Mutiny on the Bounty with Historian Bob Begin

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

TIME: 7pm - 8:30pm LOCATION: Keys Community Room CONTACT: Jean Hlady, 617.698.5757

This will be an in person historical presentation by local speaker Bob Begin about the story behind “Mutiny on the Bounty.”

The status and growth of the British Empire was a result of her Royal Navy, the most powerful in the world during the 1700s.  Her ships roamed the world on journeys of discovery and acquisition.  In 1787, William Bligh is appointed commander of a voyage to the South Seas.  His vessel, HMS Bounty, is not a famous warship but should be adequate for a mission to Tahiti to gather samples of breadfruit plants, which were thought to be a quick-growing source of food.  The Bounty was modified to meet all of the needs of safety and transport of the plants.  Their safe arrival from Tahiti was paramount.

As a member of the Royal Navy, all aboard were subject to the discipline and expectations of the Royal Navy.  “England expects every man to do his duty” was a constant requirement.  Life in “the lower decks” was brutal.

The Bounty left England in December 1787.  She would arrive in Tahiti in October after a journey of 28,000 miles.  She was welcomed by the natives of this exotic, scenic land.  Following a stay of 23 weeks, on April 5th, she set sail for England with over 1,000 breadfruit plants on board.  Four weeks later, a mutiny took place.  Her Captain and 18 men loyal to him were placed in a 23 foot open launch.  The Bounty, under control of Fletcher Christain, would sail for Tahiti.

What happened to the men in the open boat, what happened to the mutineers, and what was the reaction of the Royal Navy?   The answers will be based on Bligh’s Log and Royal Navy records.  Mr. Begin is glad to share them and we hope you might join us for a fascinating in person talk!

This program is kindly sponsored by the Friends of the Milton Public Library and is free and open to all.  No registration is required to attend – just please join us!  And we hope you will tell any friends who are nautical history buffs too.