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KUMARA
HISTORY

The history of Kumara.

Kumara accommodation commemorative plaque new norfolk tasmania 1830

Kumara s rich and vibrant history is interwoven with Tasmania ’s colonial life throughout the 1800s. It was built c1830 by Mrs. Ann Bridger of “Bush Inn” Hotel fame (our western neighbour), and operated as the educational establishment “Clifton House” Commercial Academy. New Norfolk ’s council clerk, William Cahill, used it as his private residence from the early 1870s until his death in 1897. For the first two decades of the 1900s it was home to Dr. Frank Allwork and his family, and it was at this point that the premises became known as “Kumara”. During the 1920s, local baker Jim Fuller and his family rented the property from local butcher and businessman Walter Sherrin, prior to its sale to a member of the well-known Cowburn family in 1943. From the early 1950s until late 2019 it operated once again as a medical practice with rental accommodation on the re - constructed top level.

The 1830s

The 1840s

c.1830

March

1831

March

1833

February

1835

September 1835

Mrs. Ann Bridger of “Bush Inn” Hotel fame built “Kumara”, possibly with the intention that her youngest daughter Ann and her husband Surveyor George Woodward reside in the property.

The property is advertised for lease.  

It is described as a two storey Brick dwelling-house, situated at New Norfolk, with immediate availability.  The premises contains 8 apartments with excellent cellars, and 4 attic rooms; also stabling, coach house, lofts, wash house, and an excellent garden with choice fruit trees.

The property is well adapted for many purposes, as stores, a private residence, ladies’ seminary, etc.  It is pleasantly situated, having a commanding view of the River Derwent.  Application to be made to Mrs. Bridger of New Norfolk or G. Woodward of Brisbane-street, Hobart Town.

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Miss Ring advertises that she has taken “Clifton House”, the property of Mrs. Bridger, New Norfolk, for the purpose of commencing her establishment for the Education of a limited number of Young Ladies.

The house is well adapted for the purpose, being commodious and delightfully situated.

The Young Ladies will be instructed in English, French, Geography, Music, Dancing, Drawing, History, Writing and Arithmetic, with Plain and Ornamental Needle Work, etc.

Miss Ring will also undertake in three months to perfect any young lady in the Ispahan Formulas Painting, by means of the Goblein Dyes of Paris, in Groups of Flowers, Fruits, Birds, etc.  Highly finished pieces may be executed in the best possible style, without the least knowledge of drawing, colouring, or outlining a single leaf.  Also, Chimney Ornaments in imitation of painted marble, ground glass, etc.

Terms and further particulars, either personally, or by letter, to Miss Ring, New Norfolk.

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Miss Ring advertises that she has taken the large and commodious house belonging to Edward Dumaresq Esq., in consequence of which there will be a vacancy for six pupils in the ensuing quarter.

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Mr. S. Westbrook, Surgeon and Accoucheur, advises the inhabitants of New Norfolk and vicinity, that he has taken Clifton House, next to the Bush Inn.  It is his intention to operate a Dispensary where every article of domestic and other medicines may be had of the very best quality.  He also has a supply of Vaccine Lymph or Cow-pock matter fresh and of the purest description.

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Clifton House is advertised for lease, with immediate possession.  The House is suitable for a school or large family.

1920 historical image new norfolk tasmania

The 1900s

1920 historical image new norfolk tasmania

2015-2017

2011-2014

This is your Education description. Concisely describe your degree and any other highlights of your studies. Make sure to include relevant skills, accomplishments, and milestones gained. Don’t forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.

This is your Education description. Concisely describe your degree and any other highlights of your studies. Make sure to include relevant skills, accomplishments, and milestones gained. Don’t forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.

Get in Touch

0408 588 030

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