Enquiry about Rev George Greatbatch
I write in the hope that you will be willing and able to help me with a query concerning the home of the Rev. George Greatbatch in 1822-26. My interest focuses on an Aboriginal Tasmanian boy, known as George Van Diemen, who was brought from Van Diemen’s Land by Capt. William Kermode and entrusted to Greatbatch’s care, in 1822. Correspondence at the Tasmanian State Archives in Hobart, between Greatbatch, Messrs. E.Grose, John Bradley, and Kermode, deals with the native boy’s education in Churchtown (and later in Southport and Liverpool), but it makes no reference to domestic arrangements. Lancashire County Congregational Union papers, in Preston, are likewise silent - but it is clear that George Van Diemen lived with rev.Greatbatch and his family. The question is: where was that?
The original chapel building survives, (has a photograph been published, I wonder?) Did the dissenting minister himself live in another cottage by it?
Any information would be deeply appreciated by many Tasmanians.George Van Diemen was, after all, the only Aboriginal boy from the island known to have acquired full literacy in England, and been returned home, before the extermination phase.
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Reply from George Lloyd (Feb 2006)
Revd. George Greatbatch was the first Minister of North Meols Independent Chapel, formed on 11th March 1807. Soon after it became Churchtown Congregational Church, and is now The United Reformed Church, Churchtown. Revd G.G. was minister there from 1807 to 1824, when he moved to open a new church in East Bank Lane, Southport (later known as Chapel Street Congregational Church, and demolished in 1963 to make way for Littlewoods store). During the period of your question, he lived in a cottage in Botanic Road, Churchtown, close to the site of the present church. In case you are unaware, Churchtown is now a suburb of Southport, but was formerly the centre of the old parish of North Meols, before the town of Southport came into being.
I am presently updating the history of the church in time for the bi-centenary in 2007, but I have not come across any reference to the Tasmanian boy. However, if you find any more about him and Rev G.G., I would be pleased to include it in the history.
Reply from Colin Garrity
Fascinated to see your letter, I have become interested in George Van Diemen for two reasons.
1. One of the central aboriginal characters in Matthew Kneale's book English Passengers is based on him, and the epilogue mentioned that he was educated in Lancashire (I come from Southport, and now live in Ramsbottom, Lancs.
2. I am travelling to Hobart later this month, and now, thanks to your letter, will look up the history.
Unfortunately, though, I cannot help you any further, but If I do discover more information I will pass it on.