Melton Manor, which is just about all that remains of the Melton
Mowbray settlement in the Tasmanian southern midlands, is a sprawling
complex over 3 levels. Since its construction in the mid 19th century
the Melton Manor host’s have accommodated military, landed
gentry, government officials as well as transported convicts. The
convicts not faring at all well as they were secured in an underground
cell devoid of any facilities or light which was the norm during the
period of history.
Melton Manor was regarded amongst the esteemed as a prominent
destination for race horse and hound hunt enthusiasts and was renowned
for hosting such events. Mr. Blackwell (the original owner) was revered
for his sporting accomplishments amongst peers and was often sought for
coaching.
In the early 20th century a ballroom was constructed which was beacon
to the districts residents and enhanced Melton Manor’s popularity
as an entertainment venue and travellers retreat. The building, now
known as The Melton Mowbray Hotel, features a secret convict’s
cell and hidden servants’ quarters.
The Hotel was built by Samuel Blackwell who came to Australia in 1840.
A decade later, Blackwell was granted a stage coach licence for a
two-wheel vehicle to run between Green Ponds and Bothwell for 12
months. A year later he bought land at Cross Marsh (now Melton), and in
1858 he built a large two-storey inn which he named Melton Mowbray
after his birthplace in England.
In 1853 he entered horses in the Town Plate run at New Town. A few
years later he decided to import a racehorse from England, and
commissioned a Mr. Brown of Hobart Town, to select a suitable one
during a visit to the Old Country. Mr. Brown bought Panic while the
horse’s owner was absent from home, and there was consternation
when he found his favourite racer had been sold. However, he agreed to
let the purchase stand, and received 1,000 guineas in payment.
Panic enjoyed success in races, the most notable being when he won the
“Championship” of 1865, and ran second in the Melbourne
Cup. Then he was turned out to stud, and one of his first stock was
Strop who won the Launceston Cup four times. Another of Panic’s
foals was Nimblefoot, which won the Melbourne Cup.
In 1860 Blackwell acquired a pack of Beagle hounds, and he hunted
them as the Southern Hunt Club hounds. He had a deer park on his
property, and a racecourse built at the rear of the hotel.
It was not unusual for travellers on the coaches from Hobart to
Launceston to break their journey for two days at Melton to converse
with Mr. Blackwell and admire his trophies and the handsome pictures
which adorned the walls.Many members of the Government stopped at
Melton Mowbray, and when Governor Weld was appointed in 1875 he made a
habit of spending all his annual holidays at Melton and travelling up
there for all the races.
On one occasion His Excellency sent his children and their governess to
the hotel for six weeks’ holiday especially for Mr. Blackwell to
teach the children to ride. During the first Royal Tour of Australia in
1878, the Duke of Edinburgh was the guest of Mr. Blackwell at Melton
Mowbray.