Bound for South Australia 1836 Weddings Week 23

1. Bound for South Australia 1836Weddings Week 23 "The Bride" engraved by Charles Heath after a picture by C.R.Leslie, published in The Keepsake, 1830.

2. Overview Between February and July 1836 nine ships left Britain bound for the newly created province of South Australia. On-board the ships were passengers who over many long months braved the perils of the ocean, including some of the most treacherous seas in the world to begin a new life on the other side of the world. This resource uses the stories from these nine ships as recorded by the passengers and crew in their personal journals.

3. Contents • Introduction • Journal entries • Inquiry Questions • Relevant images • Glossary of terms

4. Introduction What an exciting week on board the Buffalo! We read in Bingham Hutchinson’s diary on Thursday 28th July that three weddings took place on the same day. The ceremony was conducted by Mr W. Howard and was witnessed by the entire crew and all the passengers. Hutchinson’s diary entry gives us few details about the service, including the drinking of ‘wine on the quarter–deck, after which followed singing & dancing.’ With some understanding of English weddings in 1836, we can make assumptions about what other events may have occurred. For example, “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part”, are common marriage vows that have been recited at many English church weddings since 1552.  This week we will build upon our own understandings and experiences to explore the concepts of marriage and weddings, from traditional English weddings in 1836, to the weddings from different cultures, ethnic groups, religion and countries in present times.

5. Journal entries Thursday 28 July 1836 George Stevenson, on board the Buffalowrote: Three weddings amongst the young Emigrants this morning. The ceremony was performed by Mr Howard on the quarter deck in the presence of the Governor, officers passengers, emigrants and whole ships company. Mr Howard on this occasion acted under a license granted by the Governor, and as some doubts have occurred to me, as to the legality of marriages under such circumstances, I subjoin a Copy of the licence under which they were celebrated. “By His Excellency John Hindmarsh Esq. Captain in the Royal Navy, Knight of the Royal Hanoverian order, Governor and Captain General of His Majesty’s province of South Australia,

6. “Whereas it hath been represented to me that A.B. &c (Here the names and last residences of the parties are enumerated) are desirous of being united in matrimony and that there are no lawful impediments to the solemnization thereof, now therefore I hereby authorise you to proceed to solemnize the marriages between the parties herein before designed with all convenient speed according to the rites of the Church and for so doing this shall be your warrant. Given under my hand & seal &c” Signed by the Governor & addressed to the Rev. Mr Howard.

7. Thursday 28 July 1836 Young Bingham Hutchinson, on board the Buffalowrote: Light airs & fine wr, wind S.S.E. steering W.bS. at 11. The whole of the crew & passengers assembled to witness the celebration of three weddings on board, previous to which part of the Morning Service of Prayer, & part of the Prayers to be used at sea, were offered up by the Revd C.B. Howard: after the ceremony the married couples and bridesmaids were regaled in the cabin by His Excellen- -cy the Governor. Noon. Light airs & fine wr. wind S.S.W. P.M. Light winds & cloudy, S.W. with a threatening aspect. The first number of the “Buffalo Telegraph” appeared. (This was a periodical, to be continued weekly during the voyage, by contribution of original articles by those on board). Contributed “a letter from Bembridge” &c. &c. &c. The wedding parties were regaled with wine on the quarter-

8. -deck, after which followed singing & dancing. Wind freshened during the evening against us. Shortened sail.

9. Inquiry Questions • Find information about traditional English church weddings in 1836. How are they the same / different to church weddings today? • Hutchinson’s diary entry gives us some information about the wedding celebrations onboard. Use your knowledge of English weddings in 1836 and draw conclusions about what the passengers might have done to mark this significant occasion. • Why have some wedding traditions changed over time and others have remained the same? 

10. Images Front cover of Young Bingham Hutchinson’s journal aboard the Buffalo

11. The First Quadrille at Almack's

12. Glossary of Terms Quarterdeck • The quarterdeck was the deck between the main mast and the back of the ship. Return to Journal Entries