During our short stay in Stanley we visited Highfield Historic Site. I love a historical house, more so when it has an English background in another country.
Highfield was built in 1826 in the Regency style of 1811 – 1820, by Edward Curr. Mr. Curr was the newly appointed manager of Van Diemans Land company that had bought 250,000 acres in this region. He and his wife Elizabeth had 15 children, most sent away to school during their early years.
I was fascinated by this house and all the gruesome history that went with it. Being built by the hands of the convicts that were being transported from England at the time. It was a very harsh and rugged terrain and many ventures failed due to the inclement weather.
Highfield House 
The Stables
They made sure they were warm with all these beautiful fireplaces. One in every room.
Upstairs Bedroom 
Dressing Room
We had a wonderful time exploring this house, with all the in-depth information available. There are portraits on the wall of everyone who has lived here and some background history, extracts of diaries from the ladies of the house as well as detailed goods that were needed to run such a busy household.
Of course it must be remembered that before this settlement was built it was home to the diminishing Tasmanian Aboriginal People. With the contest for these lands between the Company and the Indigenous People came many violent deaths and massacres.
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Fascinating history, love visiting buildings with a rich history. When you get the chance to read commentaries like those comments on the convicts, it just helps to evoke feelings of a different time, even if those commentaries are sometimes shocking. Even when unpalatable it’s an essential part of our history. Really interesting post, Ali, made us think of great houses we’ve visited and absorbed the history.
Thanks for your comments Phil and Michaela. This place had stories being aired through the speakers in every room, like listening to a play, so you could imagine it even more
What a fascinating historic house Alison. Loved the views from the windows. Just imagine sitting at the table in that gallery! Hope your week is going well. Marion
Thanks Marion, yes it was a great find
What a fabulous find! I love exploring historic places and it certainly reveals the sign of the times…..15 children, that says it all right there! I also think it is a fabulous idea to have speakers in every room so you don’t need a docent or to carry a head phone around! Cady
Thanks for your comments Cady, it was a great find even hubby enjoyed. Imagine though all those children leaving at such a young age and probably not seeing their parents for years.
I can’t imagine, but that was the way they did things then…… I wonder if years from now people will read our posts or read about our day to day lives and wonder, “What were they thinking?” Especially the world as it is today! Cady
Haha yes maybe, banning people from leaving their own houses!
What a beautiful house, albeit with a dark past. It seems to be so well thought out as a visitor experience too. I love the way they’ve recreated the dining room conversations on the table!
It was such a lovely house, and so much better than having a guide, listening in on various conversations, such a great idea
What a lovely house with such an interesting history. I especially like the dining room with the words of the ladies on the table. Such a range of “convicts” that were sent there.
Thanks for your comments Meg. Yes quite a range but some were sent for just small crimes like stealing, such a harsh punishment
Such a fabulous house Alison, that’s really a find with such beautiful views!
Thanks! It was a great afternoon exploring this house
I love how history comes alive when you step into these houses. The letter about convicts reminds me of one of the central themes in Elizabeth & Elizabeth – which I read during March. Governor Macquarie was all for allowing released convicts to better themselves in order to allow the colony to prosper but many of the settlers resented this. It was one of the things that brought him undone.
That’s interesting Jo, and yet many of the prisoners did prosper and do well for themselves because of all the trades they acquired
And were valuable to the colony for that reason. It’s interesting looking at it with the knowledge we have today.