Harland Rise: The History

Harland Rise's history dates back to the early 1800s, when John Ward Gleadow, a prominent lawyer, politician, and businessman in Launceston, purchased the property in 1830. Situated near the picturesque township of Evandale, Harland Rise became a cornerstone of the region’s history and agricultural heritage.

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  • 1801

    John Ward Gleadow was born in Kingston upon Hull, Yorkshire, England.

  • 1825-1826

    Gleadow arrived in Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) aboard the Andromeda.

    He was granted 2,000 acres on the Break O’ Day River, naming it "Frodsley."

    He was admitted to the Tasmanian Bar and began practising law in Launceston.

    Married Diana Keaston and settled in Launceston.

  • 1830

    Gleadow purchased and named the property "Harland Rise" in Evandale.

  • 1832

    Co-founded the Cornwall Turf Club and the Tamar Navigation Company, contributing to Tasmania’s developing infrastructure and cultural life.

  • 1834

    Became Secretary of the Sunday School as part of his involvement in the Wesleyan Church.

  • 1836

    Played a key role in the construction of the Methodist Church in Longford, furthering his commitment to the local community.

  • 1851

    Participated in Tasmania's first parliamentary elections, representing Cornwall, demonstrating his influence in the state’s early political history.

  • 1855-1856

    Harland Rise was a bustling agricultural estate employing several labourers, including Edmund Clarke and William Sayer.

  • 1858

    The main house and outbuildings at Harland Rise were constructed under Gleadow’s vision.

    The farm layout, designed by Robert Cheek, was inspired by Tiptree Hall in Essex, England.

  • 1859

    Gleadow’s son, George Thomas Gleadow, married Emma Matilda Bartley and assumed management of the property.

  • 1864

    George Thomas Gleadow passed away, and John Lowe Smith took over the estate’s operations.

  • 1866

    John Ward Gleadow returned to politics, defeating Alexander Rose to represent Morven.

  • 1869

    Gleadow resigned from politics due to ill health.

  • 1881

    John Ward Gleadow and his wife, Diana, passed away within four days of each other, marking the end of an era for Harland Rise’s original owners.

  • 1882

    Harland Rise, comprising 416 acres, along with neighbouring Vinegar Hill (205 acres), was sold to H.S. Smith for £8,011.20.

  • 1922

    The property changed hands again, purchased by Herbert Dowling, continuing its agricultural legacy.

  • Present Day

    The former chapel, once used as a Sunday School in the 1830s, has been meticulously restored and repurposed as unique accommodation. Thanks to the efforts of current owners Peter and Claire, who purchased Harland Rise in 2013, the property’s historic buildings have been saved from ruin and beautifully renovated to honour its heritage charm while introducing modern comforts.