Colonial Memories

First published in 1904, this book is the last of Lady Mary Anne Barker’s memoirs of her life in several of Britain’s colonies in the nineteenth century. Barker (1831-1911) was born in Jamaica and educated in England and France. In 1865, she moved to New Zealand with her second husband, Sir Frederick Broome, and spent three years living on a sheep station. She then lived in South Africa, Mauritius, Trinidad, and Western Australia following the various political appointments of her husband. During her travels she began her successful writing career and published several memoirs and housekeeping guides. In Colonial Memories, she recounts her life as a colonial wife, detailing her experiences in far-flung locales. The book also includes chapters on birds, interviews, General Charles Gordon (whom she met in Mauritius), and her servants. Several of the chapters were initially published as articles in London magazines.