New Worlds Down Under

New Worlds Down Under. In 1788 the First Fleet landed at Botany Bay with its first cohort of convicts including women. The settlement of Australia had begun. The remaining phases were more varied as free settler colonies emerged with women viewed as primary agents of successful settlement.

Dr Mary Ellen joins us to explore this fascinating connection to our antipodean ancestors.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Following a degree in English Studies and anM.A. in Women and Writing, Mary completed a PhD at U.E.A. under the supervision of the late Lorna Sage. In 2001, she trained as a secondary school English teacher and taught in a South Norfolk school, mainly as Head of Faculty. In 2015, she moved to Heptonstall and taught at Calderdale Adult Learning. Mary helped run the Heptonstall Historical and Heritage Society until the Museum’s renewal as a community asset. She remains committed to her twin passions of history and literature.