Raid by Bushrangers

The barred entrance off the cobblestone courtyard

Captain Horton built Somercotes with every possible protection against the danger of attack by bushrangers and aboriginals. All windows were fitted with both internal and external cedar shutters, the doors and windows were barred and the courtyard was secured by heavy gates and a high sandstone wall topped with an imposing iron palisade.

The spikes on the palisade, still evident today are nearly 16cm in height and angled outwards and upwards to deter any would be assailant.

Somercotes was considered to be one of Tasmania's more secure homesteads and is believed to have survived all but one attack from the feared bushrangers.

Despite these measures, in 1843 Somercotes was raided by Tasmania's infamous bushrangers, Martin Cash, Kavanagh and Jones. Martin Cash in later years describing his attack upon Somercotes remarked:

"We soon arrived within sight of the fortress - it being the most appropriate name I can find for that gentleman's residence, which was defended by an outer wall with embrasures, and in fact all the other appliances of a citadel about to be besieged."

In the heist a shot was fired and the bullet lodged in the architrave of the door where it still remains. The opposite door show gun barrel indentations, further visual evidence of this raid.

HISTORY LINKS
Captain Horton • Ticket of Leave
Bushrangers • Horton College • The Grounds