Henry and Sarah Hopkins sailed from Gravesend on the Heroine on the 17th April in 1822. Almost five months later on the 10th of September they arrived at Hobart in Tasmania on the other side of the world. It had been a difficult passage, bad weather forcing the passengers below deck for three months, some were very seasick. Under these conditions strong friendships were formed with other passengers. George and Martha Clarke remained close friends for life even though the Clarke’s continued on to Sydney and then New Zealand. Four days out of Hobart Sarah gave birth to a son, they called him Henry.
In 1804 Lieutenant Colonel David Colllins chose Sullivans Cove as the location for Tasmania’s first permanent European settlement. The cove had a narrow sandy beach with a rivulet flowing into the north east end. There was also a small island connected to the beach with a sandy spit at low tide. The new settlement was named Hobart Town.
By the time Sarah and Henry with their new born son arrived at Hobart Town in 1822 the island was connected to the mainland by a causeway. Further reclamation meant that by the mid 1820’s substantial stone warehouses for merchants had been built. These beautiful sandstone buildings can still be seen on Hunter Street, we will point them out to you when you join one of our colonial house and garden tours.
Learn more of this interesting family history on a Summerhome Heritage House and Garden tour in Hobart. Meet Henry and Sarah’s great great great granddaughter as she guides you through her beautiful private house and garden.
