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Research in Other Countries => South Africa => Topic started by: woodharthodges on Thursday 29 July 10 13:03 BST (UK)

Title: Where is Lymen's Bay, Cape Town?
Post by: woodharthodges on Thursday 29 July 10 13:03 BST (UK)

Hi all.

I have a problem. I am researching the journey of the Guildford in 1820, that travelled with convicts from England to Sydney. On the way it stopped off at Cape Town and took on 4 more convicts.

It stopped off Cape Town between 6th Aug and 17 Aug 1820.

My problem is this: The journal of the surgeon indicates that the ship was anchored in a place called Lymen's Bay, from which the sailors rowed to Cape Town (daily?). The thing is try as I might I have not been able to find any refernce to this Bay: no internet refs, no book refs, no mention on any map I have accessed, and the three people I have met from Cape Town have said they have never heard of it.

I am puzzled? Is this an old name now replaced by another?

I would appreciate anyone who could help me with this.   

Thanks
  Kieran

Title: Re: Where is Lymen's Bay, Cape Town?
Post by: PrueM on Thursday 29 July 10 22:32 BST (UK)

Hi Kieran,

The National Archives has a summary online of the surgeon's journal, and it states the following:  "Folio 15: 6 August 1820: ‘Anchored in Symon’s Bay [Simon’s Town, South Africa?], the Captain and Inspecting Surgeon of the port came on board and hoisted a quarantine flag."

When I first read your message I wondered whether "Lymen's" was a mis-reading of "Symen's"...

Here's a webpage:  http://www.simonstown.com/archives/story-of-simonstown.htm

Cheers
Prue

Title: Re: Where is Lymen's Bay, Cape Town?
Post by: woodharthodges on Friday 30 July 10 22:36 BST (UK)

Dear Prue,

Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou.

This has remained a mystery to me for so long. It's so simple!!

I really appreciate you replying to me.

Kindest regards

Kieran