Royal Society of Tasmania: York Town by John Dent OAM

The Royal Society of Tasmania Northern Branch presents a public lecture by John Dent OAM: York Town; then (1804 to 1806) and now.

York Town was the site of the first permanent European settlement in northern Tasmania from 1804. The town grew to house 300 people but was abandoned in 1808 for the settlement of Launceston. The settlement struggled for the first couple of years facing food shortages, convict escapes, military discontent, piracy and conflict with the indigenous population.

The site was just abandoned when they moved to Launceston, leaving a time capsule of those four years in the ground.

In more recent years, the site has been re-discovered and has been heritage listed, sites archaeologically excavated, the site opened up to visitors, and a book written about the people and events of York Town.

This talk tells us the history of York Town in Tasmania.

About the speaker

John Dent is currently President of The West Tamar Historical Society and is a member of Launceston Historical Society, President of the Tasmanian Family History Society (Launceston Branch), president of the Launceston History Centre and on the committee of the Friends of The Launceston Mechanics Institute.

John has published many articles, co-written the history of York Town, written chapters for books and given numerous talks on many aspects of northern Tasmanian history. He was a registered land surveyor in private practice but has recently retired.

John was awarded an OAM in 1996.