Sue
our guide, gave us a background to the house, and it's occupants.
The Van Diemens Land
Company was established in London in 1824 by a group of influential
merchants, businessmen and politicians who formed the company in a hope of
making a fortune from fine merino wool. The sheep died because of the cold and rain and
the wool enterprise failed. But the land proved excellent for agriculture
once cleared of timber. It was
the first
residence for Edward Curr, first
manager and wife Elizabeth who had 15 children - 11
survived.
In 1856 Highfield was
leased to Dr William Story, and shortly after to Frederick Ford. The
Ford family purchased the Highfield property in 1914. and then had several
owners.
In 1982 Highfield was
bought by the State Government who administer it as a Historic
Site.
A marble
fireplace; right - photos of paintings - top Jorgen
Jorgenson; below Frederick and
Ellen Ford; on right - we dress-up in period costume for a photo!
Below - The 2 story building was built for Edward
Curr - the Chapel below for divine services, the upper story was used as
a schoolroom for the children of Highfield.
