Rockingham, The Ship
The ship Rockingham was introduced into West Australia history by the ill-fated colonisation scheme of Thomas Peel.
Three ships were acquired by Thomas Peel to bring settlers to Western Australia. These were the ships 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 to safe anchorage off Clarence the following morning. The weather deteriorated further and the single men onboard were ordered to Garden Island. However, strong winds blew them 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 refloated 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 leaks and had to return. Upon inspection it was found she could no longer be repaired. A further study condemned her and she was laid up.
The Rockingham went up for auction and a 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 ships 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 kilometres south of Clarence became known as Rockingham Town, taking its name from the ship that brought many to the colony.
