Karen B

Reasonable people see a Bunyip – 1850.

The mythical creature of the Australian bush was a fairly new concept in 1850. Only five years before, the word first appeared in print (in the Geelong Advertiser), who used an indigenous term to describe some incredible-looking fossils discovered in the area. A strange animal skull found on the Murrumbidgee River was exhibited in SydneyContinue reading “Reasonable people see a Bunyip – 1850.”

Suffering in sunshine and fresh air.

One immigrant family’s struggle. Life in colonial Queensland could be harsh – a cruel reality not suggested to the hundreds of thousands of immigrants who uprooted their old lives and took long sea journeys to the new world. The idea that thrift and industry in Queensland could take one away from the generational poverty andContinue reading “Suffering in sunshine and fresh air.”

“Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark.”

How the Old Windmill nearly disappeared in 1850. The oldest surviving building in Queensland, built by convicts for convicts, was very nearly demolished in 1850. It’s hard to imagine Wickham Terrace without the sail-less Windmill, set slightly back from the road and surrounded by trees. Since 1828, it has been a grain grinding and punishmentContinue reading ““Cursed be he that removeth his neighbour’s landmark.””

Barry the Loafer – a Rogue and a Vagabond

James Barry was a labourer who made his way around Queensland in the 1870s. The term “labourer” might be a bit of an exaggeration – Mr Barry did not care to undertake much physical labour. He preferred to spend his time drinking, failing to pay for his board, and comforting the wives of men whoContinue reading “Barry the Loafer – a Rogue and a Vagabond”

Robbery Under Arms – 6 January 1869.

Mr W Selwyn King had received orders to return to Sydney from his posting at Kilkivan, near Gympie. It’s hard to imagine that he would be particularly reluctant to leave the remote town, but he had made good friends during his stay, and they toasted him at a farewell dinner at the Northumberland Hotel. TheContinue reading “Robbery Under Arms – 6 January 1869.”

Happy New Year (1866, that is)!

A snapshot of the celebrations across Queensland. Brisbane – a Regatta and the Races in a delicious breeze. THE advent of the New Year was celebrated by the citizens of Brisbane in a manner worthy of the occasion. The weather was delightful; the sun was very warm, as must be expected at this season ofContinue reading “Happy New Year (1866, that is)!”

The Convict Runaways – Part 5.

The Tale of Murder and Escape – Longbottom’s Depositions, 1825. 1825, November Sir I have the honour to inform you, that four Crown Prisoners (as per margin) arrived in the morning who state themselves to be deserters from the settlement at Moreton Bay. They assert that they have been five weeks on the journey whichContinue reading “The Convict Runaways – Part 5.”

The Convict Runaways – Part 4.

Four men escaped from Moreton Bay in October 1825 – did they really commit murder, and leave five drowned comrades? Runaway 4 – 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, andContinue reading “The Convict Runaways – Part 4.”

The Convict Runaways – Part 3.

Four men escaped from Moreton Bay in October 1825 – did they really commit murder, and leave five drowned comrades? Runaway 3 – William Smith There were 501 convicts transported to Australia with the first name William and the surname Smith. One of these William Smiths was an 18-year-old bootmaker who had been convicted ofContinue reading “The Convict Runaways – Part 3.”

The Convict Runaways – Part 2.

Four men escaped from Moreton Bay in October 1825 – did they really commit murder, and leave five drowned comrades? Runaway 2 – Thomas Mills – “I Never Liked a Redcoat” Robbing the Vicar of Stepney St Dunstan’s Anglican Church, Stepney, known as the “Mother Church of the East End,” had been a place ofContinue reading “The Convict Runaways – Part 2.”