I strode into Melling hoping to look stronger than I felt on that cold November day.
 

I was hungry.
 

The very first cottage I came to had a gaping hole in the roof. Not the best of starts but I heard conversation though the open door. This took me nearer … up the path and even gave me the courage to tap gently but insistently on the door. I was hungry.
 

Someone opened the door. There were two other people at the table near the fireplace. There was no fire burning.
 

I asked for some water and was given it. I was told not to ask for anything more and to go once I had finished.
 

The hunger was almost unbearable. And so it was that I came upon the village shop. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Outside the shop were some 2 pint milk cans. 12 of them.

 

I thanked Uncle Ben for the enormous deep pocketed overcoat. As swift as a magpie I snatched 2 of those cans  … one for each pocket.

Without another glance I strode right through Melling and out the other side not stopping until I found the safety of a hay barn.

What a treat.

 

It was a year later that I read that Edward, Ellen and Mary were convicted of stealing the Melling milk and were transported from Lancaster Castle to end their days in Australia’s outback. I didn’t shed a tear but thanked them all the same.

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This story was inspired by the true account of a family convicted at Lancaster Castle and transported to Australia for the crime of stealing milk in Melling. There are many more historical accounts of Lancastrian women transported to Australia unearthed by Lancastrian Research.