00009003_53.pdf

Account of my trip to England, W Davies

Author W Davies

Date1895

Object number00009003

NameDiary

MediumInk on paper, cardboard

DimensionsOverall: 168 x 210 x 15 mm

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection

Collections

Manuscript diaries, journals and logs

DescriptionThis diary is a written account by W Davies detailing his extensive trip beginning 17 May, 1895 from Brisbane, Australia and ending in London on the 29 September 1895. The account records a variety of locations and focuses particularly on religious and cultural sites visited by Davies.
HistoryW Davies left Brisbane aboard SS BARRABOOL and travelled to Sydney. From there he boarded SS GAIA [?] to Melbourne, Adelaide and then onto England. In each port he stops at Davies goes ashore and describes the city and sights. He seems to have been a religious man who made a point of visiting churches at each location, praying for protection and speaking to the local minister when available.

Throughout the journey Davies was very unwell from seasickness which did not abate as the ship hit the monsoon season.
SignificanceJournals of departures from Australia are rare and this diary by Davies paints a vivid picture of life aboard the ship and the excitement of visiting foreign ports.