and prices.
Browns River Probation Station, A small leather-bound New…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
28-Jun-2016
Lot No.
***
Description:
Browns River Probation Station, A small leather-bound New Testament (Cambridge, The British and Foreign Bible Society, Mdcccxxxvi). Endorsed on the title page 'Browns River Probation Station' and in another hand 'J. Skene' and with the 'broad arrow' brand on the front cover., Also, a matching leather-bound volume titled 'Reflections on the Wisdon, Power, and Goodness of God. Selected from Sturm's Reflections.' (Dublin, John Jones, 1828) 180pp., Scarce survivors of the sea journey and later use by lay preachers and priests in Van Diemen's Land., The probation station system was unique to Tasmania and the Browns River Probation Station was one of the first stations to open. Brown's River Probation Station was planned in 1838-39 by Daniel O'Connor, a Brown's River landowner and architect. The station initially consisted of mainly timber buildings. In 1843, the buildings were noted as being of 'a most miserable description'. A number of new buildings were built in 1843 and these were made largely of sandstone and brick. Many of the materials used to build the station were sourced locally. Other materials were brought by sea and brought up to the station site from a landing below the nearby Alum cliffs via a track., By 1843, the station is reported as consisting of the Superintendants House (Acton), a cook and bakehouse, two mess rooms, separate apartments for the convicts, solitary confinement cells, a track from the landing at the beach, a well, and a water tank for washing. It is presumed there was also a number of houses & barracks for the various officers & free men working at the station. There were also sawpits, quarries and a brick making area known as the Brickfields. Work continued slowly during the next three years to bring the barracks up to its full complement. During the 1844-45 period, the station housed its greatest number of convicts, at its peak some 300 men and 67 staff. James Skene, was Superintendent of the Station during this period.
Estimate:
***
Price:
***
Category:
Unclassified