Farming in New Town: The early 1800s

Between 1805 and the 1840s the land around New Town provided a wide range of produce from pigs, cattle, peas, sheep, goats, grains, fruit and even wine. The first wine in the Settlement was made here in 1827 and we still have a vine at Lauderdale from this first vineyard, said to have come from cuttings taken at Maria Island. 

The farm was then leased and later purchased by Captain Swanston who increased grape plantings and put the vineyard on a more commercial footing. He produced sherry, liqueurs, champagne and “claret”. Swanston’s wine won international and mainland recognition.  He is also remembered for selling some grape cuttings to John Reynell of South Australia in the 1830s. Captain Swanston was first President of the Tasmanian Horticultural Society.

The area was highly productive and businesses such as tanneries, breweries, distilleries and mills were situated along the New Town Rivulet. Remains of sandstone footings, bridges and of course the second oldest farm house – Pitt Farm: still a residence – can be seen today from our yard.

 These large farm properties were divided, amalgamated and changing hands between the likes of Alfred Luttrell and Thomas Hayes, Bartholomew Broughton and Charles Swanston through the early 1800s. It was during Swanston’s time in the 1830s and 40s that the orchard was believed to be planted. Part of this remains today along with significant trees such as our ancient fig and mulberry.