Edward Tyrrell
1835
Edward Tyrrell is born in England, one of seven children. His father, Frederick Tyrrell was a noted surgeon practicing at St Thomas's Hospital.
1850
Edward Tyrrell arrives in the colony of Australia with two of his brothers, including Lovick Tyrrell who went on to become Archdeacon at the Parish of St Peter's in East Maitland, Hunter Valley. Edward moved to the Upper Hunter Valley region, near Singleton to try his hand at dairy farming, but this proved unsuitable.
1858
Edward Tyrrell follows his interest in wine by taking up one of the last available land selections in the Pokolbin area in the Hunter Valley - limestone country that abuts the edge of the Brokenback range. He didn't know it at the time but this late land allotment was a most fortuitous incident.
Edward prepares his land allotment for vineyards, clearing the native Australian bush by hand. His first dwelling is built - a humble single roomed ironbark slab hut, which still stands proudly today. Edward lives here by himself for a few years. The property is named "Ashmans" after family holdings in England.
1863
A much grander ironbark cottage is built featuring separate bedrooms & formal dining & music rooms.
1864
The first Tyrrell's vintage is harvested.
1869
Edward marries Susan Hungerford (same family as Hungerford Hill Winery)
1870
Thirty acres are eventually planted - primarily to Semillon, Shiraz & Aucerot (regarded as the 'prince of white wines' in those days). The Shiraz cuttings were from James Busby's original collection brought to Australian from France's Rhone Valley.
1871
First son and second child of ten - Edward George Tyrrell is born. He would later become known as 'Uncle Dan'.
1883
Youngest son Avery is born - eventual father to Murray Tyrrell.
1887
Edward relinquishes day to day running of Ashmans to Dan at age 15. With brother Avery they eventually manage Ashmans Winery & vineyard properties respectively.
1909
Edward Tyrrell dies at Pokolbin aged 74.