Captain Cook, Convicts and Cousin Jack

To join in the celebrations of Australia Day 2013 from the other side of the world, 

I'd like to look at a few of the historic links between Plymouth and Australia.

These are the steps that led "Down Under", or ones on this same spot that have long since crumbled.

Cook's voyage, which led him sailing the Eastern coast of Australian in 1769, started from Plymouth.

It was in a house which stood on this spot, that Cook dined on the night before departure on this epic voyage.

These steps also felt the tread of hundreds of convicts being transported to New South Wales from 1787 onwards.

But the steps did, at least on one memorable occasion, echo to the tread of  men who survived their ordeal and made it home.

The struggle and sacrifice of the Tolpuddle Martyrs will live for ever in the annals of the British Trade Union Movement. 

Cousin Jack

It is said that at the bottom of every mine in the world you will find a Cornishman - Cousin Jack.

To hear his story in song

 CLICK HERE