Bound for South Australia 1836
Weddings
Week 23
"The Bride" engraved by Charles Heath after a picture by C.R.Leslie, published
in The Keepsake, 1830.
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.
Contents
•
•
•
•
•
Introduction
Journal entries
Inquiry Questions
Relevant images
Glossary of terms
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.
Journal entries
Thursday 28 July 1836
George Stevenson, on board the Buffalo wrote:
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,
“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.
Thursday 28 July 1836
Young Bingham Hutchinson, on board the Buffalo wrote:
Light airs & fine wr, wind S.S.E. steering W.b S.
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-
-deck, after which followed singing & dancing. Wind
freshened during the evening against us. Shortened sail.
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?
Images
Front cover of Young Bingham Hutchinson’s journal aboard the Buffalo
The First Quadrille at Almack's
Glossary of Terms
Quarterdeck
• The quarterdeck was the deck between the main mast and the back of the ship.
Return to Journal Entries