What’s it all about?
This 6ft 7in tall redheaded British foot-soldier and bricklayer was transported to the colonies in 1803 for being a receiver of stolen goods – a simple roll of cloth. From such a beginning Buckley was set to become a major piece in the historical jigsaw that was the early history of our city and state. How did it happen?
What will we cover?
Buckley came through Port Phillip Heads in October 1803 in a group lead by David Collins, who had been given an order to establish a settlement somewhere inside the Bay. The settlement near Sorrento was unsatisfactory and Buckley was determined to escape. This he accomplished, and found himself in the middle of the Victorian bush in the middle of a hot summer, ill-equipped to deal with his situation. We will go travelling with him, see how he dealt with incredibly difficult circumstances, and learn how he became involved in an astonishing way with the founders and settlers of early Melbourne. Now an iconic figure of our early days, he is deserving of our appreciation.
Who will be teaching?
Edwina Lampitt has a BA from the University of Melbourne and is passionate about history and why it is important for us. A trained Librarian who has worked both here and overseas, she is now Archivist/Teacher/Historian on the Tall Ship Enterprize, the replica of Melbourne’s founding ship. She also gives talks on Early Melbourne to U3A and other historical groups.