Buckland (Prossers Plains)

Buckland (Prossers Plains)

Buckland (initially named Prossers Plains) is situated 17 Km south-west of Orford and the coast.
It’s current population is unknown but according to the local Publican, the town continues to grow with five new houses being built in the last four years. The most significant building in the town is St John The Baptist Church built in 1850. Built on the right hand side of the Sorell-Orford Road as you head north, it is directly opposite the Buckland Inn which was first licenced in 1845 and still stands, although it is now a private residence, the licenced premises being reduced to a more contemporary addition to the building.
An indication of the terrain approaching Buckland from the south is given by the names of the hills: “Black Charlie’s Opening”, “Bust-Me Gall Hill” and “Break-Me-Neck Hill” are easily negotiated today but were obviously quite a challenge in years gone by. The narrow cuttings south of Orford are currently being widened, and even with today’s heavy machinery, the task is significant. Pity those poor souls that cut through the rock by hand as the coast road north was constructed.

Daniel spent some time in Buckland after his release from Rocky Hills. He and Ann are listed as living there in 1854 when they married in the John the Baptist Church.