Today's Stories from our Past

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What if the legacy of a kind-hearted village doctor could inspire generations and spark dreams of adventure across continents?

Join us as we explore the captivating story of the Watts family, where Thomas Watts defied the Dickensian stereotype of a struggling doctor and rose as a prosperous figure within England's burgeoning middle class. Discover how his remarkable choice to divide his estate equally among his children, regardless of gender, set the stage for his son John’s daring journey to the colonies.

In a vibrant ceremony back in 1839, Thomas Watts was celebrated by his community in Frampton-on-Severn, leaving a lasting footprint of gratitude and respect. The heartfelt event, marked by music and banners, saw the esteemed doctor honoured with a beautifully engraved silver tea kettle, symbolizing the profound impact of his dedicated service. This legacy extended beyond his lifetime, contributing to the education of young medical minds through the Watts Science Prize, all while shaping the future of medicine in England.

As we conclude, we reflect on John's aspirations and the potential influence of his family's standing in the village on his dreams of adventure in South Australia. With minimal class barriers and the supportive backdrop of his family's legacy, John embarks on a journey that we are eager to unfold in future episodes. Stay tuned as we continue to uncover these fascinating stories from our past, including the intriguing involvement of the Hack family and Dr. George Mayo, which will further illuminate John's decision to move to South Australia.

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The Mark’s Murders can only be understood by knowing how inland Australia was occupied by the squatters. This was based on terra nullius so no treaties are agreements were needed before the land was occupied by Europeans, known as squatters. The story of squatting is told through the life of John Browne, who was the son of convicts but became a successful businessman in the Hunter Valley and claimed huge areas of land.

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What if the founding of a colony was more than just a historical event, but a dramatic saga filled with excitement, tension, and tragedy?
Join us as we uncover the thrilling story of South Australia's establishment, starting with the arrival of the first fleet and the consequential landing of Rear Admiral Sir John Hindmarsh aboard HMS Buffalo. Experience the anticipation of the settlers as they navigate strategic decisions and fierce debates over Adelaide's location, revealing the human struggles behind the formalities of colonial government ceremonies.
The brushstrokes of history aren't always accurate, but they tell a story nonetheless. We'll delve into the artistic liberties taken by Charles Hill in his painting "Proclamation of South Australia, 1836," exposing the historical inaccuracies that have shaped our perception of these events. Discover the tensions between Governor Hindmarsh and Colonel Light, and the poignant personal losses within the Gouger family, set against the backdrop of Adelaide's birth. Through these stories, we'll explore the early political turmoil, highlighting the power struggles and personal vendettas that marked the colony's early governance.
As we journey through South Australia's growing pains, witness the personal transformations of settlers like Barton Hack amid the colony's challenges. Their stories intertwine with those of William Henry Neale and Charles Nantes, weaving a rich tapestry of hope and resilience. We'll reflect on these foundational moments that continue to shape the region's legacy, providing a deeper understanding of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Join us for an enlightening exploration of the past that still resonates today.

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Discover the surprising irony behind South Australia's convict-free reputation as we unravel the story of how the colony was conceptualized by a convict whose radical ideas shaped its foundation. Explore the grim reality of early 1800s England, where overcrowding, poverty, and the quest for religious freedom drove many to seek new beginnings in the British colonies. Learn why South Australia emerged as a unique opportunity, offering hope and independence free from the constraints of convict labour and land grants, and how this promise set the stage for a distinctive settlement.

Meet Edward Gibbon Wakefield, a controversial figure with a criminal past, whose innovative ideas on systematic colonization left an indelible mark on South Australia's founding principles. We delve into the complex network of organizations, including the South Australian Association and the South Australian Colonisation Commission, that brought Wakefield's vision to life. Despite his notorious history, Wakefield's influence persisted even as he distanced himself from the project, with key followers like Robert Gouger advancing his ideals. Their stories paint a vivid picture of ambition and controversy that defined the early days of the colony's formation.

Witness the early struggles and triumphs of establishing South Australia, a colony striving for self-sufficiency amidst bureaucratic challenges and conflicting leadership. Hear about the dedication of figures like Governor Hindmarsh, Sir James Hertel Fisher, and Robert Gouger, who navigated the intricacies of the colonization process. Our narrative concludes with a teaser of the trials faced by founding individuals before leaving England, including the introduction of my ancestor, William Henry Neale. Join us on this fascinating historical journey as we continue to uncover the untold stories that shaped South Australia's origins.

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A young man's rejection of medical destiny leads to an epic sea journey and colonial adventure in this fascinating exploration of early South Australian settlement.
When John Watts turned away from following his surgeon father's footsteps, he made a decision that would take him across multiple oceans, through terrifying storms, and into a colony teetering on economic collapse. This extraordinary tale of ambition, preparation, and perseverance reveals the complex web of connections that facilitated migration to Australia in the 1840s.
Through John's remarkable personal reminiscences, written at age 80 and preserved by his family for over a century, we gain intimate insights into how colonial dreams were both constructed and challenged. The story begins with a fateful meeting between Dr. Mayo and John's father in Gloucestershire, sparking the idea of sending John to South Australia. Rather than pursuing medicine like his brother, John pragmatically prepares for colonial life by learning farming, butchery, and blacksmithing – essential skills for frontier survival.
The six-month voyage aboard the Guiana proves both arduous and tragic. While crossing the turbulent seas near the Cape of Good Hope, all ten donkeys destined for the Hack family farm are lost overboard during violent storms – a poignant reminder of the perils facing colonial enterprises. Meanwhile, a young bride meets her new husband in Adelaide only to die at sea months later, highlighting the precariousness of colonial life.
What makes this episode particularly compelling is the economic context of John's arrival. Landing in March 1842, he steps into a colony experiencing financial meltdown, with unemployed labourers, failing merchants, and British intervention to save South Australia from bankruptcy. Through personal stories and historical context, we witness how individual ambitions intersected with imperial policies and economic cycles to shape Australia's early development.
Want to understand how ordinary people navigated the extraordinary challenges of colonial settlement? This episode offers a rare window into one man's journey from reluctant doctor's son to Australian pioneer. Subscribe now to follow John's next adventures as he confronts the harsh realities of colonial life during South Australia's worst economic depression.

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