Pembroke Land District facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Pembroke Tasmania
Location in Tasmania
Lands administrative divisions around Pembroke: Somerset Glamorgan Tasman Sea Monmouth Pembroke Tasman Sea Monmouth Tasman Sea Tasman Sea

Land on both sides of Eaglehawk Neck between the Tasman Peninsula and Forestier Peninsula, is in Pembroke land district

The Pembroke Land District is one of the twenty land districts in Tasmania. These districts are special historical areas used to help organize and divide land. Pembroke was once known as one of the 18 counties of Tasmania.

This district includes some well-known places. You'll find the Tasman Peninsula and Port Arthur here. It also covers the Forestier Peninsula, Dodges Ferry, and Maria Island. It's important to know that the Electoral division of Pembroke is a different area. It is not inside this land district, but it is nearby in the Monmouth area.

How Pembroke Land District Was Created

Long ago, on January 15, 1836, an important announcement was made. George Arthur, who was the Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen's Land (which is now Tasmania), officially named the first counties and parishes. This was done to help survey and organize the new colony.

The County of Pembroke was described with clear boundaries. It was bordered on the north by the Little_Swanport_river. To the east, it met the Pacific Ocean. On the south and west, it was surrounded by Storm_Bay, Norfolk_Bay, and Pittwater.

Islands and Rocks in Pembroke

Many islands and rocks were included as part of Pembroke. These included White Rock, Maria Island, and Lachlan Island. Also part of the district were the Hippolyte_Rocks, Tasman's Island, and Wedge Island. Other islands like Sloping Island, Smooth Island (once called Garden Island), and Green Island (once called Low Island) were also included. All other small islands near the coast of the county were also part of Pembroke.

Early Divisions: Hundreds and Parishes

When Pembroke was created, it was also divided into smaller areas. These smaller divisions were called hundreds and parishes. One of these was the Hundred of Sorell.

Within the Hundred of Sorell, there were several parishes:

• Canning parish
• Forcett parish
• Carlton parish
• Sorell parish

The town of Sorell was officially declared to be within this new county.