Perth author Marcia van Zeller will conduct a reading from her book, The Capes, which centres on the dramatic 1876 shipwreck of the S.S. Georgette.
The story of the wreck, and the equally sensational rescue of fifty people stranded on the grounded ship by 16 year old Grace Bussell and Aboriginal stockman Samuel Isaacs, is a much loved piece of South West history.
In her book Ms van Zeller proposes an alternative reading of the tale, told from the perspective of four key characters; Ellen Bussell, matriarch of the Bussells of Wallcliffe; George Leake, a young passenger (who later became Premier of Western Australia); Annie Simpson, a young mother and survivor of the shipwreck; and Captain John Godfrey.
During her research into the disaster, Ms van Zeller found letters written by survivors which tell a different story about what happened on that fateful night.
“The very wonderful story of the two horseback riders was over stated and exaggerated,” she said.
“How it was recorded wasn’t how it happened.”
Discoveries and Rediscoveries is the theme of the 2016 National Trust Heritage Festival which sees events across the country cast light on local history and important heritage locations.
As part of the festival, Ms van Zeller will speak at Ellensbrook homestead before a guided walk through the homestead and grounds with Ellensbrook’s National Trust warden Paul Lange.
The talk and walk will be held at Ellensbrook historic site on Saturday 30 April from 10.00am to 11.00am.
Participants are asked to bring a gold coin donation. Bookings can be made on 9755 5173.
