In the late 1830s Mr & Mrs Billings came out from England to work as Housekeeper and Gamekeeper with the Tabart family at Fonthill. Building a little cottage on the farm and hoping to live out their twilight years in peace and harmony, but this was not to be ...

Mr Billings on his many trips to Hobart town with William Gates (The Convict Overseer) were frequent visitors of the Hope & Anchor Establishment, where the Ladies of the night were very friendly.

One day after setting off on their regular Journey to Hobart Town Mr Billings fell short of his return.

Mrs Billings was completely devastated upon hearing the news form Mr Gates that her husband had absconded through temptation with "Sally" the lady of the night.