Franklin Square as it is known today encompasses the earliest site of Hobart’s colonial history. From Lieutenant Collins tent in the first few days of settlement in 1804 to the development of George’s Square in 1811 and thereafter the first Government House on this site this area has continued to be a public green space adjoining the colonial buildings of the Public Offices. In 1859 the area was redeveloped and established as Franklin Square to be a memorial to Sir John Franklin a past governor of Tasmania. When the statue and surrounding fountain were designed, it was strategically placed on the same axis as Macquarie Street and parallel to the Franklin Square offices. The paved ovoid area around the statue and fountain was designed with the same proportions as the Murray St Public Buildings forecourt area (now called the Treasury Building), thus making a direct and tangible link between the two areas. Governor Macquarie’s vision for this area as a civic centre for the new colony incorporating gardens and a market place can still be seen today.
Photo Credit: c. 1900 image, Archives Office of Tasmania.
Photo Credit: sculpture and fountain, Mia Williamson.
