On 30 January 1885 Alfred and Emily Bennett boarded the Royal Mail Steamer, “Zealandia”, for their year-long world trip.
By far the main source of information for this section of the website has been the book which Emily wrote, “Vignettes of Travel”, which was published in 1886. Other sources include newspaper reports and letters, as well as contextual research.
We grappled with the dilemma of how to present this story, indeed what to present at all. Even though we didn’t have many actual dates to work with, Emily’s book gave us a definite chronology and so a timeline was an obvious choice. It gives us the ability to see the extent of their travels over the year, while being able to dive into specific destinations for further information as the interest takes us.
It should be mentioned that we are not aware of any photographs taken by Alfred and Emily, nor by anyone else on the trip for that matter. Therefore, the images presented on these pages are sourced elsewhere and are of the period. They help to bring their story to life and show just how adventurous some of the journey segments were for the time, especially when you consider that Emily was already pregnant with their third child when they departed Sydney.
So what exactly prompted them to take this year long trip?
The Colonial and Indian Exhibition being held in the Crystal Palace in London was undoubtedly the catalyst for the trip. Alfred was one of the Commissioners appointed by the NSW government (along with John Henniker-Heaton). The role of Commissioner involved responsibility for the design and preparation of the NSW “court”; Alfred’s visit to London that year was to help with the preparation and oversee the progress.
In addition, as head of a newspaper business in its peak growth stage, Alfred would most certainly have been motivated to research newspaper publication practices and ideas in other countries.
On the Tuesday evening before their departure a Farewell Banquet was held. It was attended by leading Sydney figures of the day, including the newly appointed United States Consul. In his speech, Alfred said: “He intended to spend a good deal of the time occupied in his trip in America by mixing with people of different trains of thought, in order that her might gather new ideas and widen his range of thought “. Alfred went on to share his opinion about the importance of travelling overseas for Australians, particularly government officials. (Already, his brother Frank had been to England on more than one occasion to research and to purchase the latest printing machinery.)
During their stay in London Alfred was presented at court. As an important visitor from Australia it was entirely appropriate that Alfred be introduced. Since Queen Victoria was indisposed at the time it was to her son, the Prince of Wales, that Alfred was presented.
So, the trip appears to be a confluence of many driving forces.
Meanwhile, Emily’s book is a great read. And while there is the occasional hint of Alfred’s motivations and interest, it is wholeheartedly Emily’s perspective (was this a little progressive and/or bold for the time?). It is intelligently written and is incredibly insightful, not just of the trip, but also of the time. So, as you click on the timeline entries you will find snippets from the book (with page references if you are fortunate enough to have your own copy) and a little more information about each segment of their journey.
Emily writes: “And now to the matter-of-fact part of our work. If anybody should suppose, on taking up this book, that it is a book of travels, history, climate, institutions, social or political, of the countries referred to , he or she will be very much mistaken. No pretence of the kind is made. It is simply what it purports to be – “Vignettes of Travel in Other Lands” – by which I mean other than Australian lands. It is a running commentary – loose leaves, or little pictures within no definite border, if you will – of new scenes, and fresh faces met on old paths. It goes over well-beaten roads, upon whose worn surface new footsteps are not easily impressed.”
We hope you enjoy the glimpse into their 1885 trip – the individual timeline entries below will be added progressively.