Trust Properties

Franklin House, 1838

Convict built for a former convict.

Built by former convict and successful businessman Britton Jones, Franklin House is notable for its rich use of imported Australian Red Cedar. Extended to accommodate one of the colonies leading private schools which operated there from 1842 until 1866 the house finally became the birthplace of the National Trust in Tasmania in 1960.

Franklin House survives with house, stables and garden. Nearby and also accessible is St James Church which was built in 1845 and has many associations with the House.

The Tearooms are open during house hours for light meals and refreshments. Franklin House can be reached via Metro Bus service numbers 40 and 50 from the City.

  For location and admission times go here

The Soft People

Find all about the latest artwork in the Schoolroom
Click here (opens in a separate window)

Recent Events (Jane's Jottings)

Jane brings you up to date with articles and images
Click here (opens in a separate window)

The Victorian Kitchen Garden

The concept of kitchen gardens in the Victorian era, was that whilst producing for household, they were quite formal and intricate in design, and vegetables, herbs and flowers were inter mixed. View the current plantings and learn more by
Clicking here (opens in a separate window)

A History of Franklin Village

An account with photographs and images of the Franklin Village area including the people and the buildings is now available. This is the first part of an ongoing project, with much more to come. View by
Clicking here (opens in a separate window)

Photographic Display

As the narrow stairs to the upper floor of Franklin House are not suitable for disabled access a photographic tour of the 1st floor is available to view by Clicking here (opens in a separate window)

A Childrens' Trail at Franklin House

To learn more about what the boys did at Mr Hawkes’ School help Patrick find the pails that have been left around the garden.
Click to download this charming activity sheet.