 Settlement began in the early 19th century as a cluster of houses on the Launceston side of the river , near a frequently @-@ flooded ford . Over time various bridges were built , largely on the same site , across the river . Though it had been settled for some time Hadspen was only officially declared in 1866 . Hadspen was originally on the main road from Launceston to Devonport but the town 's centre was bypassed in the late 20th century . There have been schools , both secular and religious , in its history , though there remain none . 
