Franklin House (Launceston) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franklin House |
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| General information | |
| Type | Public |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| Town or city | Franklin Village, Launceston, Tasmania |
| Country | Australia |
| Completed | 1838 |
| Owner | National Trust |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Stone, Australian red cedar |
Franklin House is a special old building in Franklin Village, close to Launceston, Tasmania. It's a historic house that the National Trust in Tasmania takes care of. You can visit it and learn about its past. The house was built in 1838 for a man named Britton Jones. Later, it became a school for boys.
Contents
History of Franklin House
How Franklin House Was Built
Franklin House was built in 1838. It is designed in the Georgian style. This style was popular in the 1700s and early 1800s. The house was first built for Britton Jones. He was a brewer and innkeeper in Launceston.
Franklin House as a School
From 1842 to 1866, Franklin House was a school. A schoolmaster named William Keeler Hawkes leased the building. Many boys learned their lessons within its walls. The house and its gardens are located in Youngtown, Tasmania. Today, people can take tours to see them.
Franklin House and the National Trust
In 1960, Franklin House became very important. It was the first historic property that the National Trust in Tasmania took over. The National Trust helps protect special places. They make sure these places are kept safe for everyone to enjoy.
Exploring Unusual Claims at Franklin House
What is a Paranormal Investigation?
Sometimes, people wonder if old places have unusual activity. In early 2013, a group called the Tas Ghost Hunting society looked into this at Franklin House. Staff members had reported some strange experiences there. The group visited twice to set up their equipment.
What Did the Investigators Find?
In one sitting room, they used a special sensor. This sensor checks for electromagnetic energy. They said they found higher energy levels than normal. In an upstairs bedroom, they asked questions. They reported that a voice seemed to answer "Will."
How Do Skeptics View These Claims?
Another group, the Launceston Skeptics, looked at these findings. They believe that extraordinary claims need very strong proof. A skeptic named Jin-Oh Choi explained their view. He said they want to make sure the information is recorded correctly.
Investigator Benjamin Radford has also studied ghost hunting groups. He believes that many groups make mistakes in their methods. He suggests that if ghosts are real, they should be investigated scientifically. This means using careful and proven ways to find evidence.
Images for kids
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Franklin House side and garden
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Franklin House from road
