Brick-by-brick a nearly 200-year-old wall has been faithfully restored at historic Franklin House.
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Officially unveiled on Sunday, the wall’s restoration was more than a year in the making and the result of $80,000 in funding.
Built in the late 1840s for the purpose of separating the then-boys school from the next door hotel, Franklin House chairwoman Julie Dineen said the wall’s condition had been deteriorating for years.
“The wall was built so the boys would not be tempted to go over to the hotel and we assume it was built by convict labor and the bricks were built of clay on the property,” she said.
“A few years back, new neighbours moved in next door and started to clear it off. That’s when we realised what a poor state it was really in. It was leaning and it wasn’t safe.
“After consultation with the national trust, the decision was made that it needed repairing. It was propped up for a while and then of course we needed the funds to have it repaired.”
City of Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten acknowledged alderman Simon Wood, who campaigned for the restoration works, as well as the house’s dedicated volunteers.
“It is incredible to have so many people so passionate and committed to volunteering at Franklin House. It is a great asset for our city,” he said.
The City of Launceston contributed $40,000 towards the wall’s restoration, matching a funding commitment made by the state government in June last year.
Treasurer Peter Gutwein said he hoped the new wall would stand for as long as the original did.
“I think it demonstrates the City of Launceston and state government, working with groups that have an interest and an investment in the community to get things done,” he said.
“I must say it is sensational – it is almost imposing.
“Considering it was almost 200 years that the original lasted, hopefully this one will last even longer.”
The plaque unveiling coincided with a family fun day held at Franklin House on Sunday, with all proceeds going towards the historic house’s upkeep.
Ms Dineen said the committee had been waiting for the right event to officially unveil the completed wall.
“We wanted it to be special, because it has been such a long time in the making,” she said.
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