Dorset History with an Aussie Flavour.

 

From Dorset Gallows to Van Diemen’s Land is the unlikely but true story of political corruption, hangings and transportation in the small market town of Blandford in Southern England.  It is available as a paperback from  Amazon in the United Kingdom, Australia and the USA.

The book uncovers the extraordinary tale of two ordinary men, George Long a shoemaker and Richard Bleathman a butcher. Driven by belief and dissatisfaction they are swept along by events. Sentenced to be hanged in Dorchester Gaol for their protests against political corruption they are instead, following clemency appeals,  transported to Van Diemen’s Land -  on the other side of the world.

‘A fascinatingly  good read. This book entirely complements the story of the Tolpuddle Martyrs - also transported to Australia.’ (Richard Holledge, newspaper editor, freelance journalist - London. As read in the Independent, New York Times & Financial Times. Author of  Voices of the Mayflower.)

‘A must read for anyone with an interest in Dorset’s history. (Mick Robertson, BAFTA Lifetime Television Award winner & former ITV children’s programme Magpie presenter.)

‘My father’s ancestor, Richard Bleathman was one of the so-called Dorset rioters. He was effectively a political prisoner and therefore convict-royalty.’ (Ria Bleathman, company director, Melbourne, Australia.)

‘An appealing slice of English history with a strong Australian flavour.’ (Jan Richards AM : Past President and Fellow of the National Library of Australia.)

‘Really enjoyed this window into 19th century history, the fascinating national political context and, most importantly, the lives of two significant actors in our history.’ (Alex Williams OBE.)

‘It’s been particularly pleasing to find out so much more about the pre-transportation history of my great-great grandfather, Richard Bleathman and his admirable stand against injustice and oppression.’ (Bill Bleathman, retired Director, Tasmanian Museum & Art Gallery.)

From Dorset Gallows to Van Diemen’s Land has been archived, because of its original historical research, by the Dorset History Centre, the National Library of Australia, Libraries Tasmania, the  British Library and the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich.