Many of our first settlers in Westbury early last century were Irish
ex-convicts or retired soldiers. Each received a land grant of five acres
reputedly complete with a well and a pear tree. Visitors late last century
remarked about the strong Irish accents, even amongst the children.

An event occurred in 1853 which has forever won special recognition
In Ireland. Seven patriotic leaders of the Young Ireland independence
Movement were transported to Van Diemens Land (later Tasmania) in 1848
for their rebellious activities. Four of the young Irelanders escaped from
the island. John Mitchel, the most radical, renounced at Bothwell his promise
not to try to escape, then made a daring, epic and ultimately successful bid
by riding over the wild central plateau to Westbury in the middle of winter.

The Irish people of Westbury harboured Mitchel while soldiers searched
intensively for him. After a fascinating series of failed attempts, and keeping
ahead of his pursuers, Mitchel cast caution aside and travelled to Hobart
on a public coach. The recently retired Attorney-General was also on board
one can only imagine their conversation! From Hobart, Mitchel boarded
a ship for America and eventually found his way back to Ireland

Several Young Irelanders carved out successful careers in the United States
one becoming a Brigadier-General in the Civil War,
and another becoming an influential journalist in New York.

These intriguing Young Irelanders left their mark on three continents
and are revered Irish heroes today.