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Today, I take you way down to the southermost state of Australia, the island state of Tasmania. Tasmania housed one of the most brutal penal colonies on this earth, at Port Arthur, which is in the south-east of the state. On a small promontory just down from the Commandant's Cottage, is this singular grave. It is a memorial to the first Commandant of the penal colony, Charles O'Hara Booth (1800 - 1851) who was commandant from 1833 - 1840. He died of a heart attack at Newtown near Hobart. My understanding is that his body is not resting here, but I am not able to confirm that. Then, come with me to Sydney Eye, and take the short, blustery ferry trip out to the 'Isle of the Dead', where convict and freeman spend Eternity cheek by jowl.
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Your contribution is most welcome. Please ensure that you include some details of the cemetery in which you took your photographs, and link directly to your post, rather than simply to your blog in general. Mr Linky opens at 10pm Monday, Sydney time (GMT+11). When you can, please visit the other contributing bloggers to show your appreciation of their endeavours. Due to time zone variations and overcrowded schedules, some contributions are made later than Tuesday/Wednesday.
18 comments:
Thank you for the info, Julie. I didn't know about the penal colony in Tasmania. Actually I have to confess I know very little about the island... apart from the cute devils! :-) Lovely photo.
But those 'cute' devils are in mortal peril of their very existence, because of a marauding facial cancer that is devilishly difficult to eradicate.
A peaceful scene Julie ... I guess it would be nice to think that Commandant Booth was resting here in the shade of those beautiful gums ... but alas it is not to be.
Quite a simple grave. I love old ones like this. I don't think it matters where he is buried though. Do you think he still has family?
Must have been a horrible place back then.
Port Arthur is such a scenic place, and yet its history is so veiled in dark horrors! A very disturbing image of a lonely grave!
Hmmm... I'd like to think the commandant is writhing in pain in a purgatory somewhere, rather than resting in peace, here or anywhere!
My post was rather hastily put together, I'm sorry to say. Just got out of China today and was pressed for time. Nonetheless, hope you find it interesting.
I was disappointed in not getting to Tasmania when I was in your land. And I wasn't about to steal anything to get there.
I would love to visit your country!!! I can only imagine what a horrific job being the Commandant was...its a beautiful spot to rest, whether he is there or not!!
Julie, thanks for the invite, but the very small town I live in only has a very small cemetery - I'd run out of shots in about 3 weeks. I do think it's a great topic though!
Thanks for providing the opportunity of linking Julie. I remember going to Port Arthur many years ago and being staggered by the historic ruins. It is rare in Australia to have such a site.
A very simple memorial that fits in well with the setting.
That's a marvellous shot, Julie, Wonderful composition and colour.
a fantastic choice! A chilling area.
Great picture, such a peaceful resting place.
Herding Cats
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Interesting story!
I missed last week's TT, but I'm back this week with an even-later-than-usual post.
I norticed our absence, Gene. But welcome your return. I shall get around to you this morning hopefully. Am just working my way through gradually. Such great stories in each and every post this week. and last week ... and ...
ow julie!
an entire day too late. too much to do, too little time... :(
didnt get to see your post either yet. hopefully tomorrow.
did see a lot of people contributed this time, nice!
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