However, he had no idea that Mary Ann’s life was set to become an incredible one. At first she worried about her position, as the popular Captain frequently caught the eye of other young girls. While he wanted her to live with him in Government House, he still had the odd fling with other young women. She learned to steel herself and not complain, if she wanted to maintain their loving relationship and to win him over as her partner.  

Captain Piper took her on his travels to exotic places, such as Macau, China, the Cape of Good Hope, St Helena, England and Scotland. While living in London, their time was cut short after a tragic accident that took the life of one of their young sons. To help her recover, they took some time out to live with his family in Maybole, in Ayrshire, Scotland, where his family warmly welcomed and comforted her, until they eventually returned home to Sydney.

Captain John Piper had a lucrative position as the Naval Officer, which allowed him to earn a considerable income. Plus with the land grants he received and farms he cultivated, he became very successful.

He was also extremely popular. It seems everyone, or almost everyone, enjoyed his company and generous nature. Together with Mary Ann, they built an incredible home, which he named ‘Henrietta Villa’, on a land grant which became known as Point Piper.

Living in Henrietta Villa, Mary Ann became Mistress of the grandest home in the Colony, where they entertained Sydney society of all classes including local Aboriginal leaders. They maintained many servants to run the household, vegetable gardens, orchards, livestock and gardens and to cater for their extraordinary parties. They also ensured their guests safe arrival and return home by boat. Officers from the many visiting ships from France, India, China, Russia and,of course, England, were invited to lavish dinners, plus they hosted other events.

Just as Sydney was becoming a party town, the Piper’s were pivotal in the social scene, all while raising numerous children. At times, while reading the book I thought, “What! another child?” 

However, due to financial reasons, they did not remain in Sydney and Mary Ann had to leave her beloved Henrietta Villa. They relocated to Bathurst, an arduous two week journey with servants and children in tow. Once again, the flamboyant Captain Piper established another lavish home and property, where they had more children. Mary Anne eventually gave birth to fourteen children.

It is rather fascinating to read about the people who were part of their daily lives and their lives laying the foundations of the Colony. These names we know from the streets, suburbs and places we know so well, such as the Macquaries, MacArthurs, Bligh, O’Connell, Goulburn, Campbell, Foveaux, Redfern. Also, to imagine Surry Hills as farmland, as was Petersham, Burwood, Home Bush (as it was called then), Wentworth and others.  

Through this detailed and delightfully written book, there is so much more to find out about the early years of New South Wales / Australia, as it soon became known. 

It is useful to read the chapter notes, in which the author explains her research and reasons for many of the stories in certain chapters. 

This is recommended reading for anyone interested in Australian history, you are sure to enjoy reading the fascinating story of Mary Ann and her rise from barefoot girl to becoming the darling of Sydney society. 

This is independent review, I am not paid by the publishers, so.If you Liked this review, Buy me a coffee



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