Robert De Little Tasmania

We explored some of Mark’s great great grandfather’s, Robert De Little, historic buildings around Launceston. He was born in 1808 in England, son of John Doolittle, who changed the name and bought a title before emigrating to Hobart, Australia in 1830. In 1832 he moved to Launceston and became a carpenter and builder preparing architectural designs. With David De Little’s information we were able to find some of his buildings.

We began the day in Longford at Christchurch which Robert designed in 1839. We were lucky that it was briefly open so we managed to have a look inside. 

Next we headed into Launceston to the Colonial Motor Inn, built in 1847 as the Launceston Church Grammer School. He is well represented here with even a room named after him. What was even better was in this room there were numerous articles about him and a portrait. 

He owned various houses and business premises throughout the city. One that was mentioned was the Cornwall Hotel which is still standing.

Opposite was Holy Trinity Church where he married Caroline Roberts in 1845. 

Just north of Launceston along the east bank of the Tamar River near Swan Bay, Robert had some land. His neighbour on an adjoining property called Windermere commissioned him to design St.Matthias church. 

Just to finish off the family tree. Robert’s youngest son Arthur De Little (born 1862) moved to Melbourne and married Catherine McMonagale in 1890 in Richmond. Their daughter Beatrice, had a daughter, Veronica (Mark’s mum). Obviously there is more to this story but that’s the abbreviated version.

We arrive and find a spot for the night at Swan Point on the West Bank of the Tamar River. The cool change brought a large hail storm. Thankfully no damage. 

151km today.