About
Seminar: Arthur Dobbs, ‘Curious in Everything’
Saturday 22 August from 11.00am – 2.30pm in Carrickfergus Town Hall
To mark American 250, join us for an enjoyable exploration of Arthur Dobbs (1689–1765), Explorer, colonial governor, and early botanist from Carrickfergus. Including talks by:
• Trevor Parkhill, MBE Author and Historian – Arthur Dobbs: Colonial Undertaker and Governor of North Carolina
• David Hume, Local historian – On waves to the Backcountry: the Emigrant Experience
• Jim McKee, Site Manager, Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site, Tippitiwitchet to Toiletry: Arthur Dobbs at Brunswick Town, NC 1758-1765
• Katie Hatton North Carolina Colonial Records Project - "The Best and Tenderest of Husbands": Arthur Dobbs' Marriage to Justina Davis.
Lunch is provided. Please advise of any dietary requirements. Includes lunchtime performance by musician Dick Glasgow who will bring along his Appalachian Dulcimer. Tickets cost £8.00.
Talk programme:
Arthur Dobbs: Colonial Undertaker and Governor of North Carolina: Trevor Parkhill
Arthur Dobbs can claim to be an original Ulster-Scot immigrant to Colonial America. Born in Ayrshire 1689 where his mother had been sent to avoid the Williamite conflict Dobbs as MP for Carrickfergus (1727-60) worked to develop Ireland's trade, particularly the fledging linen industry. The lecturer will examine the extent to which this background informed his governorship of North Carolina (1754-65) where he identified the need to attract immigrants, some from Ulster, warned about French influence, sought to develop good relations with the native Amerindian population, and is buried there in an unmarked grave, 1765.
"The Best and Tenderest of Husbands": Arthur Dobbs' Marriage to Justina Davis: Katie Hatton
In 1762, the seventy-eight year old royal governor married Justina Davis, a bride sixty-three years his junior. How did these two meet, and what was the nature of their relationship? Using primary sources written by Dobbs and Davis themselves, we'll explore what their marriage was like and what happened to Justina after Governor Dobbs' death.
10.30- tea/coffee on arrival
11.00 – 11.15 – Welcome / Mayor’s speech
11.15 – 11.40 – Trevor Parkhill
11.40 – 12.05 – David Hume
12.05 – 13.00 – Lunch break
13.00 – 13:25 – Jim McKee
13.25 – 13:50 – Katie Hatton
13:50 – 14.20 – Panel discussion
Book Tickets
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Adult | £8.00 per ticket |
Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.
