Westbury inns of yore & yesteryear : Van Diemen's Land / Tasmania / Judy Uehlein Nelson

The first public-house (The Rose Inn) in Westbury was established in 1829. 130 years on this book concludes with three eccentric sisters (Cora, Genevieve & Myra) who ran Fitzpatrick's Inn. Westbury had up to six licensed hotels running at one time and it is their stories and contributions that interweave the Westbury community. Many of Westbury's early inn-keepers started out as emancipated convicts, at a time when the community was a British military garrison. As the town's responsibilities grew, so did the publicans' involvement in expanding their own financial position. They were responsible for establishing the local breweries, purchasing and running stagecoaches between Launceston and Deloraine, and establishing better roads. Police corruption, the escape of John Mitchel, murders, suicides, infidelities, disloyalties - all occur within the pages of this book. But also covered are the stories of those committed hotel-keepers who held positions of authority as church wardens, club presidents and elected council members. Meticulously researched, the author has gathered facts and testimonials from government sources and family histories. A well designed book, divided into 6 accessible chapters - each with charts, diagrams, newspaper clippings, illustrations, and photographs -- all contribute to an enjoyable read.