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Harriet & Alexander McGregor
Pride of Alexander's Fleet,
the "Harriet McGregor"
Historic photo of Lenna & Sullivan's Cove
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Lenna's original owner, Alexander McGregor, was a boy of just ten years when his family arrived in Hobart Town from Scotland on 28th February, 1831. |
At the time of the McGregor family's arrival, there were very few houses in Battery Point. With his brother John, Alexander went on to learn the ship building trade and together they took over the Domain Slipyard.
It is difficult to imagine today, but in 1843, 47 mostly American whalers were anchored in Hobart's Derwent River for refitting. At this time, 50-60 live black whales could be counted in the river at one time. Indeed, Hobart Town became the centre of a big ship building and whaling industry.
Alexander built the largest fleet of sailing ships individually owned south of the Equator which included whalers, barques, schooners and a brigatine. The Hobart-built ships were considered superior to many of those built elsewhere - in fact the "Blue Gum" clippers became famous the world over.
Alexander sailed his ships under his blue and white gridiron flag - today guests may view one of these flags in Lenna's Chandelier Lounge Bar.
The site of "Lenna" was originally owned by Captain James Bayley, who sold the property to Alexander McGregor, his partner in the whaling trade. Bayley's daughter, Harriet, later became McGregor's first wife.
Alexander eventually became more interested in business and flourished as a merchant, trading from his offices and warehouses on the corner of Elizabeth Street - later demolished to make way for the present Post Office.
Some time following Harriet's death in 1878, Alexander married Miss Margaret Pigdon of Melbourne. There were no children from either marriage.
A Justice of the Peace, Alexander McGregor was for many years Warden of the Hobart Maritime Board and Master Warden from 1880-1896. When Alexander died, aged 75 in 1896, he was a member of the Legistlative Council of Tasmania. One day during a fiery debate in Parliament, an opponent asked "Is it true your mother was a washerwoman ?" "Yes", he replied, "and a damned good one too".
Guests may today experience a sense of history by climbing the stairs to the tower once used to look out for the safe arrival of McGregor’s ships.
Over 150 unique prints have been created for Lenna from original glass plate photographs of Hobart and surrounding areas, spanning 1860 to 1938. These prints are proudly displayed in the guest rooms.
Today, Lenna is a much-loved Hobart landmark, popular with locals and visitors alike.
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