I wonder how many people realise as they drive across Windsor bridge, they are using a bridge that was designed and built when Tasmania's Port Arthur was a working convict prison. As they drive through Thompson Square people are not aware they are passing buildings that were constructed long before most of Port Arthur's buildings came into existence, let alone fell into disrepair and ruin.
The difference is that Windsor Bridge and Thompson Square's buildings have always been in use since they were built.
If the buildings of Thompson Square had no roofs, most of their walls were missing and the old bridge half gone with bits sticking out of the river - it would be regarded by all - as is Port Arthur - as a National Treasure. People would flock from all over to tour the decaying history.
They would look at the Square where convicts were flogged until the flesh hung from their backs, their blood carving rivers down the gentle slope until it became one with the Square. Families would take photos of family as they'd fit themselves into a remake of the stocks that stood beside the Bell Post which was rung to call the convicts to muster. Stand beside the gallows where many were executed. See the space that holds the earthly remains of the only rebels to attempt to overthrow an Australian Government. Tread carefully amongst the bricks which are all that are left from the Macquarie Arms, Australia's oldest Pub. From the top of the ruined Square they would look down to the mighty Hawkesbury, wondering what it must have been like when it was all whole and a working, breathing, living place.
However, unfortunately it is not like that. It is actually still a working, breathing, living place. The first Public Square of Australia with all its buildings and all its history intact. The old bridge is strong enough to carry all traffic despite the loads being 5 times those of the 1800s.
So instead people drive through or walk through, oblivious to what is around them. Some bitch and moan and want to tear parts of it down because in their small minds it is so old and no good.
Then on their holidays they pack up the family and spend a fortune go to places like Port Arthur to look at younger old stuff and imagine what might have been.
The difference is that Windsor Bridge and Thompson Square's buildings have always been in use since they were built.
If the buildings of Thompson Square had no roofs, most of their walls were missing and the old bridge half gone with bits sticking out of the river - it would be regarded by all - as is Port Arthur - as a National Treasure. People would flock from all over to tour the decaying history.
They would look at the Square where convicts were flogged until the flesh hung from their backs, their blood carving rivers down the gentle slope until it became one with the Square. Families would take photos of family as they'd fit themselves into a remake of the stocks that stood beside the Bell Post which was rung to call the convicts to muster. Stand beside the gallows where many were executed. See the space that holds the earthly remains of the only rebels to attempt to overthrow an Australian Government. Tread carefully amongst the bricks which are all that are left from the Macquarie Arms, Australia's oldest Pub. From the top of the ruined Square they would look down to the mighty Hawkesbury, wondering what it must have been like when it was all whole and a working, breathing, living place.
However, unfortunately it is not like that. It is actually still a working, breathing, living place. The first Public Square of Australia with all its buildings and all its history intact. The old bridge is strong enough to carry all traffic despite the loads being 5 times those of the 1800s.
So instead people drive through or walk through, oblivious to what is around them. Some bitch and moan and want to tear parts of it down because in their small minds it is so old and no good.
Then on their holidays they pack up the family and spend a fortune go to places like Port Arthur to look at younger old stuff and imagine what might have been.
