Franklin Square (Hobart) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Franklin Square |
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Franklin Square monument fountain with Franklin Square Offices at night
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| Type | Public space |
| Location | 70 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia |
| Area | 1.6 acres (0.63 hectares) |
| Created | 1863-1866 |
| Operated by | Hobart City Council |
| Open | All year |
| Public transit access | Hobart Bus Mall |
| Place ID: | Permanently Registered |
Franklin Square is a popular public park in the heart of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. It covers about 0.63 hectares and is known for its beautiful oak trees. The park is named after Sir John Franklin, who was an Arctic explorer and an early governor of Tasmania.
At the center of the park is a statue of Sir John Franklin. Franklin Square is a very important spot in Hobart. It's often used for fun markets, big public events, and even peaceful protests. It's also a main hub for public transport.
Contents
History of Franklin Square
Franklin Square and the nearby Treasury buildings were built where the old Government House used to be. That building was taken down in 1858. The area was first called George's Square, named after King George IV.
Governor Lachlan Macquarie had big plans for this spot. He imagined it would have a church, a courthouse, and a public market. It was also meant to be a place for soldiers to gather and parade. Eventually, leaders decided a public park was needed. It would be a central meeting place for the growing community.
In 1860, money was set aside to create a statue and fountain. These would be the main features of the new park, honoring Sir John Franklin.
Royal Tree Planting
On May 20, 1863, two oak trees were planted in Franklin Square. This was done by the second Governor of Tasmania, Thomas Gore Browne, and his wife, Harriet Louisa Browne. They planted the trees to celebrate the marriage of Edward VII to Alexandra of Denmark.
A big public parade took place at the square that day. The Mayor, Alfred Kennerley, spoke to the Governor. The Governor said, "As loyalty is deeply rooted in Tasmania's people, may these trees flourish as a symbol of our enduring allegiance to the Sovereign." Fifty years later, in 1903, a special plaque was added to the trees. This was to honor King Edward VII's birthday.
Bomb Shelter During World War II
During the Second World War, people worried about attacks. In 1939, a German ship laid mines near Tasmania. In 1942, a Japanese plane flew over Hobart. Because of these threats, Franklin Square was turned into a bomb shelter. It could protect up to 900 people during the war.
Park Upgrades in 2016
In 2015, Franklin Square closed for major improvements. The fountain's water and electric systems were updated. Restrooms were renovated, and new garden beds were added. Pathways were made easier to use, and the giant chess board was moved. Special wood from Lake Pieman was used for the park's new benches. Franklin Square officially reopened on May 27, 2016.
Protests and Public Gatherings
Franklin Square has often been a place for peaceful public protests. People have gathered here to speak up for worker's rights and other important causes.
Some famous events include:
- In October 1975, a large protest took place against Malcom Fraser. He was the leader of the Liberal Party of Australia at the time.
- Many large protests happened at the square between 1981 and 1983. These were about the Franklin Dam controversy, a big environmental issue.
- In 2004, Bob Brown and The Greens protested against a logging company called Gunns.
- In 2007, thousands of people gathered to protest against Gunns' plan to build a large pulp mill.
Location and Design
Franklin Square is shaped like a slightly slanted rectangle. It covers most of a city block. The park is surrounded by Macquarie, Elizabeth, and Davey Streets. The Treasury buildings are also nearby.
The park slopes up from Davey Street to Macquarie Street. The Franklin Square Offices and bus stops are around the park. A terraced wall runs along Davey Street. The park is right across from the Hobart Bus Mall and the main post office.
Park Trees and Plants
Franklin Square is known for its many old trees. Many of them are English elms and Tilia trees, which are over 150 years old. There is also a Tree of Heaven and some New Zealand evergreen trees.
Hobart Bus Hub
Franklin Square is a major bus hub for southern Tasmania. Metro Tasmania buses arrive and depart from stops on Macquarie Street and Elizabeth Street. For many years, the Hobart tramway network was also centered around Franklin Square.
Park Features
Franklin Square has several interesting features.
King Edward VII Statue
A bronze statue of King Edward VII stands on a stone base near Macquarie Street. It's now very close to the road because of changes made for bus stops.
John Franklin Monument
The main feature of Franklin Square is a large monument to John Franklin. It has a big bronze statue on a stone base, surrounded by a two-level fountain. This statue was one of the park's first features, put in place in 1860.
In 1947, a celebration was held to mark 100 years since Franklin was governor. The Governor, Sir Hugh Binney, gave a speech and placed a wreath on the statue. Floodlights were also added to the fountain that year.
Giant Chess Set
Along the Davey Street side of the park, there's a large outdoor chess board. It's a checkered concrete area, about 4 by 4 meters. The Sandy Bay Lions Club built it in 1960. The big chess pieces were made with money donated by IXL Jam. You can play chess here every day from 8 AM to 6 PM.
Two Islands Sculpture
In 2015, the City of Hobart invested in a new artwork called Two Islands. Sculptor Nigel Helyer created this interactive piece, which was finished in 2017. He worked with Tony Brown, a Tasmanian Aboriginal canoe-maker, to create the sculpture using wood, steel, lights, and sound.
Wishing Well
The wishing well is made of sandstone with fancy ironwork. Lord Mayor Archibald Park opened it on November 30, 1955. It was built to celebrate 21 years of community service by the APEX Club of Hobart. All the money dropped into the well goes to the Tascare Society for Children.
Removed Features
Over the years, some things in Franklin Square have changed or been removed.
Old Cannon
An old cannon used to face Macquarie Street. It was put there in the 1860s to remember when the area was used for military parades. The cannon was removed during World War II when the square became a bomb shelter.
William Crowther Statue
A large bronze statue of Dr William Lodewyk Crowther was put in the square in 1889. In recent years, the Crowther statue became a topic of discussion. This was part of a wider conversation about statues of controversial figures.
Crowther Reinterpreted Project
In 2021, the City of Hobart chose four temporary artworks to be displayed around the statue. This project, called Crowther Reinterpreted, aimed to encourage discussion about the statue's future. One artwork, called Truth Telling, was by Tasmanian Aboriginal artist Allan Mansell. It explored changing Crowther into another historical figure by painting the statue and adding an Aboriginal flag. Another artwork, Breathing Space by Julie Gough, covered the statue with a large black box.
Statue Removal Decision
On August 15, 2022, the Hobart City Council voted to remove Crowther's statue from public display. This was a big decision, believed to be the first of its kind in Australia. The future of the statue itself was debated. Some thought it should be destroyed, while others suggested moving it to the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery. There, it could be displayed with more historical information.
Legal challenges followed the council's vote. However, the decision to remove the statue was upheld. Just before a final ruling on May 15, 2024, the statue was toppled. Its legs were cut, and messages about decolonization were sprayed on its base.
Palisade Fence
Originally, the square was surrounded by a fancy iron fence. The gates were removed in the 1930s. The fence itself was taken down in 1944 to make the park easier to access. The council thought about moving the fence to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, but it never happened.
In Popular Culture
- Franklin Square can be seen in the 1951 film Wherever She Goes. This movie is about the early life of pianist Eileen Joyce.
- Historical videos of large protests at Franklin Square in 1983 are shown in the 2022 documentary film, Franklin. These protests were about the Franklin Dam controversy.
Images for kids
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Franklin Square central fountain with tree foliage in 2014
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The Apex Wishing Well
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Two Islands sculptor by Nigel Helyer, completed in 2017
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Two Islands sculptor by Nigel Helyer
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William Lodewyk Crowther statue
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Large chess set
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Edward VII statue
