Summary

Black leather bound Bible, King James Edition, that belonged to Mary Ward and was brought to Australia when she migrated from England in 1961.

Commonly known as the KJV, the King James translation of the Bible into English was completed during the reign of King James I of England (James VI of Scotland) in 1611. This 'authorised' version was compiled in order to settle the differences and correct discrepencies in earlier translations, most notably the Great Bible (1539), the Geneva Bible (1560) and the Bishop's Bible (1568). It remained relatively unchanged until the 1880s when the number of books was reduced from eighty to sixty-six and another translation - the English Revised Version (ERV) - was completed.

Part of a large collection of material relating to the migration and settlement of British migrants to Australia in the 1960s under the 'Bring Out a Briton' Scheme. It documents in particular both the migration experiences of James and Mary Ward and their three children who arrived in Melbourne on the 'TSS Stratheden' from Yorkshire in December 1961; and the Burke Road East Malvern Methodist Church's sponsorship of a number of English families, including the Wards, under the Scheme. The Church's support included temporary accommodation for assisted families in a neighbouring house. The 'Bring Out a Briton' Scheme (1957-1982) was part of a Commonwealth Government initiative which offered subsidised ship fares, accommodation and support to encourage migration from the UK to Australia after World War II.

Physical Description

Black leather bound bible, An 'envelope economy label' has been adhered to the inside of the front cover. Inscription on inside of back cover in blue ink. Numerous loose newspaper clippings, notes and cards have been removed from the bible to be housed separately. Where removed the page number has been noted.

Significance

The Ward/Barlow Families collection is of national significance in documenting British assisted migration to Australia post-World War II. The collection provides a comprehensive snapshot from the commencement to completion of a British assisted migration experience and illuminates post-war immigration policies and procedures which favoured British immigration into Australia.

The collection of almost 400 items comprises a unique body of documentation with intersections between personal, community and government narratives that explore British post-World War II assisted migration. It includes photographs, personal correspondence, documents and objects offering a rare glimpse into the role of the Australian and British governments, Methodists Church sponsorship and community engagement in assisting and welcoming British immigrants to Australia. Assisted British migration was a constant theme of Australian immigration history until the early 1980s. Government initiatives such as the 'Bring Out A Briton' scheme had an enormous impact on the composition and size of the Australian population, making the Ward/Barlow collection of broad social and political historical significance.

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