For well over a century a ghostly figure has been reported on this bridge.
It is thought that ghost is none other than George Grover, the head of a convict road gang and quite a cruel one at that.
In March 1832 his broken body was found below this bridge... a victim of murder.
It is thought that ghost is none other than George Grover, the head of a convict road gang and quite a cruel one at that.
In March 1832 his broken body was found below this bridge... a victim of murder.
Not a Well Liked Man...
On 11th Dec, 1823, the foundation stone was laid for Richmond Bridge, a bridge that would span the Coal River in Richmond, Tasmania. Using convict labour it would take two years to build what would become Australias oldest (still in use) bridge.
It was originally named 'Bigge's Bridge' after the man who originally recognised the need for the bridge to aid in the transportation of convicts and military personnel between Hobart and Port Arthur.
In 1829, there was a need to rebuild some of the piers in Richmond Bridge. George Grover, a convict who had arrived in Van Diemens Land, in 1825, had steadily climbed 'the convicts ranks' and was tasked as the head of a convict road gang. George loved the position and the power it gave him.
Grover would mercilessly hand out his brand of punishment, whipping and beating the convict labourers who did not work hard enough. One story states that he used to ride the heavy stone laden hand carts, whipping the men who carried it, as they transported the stone from the quarries.
It was originally named 'Bigge's Bridge' after the man who originally recognised the need for the bridge to aid in the transportation of convicts and military personnel between Hobart and Port Arthur.
In 1829, there was a need to rebuild some of the piers in Richmond Bridge. George Grover, a convict who had arrived in Van Diemens Land, in 1825, had steadily climbed 'the convicts ranks' and was tasked as the head of a convict road gang. George loved the position and the power it gave him.
Grover would mercilessly hand out his brand of punishment, whipping and beating the convict labourers who did not work hard enough. One story states that he used to ride the heavy stone laden hand carts, whipping the men who carried it, as they transported the stone from the quarries.
Understandably the convicts hated George Grover and early one morning in March, 1832, George Grover's near dead body was found broken on the rocks under the Richmond Bridge. Before he died of the wounds, he stated that he was resting on the bridge when four men picked him up and threw him over the parapet. Some reports say he was drunkenly passed out on the bridge when he was tossed over while other reports have him bashed on the head with a pickaxe.
George Grovers ghost has been seen about the bridge on numerous occasions. He is seen as a dark silhouette with barely discernable clothing and no face. He can be seen watching the bridges traffic from the trees to the west of the bridge, or more concerningly, stalking people.
There is a dark feeling of anger and foreboding across the bridge as if George is projecting his outrage over his death. The sound of disembodied footsteps are also a common experience.
George Grovers ghost has been seen about the bridge on numerous occasions. He is seen as a dark silhouette with barely discernable clothing and no face. He can be seen watching the bridges traffic from the trees to the west of the bridge, or more concerningly, stalking people.
There is a dark feeling of anger and foreboding across the bridge as if George is projecting his outrage over his death. The sound of disembodied footsteps are also a common experience.
By Ashley Hall 2014
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