The Lie Charles Newman Docks

The Lie

“Charles,” a man came running up behind him, “I thought it was you.” “Sorry, you must have the wrong person,” Charles said, shrugging the man’s hand off his shoulder. “You caused a right ruckus in London when you didn’t return with us.” “I don’t know what you’re talking about mate.  I’m from Coventry,” Charles said…

Victorian Woman, Sad, Reflective

The Dilemma

Edith was distraught as she sat on her bed crying wondering what she was to do.  Her sister Mabel came over. “Whatever is the matter, Edith?” In between her sobs, she told Mabel her dilemma.  “I have done something stupid.  Mamma and Papa told me to stay away from that Charles Newman.  They told me…

Convict Ships, Stag, Fremantle Westerna Australia, Transportation

The Journey

As the ship made its way out of the River Thames, Isabella reflected on how they had got to this point.  She would never have voluntarily made this trip, however since the day George was transported she knew this is what they had to do. They had hoped he would be jailed in Scotland but…

Convict, Prison, Australian Convicts

The Sentence

The convict ship “Stag” departed England, bound for Fremantle, on the 27 January 1855.  George Brand was one of 85 convicts onboard.  George was 33 years old and did not consider himself a handsome man.  He had scraggly brown hair that was lightly balding, a sallow complexion with grey eyes and whilst quite tall at…

The Epiphany Jonah Walker

The Epiphany

Jonah sat with his head in his hands. He had no idea how he was to continue. It was bad enough that young Sarah and George had to die but why did God have to take his Henney as well? How could he do it all ­ raise the remaining children and work? “Dad do you…

The Police Henry Stokes Harriet Stokes

The Police

“I’ll have to be going.  I promised Fanny I wouldn’t be long.  I can’t believe the baby will be here so soon” said Samuel. Harriet smiled as she gently put her youngest son William in his cradle “I know son, I cannot wait for my first grandchild. ” As Harriet opened the door she looked…

Kalgoorlie Express, Western Australia

The Kalgoorlie Express

“Tom, sit still!” chastised Clara. She’d been tasked with the care of Tom on this trip to Kalgoorlie. “He’s just excited,” her mother said as she fed baby Ruth. “I know, but if he just wouldn’t wiggle so.” “Look, look we’re in the forest,” screamed Tom. Clara smiled. Tom turned to Clara, “Tell me about…

Fletcher Alderwin Brand, WWI Portrait, Western Australia

Chance Encounter

Fletcher wandered down the street of Alexandria, Egypt heading towards the noise coming from the pub. His ship had landed early this morning and he had been given a few hours to unwind before his war started. He noticed a vacant stool at the bar and took up his position ordering a beer. “Hello” said…

The Dilemma, Sailing Ship, Merchant Sailor

Upside Down

I was born in 1847 in Larbert, Scotland, a little town halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh.  When I was 4, my dad was transported to Australia.  My mum told me that we might never see him again.  However, now I am 12 and we have arrived to live with dad, in a small place called…

Aaron Walker, Family Tree

The Census Collector

Samuel finished giving his details to the Census Collector “I’ll get Jonah, my boarder for you.” Samuel entered the kitchen to find Jonah sitting with his head in his hands.  His two children sitting quietly next to him.  He touched Jonah on the shoulder “Jonah you’ll need to go give the man your details.” The…