Saturday, 26 January 2013

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

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8 comments:

  1. Jim26 January 2013 at 10:50

    Excellent post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. LONDONLULU26 January 2013 at 13:14

    What a journey and post! Enjoyed the captures and the reminder of a crucial chapter in history, thank you.

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  3. Dina26 January 2013 at 14:04

    So interesting to see the story from the other side, from the starting point.
    I never thought of the convicts who actually were able to return home.
    Thank you for this moving lesson in history.

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  4. LOLfromPasa26 January 2013 at 18:25

    You have put together such an interesting post. Most enjoyable to read and view. Thank you!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jo26 January 2013 at 23:16

    Wow, fabulous post enjoyed it very much :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Julie26 January 2013 at 23:46

    I agree with other commenters: you have put together a most wonderful contribution for 'Australia Day'. I am heavily involved with family history, and my GG-GF John Dunstan Tonkin, was born in Penzance, and migrated to Melbourne in 1854.

    Reflecting upon the explorations of James Cook, it took much self-confidence, and perhaps temerity, to launch int the unknown as he did. I thank you for showing us his starting point.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Joan Elizabeth27 January 2013 at 07:49

    What a terrific post and great link you have made with the Theme.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ann27 January 2013 at 12:06

    Terrific post.

    ReplyDelete

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