A Piratical seizure, a journey to the south seas, a court martial and a decades-long international manhunt. In December 1853, the last of the Norfolk Island Pirates, already under sentence for their misdeeds in Moreton Bay, faced the Court at Hobart Town and pleaded guilty to stealing the launch at Norfolk Island. Property of HerContinue reading “The Convict Pirates of Norfolk Island Seize the Barque Lady Franklin.”
Author Archives: Karen B
Amateur historian and writer.
The Convict Pirates of Norfolk Island Visit Moreton Bay
The excitement in town on Wednesday and Thursday was such as has not been witnessed by the oldest inhabitant. It was actually possible to see four people in the streets together, and many and conflicting were the rumours and fears. Moreton Bay Free Press, 1853 A Strange Vessel at the Bay On 25 March 1853,Continue reading “The Convict Pirates of Norfolk Island Visit Moreton Bay”
November 14, 1842 – Captain John Clements Wickham appointed Police Magistrate at Moreton Bay.
Captain Wickham, whose name adorns streets, terraces and a park in Brisbane, held public office in Brisbane from 1842 until Separation in 1859, when he ceased duties as Government Resident and handed over to the Colony’s first Governor. Surviving photographs show a thoughtful-looking gent with an impressive set of white whiskers almost obscuring the lowerContinue reading “November 14, 1842 – Captain John Clements Wickham appointed Police Magistrate at Moreton Bay.”
Before there was Google, there was Pugh’s Almanac.
Want to know what happened on this day in history? The office bearers of the Ancient Order of Foresters, Court Fortitude, No. 2701 (Fortitude Valley) for a particular year? What to plant in one’s kitchen garden in August? The signals in use at the Brisbane Signal Station for a vessel from the New Hebrides? WhenContinue reading “Before there was Google, there was Pugh’s Almanac.”
What have you been doing with the strait waistcoats?
Because every now and then research on something else entirely leads to a hidden gem. From the Colonial Secretary to the Superintendent of the Lunatic Asylum: “Sir, In reply to your Letter of the 1st instant, I request to be made acquainted with the manner in which the straight waistcoats already provided for your establishmentContinue reading “What have you been doing with the strait waistcoats?”
DIRECTIONS FOR RESTORING THE APPARENTLY DEAD.
In the course of researching coup de soleil, or sunstroke, in early Queensland, I came across this article in the Maryborough Chronicle. Not only does it have the most wonderful title, it gives a picture of first aid used in the 19th century. A good deal of what Dr Silvester directed is still part ofContinue reading “DIRECTIONS FOR RESTORING THE APPARENTLY DEAD.”
Hot Enough For You?
english settlers go out in the midday sun “Hot enough for you?” It’s one phrase guaranteed to further raise the temperature of anyone who ventures outdoors in Queensland between November and March. The temptation is to inform the questioner of your unvarnished opinion of their mental state, IQ, standard of personal hygiene, and the questionableContinue reading “Hot Enough For You?”
Old Brisbane Town in Photos
Much of the old station still exists, it’s just hidden by the newer structures, of which the less said, the better. Where the Queen Street Mall ends today. Several gentlemen demonstrating the Colonial Lean, a pose almost universal to men in outdoor studies in old Queensland. I like to think it’s a result of theContinue reading “Old Brisbane Town in Photos”
Piratical Seizure of the Brig Wellington.
In my post on Henry Drummond, I referenced an interesting account of the seizure of the Brig Wellington in January 1827. Drummond was one of the prisoners on board that vessel, having been reprieved from the death sentence, and ordered to be transported to Norfolk Island. Here is the article, with the log of CaptainContinue reading “Piratical Seizure of the Brig Wellington.”
Henry Drummond – From Pickpocket to Pirate
It all began with a handkerchief. “On the 28th of September, between twelve and one o’clock in the day, I was in Wardour-street, Soho, something drew my attention to my pocket, and I missed my handkerchief. I saw the prisoner and another boy in front, and saw the prisoner tucking my handkerchief under his jacket.Continue reading “Henry Drummond – From Pickpocket to Pirate”
Moreton Bay and More 