Canal lined with trees.
Names of Interest, Stories Under the Tree

The Suicide

As Henry hit the water its icy tentacles reached out to ensnare him. Drifting further and further into its murky depths he felt at peace for the first time in ages. “Quickly! We’ve got to find him. Someone run and get the constable,” yelled the man as he dove into the canal. Just as the police arrived he managed to…

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The Lie Charles Newman Docks
Names of Interest, Stories Under the Tree

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 trying hard to mask his…

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Victorian Woman, Sad, Reflective
Names of Interest, Stories Under the Tree

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 to avoid those merchant seamen…

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Convict Ships, Stag, Fremantle Westerna Australia, Transportation
Names of Interest, Stories Under the Tree

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 given his previous conviction, the…

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Convict, Prison, Australian Convicts
Convicts, Names of Interest, Stories Under the Tree

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 5’ 8” he was a…

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The Police Henry Stokes Harriet Stokes
Names of Interest, Stories Under the Tree

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 down the street noticing her…

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Kalgoorlie Express, Western Australia
Names of Interest, Stories Under the Tree

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 the other trips.” “Well, when…

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The Dilemma, Sailing Ship, Merchant Sailor
Names of Interest, Stories Under the Tree

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 Greenough, Western Australia – 245…

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