Send us a text

What if you found out that the city of Adelaide was meticulously designed by a visionary figure amidst a backdrop of poor strategic planning and unexpected challenges?  Our latest episode of Today's Stories from Our Past reveals the intricate and ambitious blueprint laid out by the South Australian Company.  We delve into the crucial roles of key officials and surveyors, particularly Colonel William Light, whose iconic layout of the city was well ahead of its time.  Learn how Adelaide earned its name in honour of Queen Adelaide, as chosen by King William IV.

Join us on a rollercoaster journey through the life of William Henry Neale, a man who faced relentless financial struggles yet never gave up.  From his beginnings as a corn chandler in Cheam, Surrey, to the collapse of his stagecoach business in Stratford, William's resilience is put to the test again and again.  Despite facing debts of over £6,000 and legal battles that culminated in a significant court appearance in 1835, William's story is a testament to human endurance and the complexities of the Insolvent Debtors Act.

Our exploration doesn't stop there.  We uncover the audacious escape and next reinvention of William Henry Neale, who left his debts behind in England to find a fresh start as an assistant surveyor in South Australia.  Navigate the early challenges faced by Colonel William Light’s survey team, including wage disputes and labour strikes, and get to know competent surveyors like Boyle Travis Finnis and George Ormsby.  We also touch on logistical hurdles experienced by Colonel Light, providing a vivid picture of the early, and often tumultuous, days of setting up the colony of South Australia.

Contact us at [email protected].