History of 'Woodbridge'

Woodbridge was built by Chief District Constable, Thomas Roadknight in 1825 at a cost of 1000 pounds. It was sold to George Lindley in 1831 and functioned as an academy for young gentlemen and was known as Richmond Hill Academy. Woodbridge was again offered for sale in 1833 and was purchased one year later by William Stanley Sharland for 750 pounds. The Sharland family had been amongst the first arrivals to Van Diemens Land on the ship 'Elizabeth'. Sharland bought Woodbridge around the time of his marriage to Miss Sarah Schaw. While William Stanley Sharland lived at Woodbridge he took a keen interest in all colonial affairs as well as carrying on agricultural and pastoral farming in the Derwent Valley.

His favourite sport was 'The Hunt' and his hounds were kenneled at Woodbridge.In 1857, at the age of 56 years, William Stanley Sharland was elected MLC for the County of Cumberland and later represented New Norfolk in the House of Assembly. He had a large family of four sons and seven daughters, all of whom grew up at Woodbridge.

Upon the death of William Stanley Sharland in 1877, his eldest son, William Cockburn Sharland inherited Woodbridge. Although a barrister by profession he left London and settled at Woodbridge to emulate his distinguished father. While there he devoted himself to development of Derwent Valley properties.

Clara and William Cockburn Sharland had five daughters and one son. As the children grew up it was decided they should be educated abroad and so, in 1905 Woodbridge was again sold. Thereafter Woodbridge passed from one owner to the other, falling gradually into disrepair.

Until recently this grand old lady was converted into rental flats until Laurelle and John Grimley fell in love with Woodbridge and restored her to her former glory.