A repost of an earlier account of a convict absconder, to mark the anniversary of the Amity’s landing. John Welsh Forbidden from Society. John Welsh was born in the historic port and garrison city of Waterford around 1799. Unsurprisingly, he became a sailor. How he got to Nottingham, and committed a robbery, is unclear, butContinue reading “The Amity Convicts – the Runaways and Incorrigibles. Part 2.”
Author Archives: Karen B
Amateur historian and writer.
The Amity Convicts – The Runaways and Incorrigibles. Part 1.
A re-issue of a previous post, dealing with the group of convicts who ran from Moreton Bay in 1825. Thomas Mills Robbing the Vicar of Stepney St Dunstan’s Anglican Church, Stepney, known as the “Mother Church of the East End,” had been a place of Christian worship for more than 900 years when Thomas Mills,Continue reading “The Amity Convicts – The Runaways and Incorrigibles. Part 1.”
The Amity Convicts – Regency Crimes
William Grady A Regency crime in Hanover Square. William Grady was a Londoner, born just after the turn of the 19th century. This was the Regency period, and William Grady committed the most Regency crime in the most Regency place in 1821. Two contemporary views of Hanover Square. Pickpockets not pictured. William Grady was chargedContinue reading “The Amity Convicts – Regency Crimes”
The Discerning Shopper’s Guide to Gympie.
1871 Edition. The go-to man for oyster parties. J Hampson sold fruit, coffee and hot pies, but above all, he sold OYSTERS!!! Bottled oysters, stewed oysters (an acquired taste, presumably), collapsed oysters (what?). Oh, and fresh ones in the shell. That’s a relief. J Hampson was also prepared to cater for Oyster Parties. Whatever thatContinue reading “The Discerning Shopper’s Guide to Gympie.”
The Mystery of the First Convict at Moreton Bay.
Who was John Anderson? The very first entry in the Chronological Register of Convicts at Moreton Bay is that of John Anderson, per Baring 2, making him (technically) the first Moreton Bay convict. John Anderson was described in the Moreton Bay records as being 23 years old, a sailor and sailmaker who hailed from Leeds.Continue reading “The Mystery of the First Convict at Moreton Bay.”
The Meaning of Hard Work.
1880, Gympie, Queensland. A group of 35 men are photographed just before going below ground at the No. 1 North Phoenix mine. Some are quite young, others raw-boned, haggard from years of hard work. The men gaze at the camera warily, wearily. They know that accidents are common in their line of work. If theyContinue reading “The Meaning of Hard Work.”
Moreton Bay elects Colonel Snodgrass.
On this day – 22 August 1848. On 22 August 1848, Colonel Kenneth Snodgrass was elected to represent Moreton Bay in the New South Wales Legislative Council. He was our second ever elected representative after free settlement in 1842. Brisbane turned out to vote in numbers. Small numbers. There were 32 votes for Colonel Snodgrass,Continue reading “Moreton Bay elects Colonel Snodgrass.”
Death at Twelve-Mile Reach.
Before railways and paved roads, the best way to travel between Ipswich and Brisbane was by river. Steamers plied the river, carrying passengers and cargo at what would be to modern eyes, a rather stately pace. Class divides were inescapable. Steamers offered saloons for the better-off, and steerage for the working class. Formal dinners andContinue reading “Death at Twelve-Mile Reach.”
Mr Trollope Visits the Colonies.
On this day – August 11. Two distinguished gentlemen were due in Brisbane on August 11, 1871. One was the sole named passenger (with suite, mind) on the HMSS Clio, which bore 18 guns. This gentleman was George Augustus Constantine Phipps, 2nd Marquess of Normanby GCB GCMG PC, Viscount Normanby and Earl of Mulgrave. HisContinue reading “Mr Trollope Visits the Colonies.”
All the News for 8 August (1846)
From the eighth ever issue of the Moreton Bay Courier. Page 1 – Classified Advertising. R Hampden and Henry Ralph Elkins were having a terrible barney over a failed business venture. Each man cautioned the public against giving credit to, or generally dealing with, the other. Hmmph. The indefatigable Thomas Dowse had a Library comprisedContinue reading “All the News for 8 August (1846)”
Moreton Bay and More 