Stokes family bedspread
1860Lightweight, white, embossed floral pattern bedspread
William Stokes (1808-16/05/1881) was a private in the 30th Regiment. About 1839 he married Ellen O’Neill. Before coming to WA as an Enrolled Pensioner Guard, he also served as a lighthouse keeper on the Falkland Islands for seven years. It is presumed Ellen was with him as the following children were born to the couple:- Sarah b.1839, d.1840, William b.1841, d.1845, John b.1843, d.1871, Ellen d.1849, Louisa d.1901, Henry b.1850, James b.1852, d.1927, Evelina b.1854, d.1952, and Mary b.1859, d.1921. The Stokes sailed to Western Australia on a convict ship in 1860.
It is family tradition that this bedspread was embroidered on that voyage by Ellen (uncertain whether this is mother or daughter). William was granted land at Greenough. Here, the youngest child Thomas was born in 1865, d.1930. Following Ellen’s death on 2 November 1878, William and children moved to Geraldton.
Details
Details
Whilst embroidered bedspreads from this era are not rare, this bedspread is unique in that it has an association with a Pensioner Guard family who came to Australia on the convict ships. The voyage took several months, so there was opportunity for passengers to take on time-consuming tasks like this and so create something that was evidence of their skill and also of practical use.
Greenough Museum and Gardens
Greenough Museum and Gardens
Other items from Greenough Museum and Gardens
- Geraldton Agricultural Society President's Cup for 1911
- Wonga Park Folk Museum poster
- Programme for Unveiling of Memorial Plaque at the Central Greenough Cemetery
- Greenough-Walkaway Anglican Church Flower Show Programme
- Doily embroidered by Maud Wilson
- Cowrie shell sock darner
- packet of parsnip seeds
- Packet of Strumosa Grandiflora - Nemesia seeds
- agate egg sock darner
- "Carols by Candlelight" programme
- gold heart-shaped pendant
- Sister Dora Clinch’s WWII medals
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