Well Suited to the Colony chronicles the remarkable migration of nearly seven hundred lace workers who journeyed from Calais, France, to the young colonies of Australia in 1848. Originally hailing from the Midlands of England, these skilled artisans found themselves caught in a harrowing vice between the encroaching poverty of Nottingham’s workhouses and the violent upheaval of the French Revolution. Seeking a new future, they successfully petitioned the British Government to assist their passage across the world.
Author Gillian Kelly weaves a complex, multi-layered narrative that synthesises historical political machinations with the deeply personal experiences of these families. Through the inclusion of contemporary accounts and personal records, the book provides an intimate perspective on the struggles and motivations of those who stood at the crossroads of history. This poignant account highlights the resilience of a community whose expertise in the delicate art of lacemaking helped shape the early social and economic fabric of their new homeland. It is a compelling testament to the endurance of the human spirit and a vital addition to the history of colonial migration.
Used (good, see images, some cover wear, handwritten name, and some initial pages marking) ISBN 0646341626
