Synopsis "Journey to Gibraltar: Letters, Memoirs & Personal Diaries"
The discovery of letters, diaries and a memoir, whilst clearing out the Beanland home in 1997, led to family secrets being revealed, giving us a window into the world of the 19th Century.Bolton Beanland, born in Colne, Lancashire, leaves a life in the mills at the age of 18 to join the army as a Gunner and through his accounts we find out what it was like to be in service during 1861. Via numerous letters, mentioning events such as the death of the Prince Consort in 1862, during his time in Woolwich, and the conflict in Jamaica in 1865, we discover the life of a soldier during testing circumstances.His marriage to Emma Saword, in Jamaica, in 1865, and subsequent posting to Gibraltar in 1867 are celebrated, in this publication, by the Beanland family in Gibraltar to mark 150 years since their ancestors' arrival on The Rock.However, tragic circumstances befall the family and are described by letters written by his wife and brother, Emmett. In addition, Bolton's daughter, Harriett, brings these years to life in a vivid and beautifully written memoir.Two dairies written by Bolton's youngest son, Charles, also recall life in Gibraltar during 1889 and life in England during 1895, when he visited his relatives in Lancashire and London.We then get a glimpse of the Second World War in Gibraltar, through the eyes of Albert, the son of Charles, in 1942, and his warm views of his father on his passing in 1851.Finally, recollections from Bolton's great grandson, Malcolm Beanland.By meticulously reviving these accounts and the addition of numerous photographs, Malcolm and his daughter, V. J. Beanland, have managed to bring to life family history that would otherwise have been forgotten or lost again in time. Delve into the past and read accounts that were never intended for this world-wide audience.
