This illustrated talk explains how the Schooner Lady of St Kilda connected La Trobe’s naming of St Kilda in Port Phillip with the amazing remote Scottish island of St Kilda. The early subdivision of the new township of St Kilda is explained and the National Trust property of Killerton in Devon is linked in the story of the Schooner. The second part of the story describes the Islands of St Kilda, the life of the people and the disastrous migration of 36 of the inhabitants on the Barque Priscilla. Only 16 survived the voyage to Port Phillip.
Presenter: John Botham
John Botham is a committee member and webmaster of the La Trobe Society. He spent a career in the RAF and with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority before developing an interest in the history of early Victoria. He assisted with the production of La Trobe’s Jolimont, A Walk Round My Garden (2006) and worked tirelessly thereafter to develop an understanding amongst government and the public of the heritage importance of the La Trobe’s Cottage. He is currently the Chair of the Friends of La Trobe’s Cottage.
Contact John for information and booking.