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The Rockingham

In 1830, during a severe gale, the ship "Rockingham" anchored in Cockburn Sound broke its capstan and was driven a ground just to the north of the town site that now bears its name. All settlers and crew were saved, however the ship could not be repaired and was later broken up. A number of attempts were made at establishing settlements in the area but it was not until the early 1850's that families took up land to the east of the Rockingham town site and began farming.

As Rockingham became more accessible it soon became a popular seaside resort for holiday makers and by the 1920's was well recognized for its beaches, bathing, sailing, fishing and hotels. A reputation it still maintains some 80 years later.

The Ship Rockingham was introduced into western Australian history by the ill-fated colonization scheme of Thomas Peel.
Three Ships were acquired by Thomas Peel to bring settlers to Western Australia. These were the Gilmore, Hooghly and Rockingham.
The Rockingham was the last to arrive- off Garden Island in heavy weather on May 13th 1830. Due to the conditions ,a Naval Officer from Cockburn went out to pilot her safe anchorage off Clarence the following morning. The weather deteriorated further and the single men swam to the mainland. The ship drifted and ran aground, but all passengers were rescued by the single men and managed to make it to shore.
The ship remained stranded on the beach for two 2 months. The Rockingham was re floated and taken to Garden Island for repairs, where much damage was found. After the repairs she was again ready for sea and in October 1830, she prepared to sail to Batavia.
When the ship struck ocean swells past Rottnest Island, she again sprang a leak and had to return.Upon inspection it was found she could no longer be repaired. A further survey condemned her and she was laid up.
The Rockingham went up for auction and bid of 250 pounds was secured. Failure to repair the ship and the constant effort of pumping her out made the job of refitting her impossible. With the pumps unmanned, the Rockingham settled on the bottom in shallow water. The owner sold most of the timber for building materials and then abandoned the ship.
In March 1833 only the ribs of the ship could be seen protruding above the water and eventually they disappeared. The remains of the Rockingham have not been positively identified and presumably must be buried somewhere in the Careening Bay.
By August 1830 a settlement several kilometers south of Clarence became known as Rockingham Town, taking its name from the ship that brought many to the colony.

Please note the above image is not the ship Rockingham, but simply used to give you an idea on what the ship Rockingham was like. The image is also used by Port Rockingham Real Estate for their web site and the real estate signs throughout Rockingham Western Australia.

However we are tracking down the ship Rockingham and we will try and bring you a voyage ship list in the near future.

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