1823 Nathaniel Lucas
1824-25 Nathaniel Lucas, Ship Inn
From a lecture by Mr E. Whitfield. 1897 (not always the most accurate source):
In 1820 came the first public house, “The Black Swan,” kept by G. Burgess, corner of Brisbane and Wellington streets. Then came in 1823 the Launceston, the Plough Inn, kept by W. Field, where Hart and Sons are now, and the Hope and Anchor, kept by Nat. Lucas. The Launceston Hotel, was built by Richard White, familiarly known as “Dicky White.”
Launceston Examiner, 6 February 1897
In 1823, Nathaniel Lucas receives a license for an unnamed house. In 1824, he is given a licence for the Ship inn (no location given).
Tasmanian & Port Dalrymple Advertiser, 19 January 1825
On Wednesday week, Serjeant McDonald, of the 40th Regiment, was robbed of 700 dollars, in the Ship Inn, at Launceston. It appears, that a search was immediately made for the money, and that one dollar, which was identified and sworn to, was traced to, and found in the possession of a person, supposed to be an illicit dealer in spirits.
Colonial Time and Tasmanian Advertiser, 25 August 1826
The Ship is mentioned in this notice (but it might be a mistake as Stewart had the Rose and Thistle.
Colonial Times, 29 September 1826