Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast EpisodesFletcher Christian, William Bligh and the Mutiny on the Bounty (Part One)
Fletcher Christian and William Bligh are permanently linked to the Mutiny on the Bounty. Listen to the true story of this infamous incident.
Initially, Fletcher Christian was not destined for a naval career. He was Born on the 25th of September, 1764 in the Cumbrian village of Eaglesfield. His father, Charles, was a wealthy attorney originally from the Isle of Man. Descended from several generations of Manx judiciary, it was the senior Christian’s original aim that all three of his sons get an education and pursue the law. Ann Christian, Fletcher’s mother, had brought her ancestral home of Moorland Close into the marriage and initially the family lived a prosperous existence as landed gentry. Unfortunately, Charles Christian died when Fletcher was four years old and his mother continued to spend and live lavishly, despite the lack of any meaningful income. Eventually, despite being bailed out a few times by wealthy relatives, Ann Christian fled to the Isle of Man, where she subsisted on a small annuity, safe from any prosecution for the massive debt she accrued during Fletcher’s childhood.
Through family connections, Christian approached Lieutenant William Bligh, also currently relegated to commanding ships involved in the rum and sugar trade of the Caribbean. Although Bligh was underemployed in his current position, he had a reputation as a skillful navigator who had served with Captain Cook, during Cook’s third and final voyage.
just before dawn on April 28, 1789, four men entered Bligh’s cabin while he was sleeping and quickly subdued and tied the Lieutenant
Published on 4 years, 7 months ago
If you like Podbriefly.com, please consider donating to support the ongoing development.
Donate