Castle to Colony: The Remarkable Life and Times of Lucy Sarah Gray (1840-1879)

I first came across Lucy Gray in the John Oxley section of the State Library of Queensland. She was resting quietly amongst the 'Lucy Gray Papers', in a file formally identified as JOL OM7S-123. Although her physical self was cleverly disguised in the form of a handwritten journal and diary, nevertheless a strong indomitable spirit lingered there, her presence almost tangible in the clear precise handwriting and the little sketches and drawings. The journal, commencing in 1868, was to provide me with valuable information for a study into women's colonial writing that I was undertaking for a Doctorate. However, with my project complete, Lucy continued to invade my thoughts. From the margins of the journal she whispered encouragement, inviting me to take a closer look at a woman who, in spite of her provocative journal, threatened to conceal many of her secrets behind Victorian protocol and female anonymity.