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Convict built & listed
by the National Trust as 'the finest & most substantial hotel building of the late colonial period in Australia'. Foxhunters Return was designed by Irish master stone mason Hugh Kean.
Rooms
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Red Bridge
The original river crossing was via a bridge known locally as 'Black Johnny's Bridge'.
Constructed in 1822 at the foot of 'Tragedy Hill' at the end of Bridge Street this bridge
carried all traffic between Launceston and Hobart.
The first coach passed through Campbell Town in 1832 on a mail cart run by J.E. Cox.
Within two years Cox added a stagecoach. During this time William Broad erected an inn
in Bridge Street to cater for this passing trade. William's inn, known as 'The
Foxhunters Retreat' still stands in Bridge Street. Foxhunters Retreat was very
successful as all traffic travelling between Hobart and Launceston and further north
passed by the door. As Campbell Town was ideally placed between the two centres,
timing was just right for a stopover at the inn.
Due to regular road closures occasioned by flooding, the Inspector of Roads and Bridges,
Roderick O'Connor, recommended construction of a three arch bridge to the governor
in 1833. This new bridge would require a new section of highway to be constructed
through the town using High Street instead of Bridge Street. William Broad quickly
seized the opportunity and purchased land behind his inn that fronted High Street.
William then contracted Hugh Kean, an Irish master stonemason, to build his new inn,
the 'Foxhunters Return' was born. Hugh Kean began construction in 1833 and
developed Foxhunters Return in stages over the next 7 years.
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