This photograph of Davey Street was taken in the 1930s.

In the early days of Hobart, Davey Street was part of the Wapping district and was home to several shipping and factory buildings. It commenced at Hunter Street until the 1980s, when the Hotel Grand Chancellor was built.

It was shown as ‘Pitt Street’ between Murray Street and Harrington Street on plan 1 Hobart (Meehan’s Map) 1811.

The South Hobart section between Elboden Street and D’Arcy Street was previously known as ‘Holebrook Place’; it also appears on plan Hob 7/117.

The street was possibly named by Governor Macquarie in 1811 after Col. Thomas Davey, Lieutenant Governor, 1813-16 (Wayne Smith, January 1999, Hobart).

Thomas Davey wasn’t appointed as Lieutenant Governor of Van Diemen’s Land until 1812. He didn’t arrive in Hobart Town until January 1813. That indicates the change in name from Pitt Street to Davey Street must have occurred after 1812, and probably later. He was relieved of his position in 1817. (L. Weller, 2021)

Tas That Was is a column that includes:

  • anecdotes of life in Tasmania in the past;
  • historical photographs of locations in Tasmania; and/or
  • documentaries about locations in Tasmania.

If you have an anecdote or photograph you’d like to share with us, please send it to [email protected].

Callum J. Jones studied English, History, and Journalism at the University of Tasmania. He has written fiction and non-fiction for Tasmanian Times since 2018. He can be traced by the smell of fresh coffee.

Follow him on Twitter (@Callum_Jones_10) and Facebook (@callum.j.jones.creative).