As you approach Prince's Square, keep an eye out to your left. You'll see a beautifully laid out park with perfectly symmetrical paths converging towards the center. You won't miss the iconic Val d'Osne Fountain standing proudly amid this natural splendor. The trees around are stunning with their leaves creating a lovely canopy above.
Now let’s dive into the history and charm of Prince's Square!
Established in 1858 from an old brickfield, Prince's Square has blossomed into an essential cultural hub and a heritage park in Launceston. Surrounded by Elizabeth Street, St John Street, Frederick Street, and Charles Street, this verdant oasis boasts symmetrical design and the bronze gilded Val d'Osne Fountain at its heart.
Once a clay pit used in constructing the first brick buildings in the settlement, the square was later transformed into a grand park. Notably, the bricks made here helped build St John’s Anglican Church right across the street!
In 1851, this very square hosted an election for the new Legislative Council in Van Diemen's Land. By 1853, it witnessed a grand congregation when Launceston celebrated its new municipality status and the end of convict transportation.
The enthusiastic locals, alongside the Launceston Horticultural Society, set out to make this park a stately gathering place. Lovingly designed by curator Thomas Wade, the park saw the addition of lavish paths, fences, and an array of trees including oaks and sequoias.
The Val d'Osne Fountain, a magnificent centerpiece, was added a year later in 1859. Funny enough, there’s a local myth about this fountain: it was supposedly meant for Launceston in Cornwall, England but ended up here in Tasmania due to a shipping mix-up!
In 1868, the Duke of Edinburgh’s visit inspired the park's renaming from St John’s Square to Prince's Square. He even planted two oak trees during a memorable candlelit celebration.
So take a moment to soak in the history and beauty of Prince’s Square, and maybe let your imagination wander back to the days of brick-making, grand celebrations, and a town coming into its own!
