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Fremantle to Freedom: introduction
Fremantle to Freedom (published Feb 2026) is a collaboration between author Peter Murphy and Perth singer/songwriter and publisher Fred Rea. What became of the ‘Catalpa 6’ after their daring prison escape you may ask? When six Irish political prisoners (Fenians) made a daring escape from Western Australia in 1876, little is known of what became of them after their arrival in America. Did they return to Ireland? Marry and have a family? Go back to their revolutionary ways? Live a long and fruitful life? Live long enough to see Ireland win its independence from Great Britain? All questions scholars, historians, and lay historians never asked or unable to answer. That is up till now. Fremantle to Freedom (120 page coffee-table-book) written and edited by Irishmen, Peter Murphy and Fred Rea – who for over thirty years collectively and meticulously researched the famous Catalpa Escape – may help answer some of those vexing questions. Told through the eyes of the last surviving member of the Catalpa 6, James McNally Wilson, chapter by chapter, Peter and Fred’s book intertwines fact and fiction, while taking the reader on a journey rarely spoken or written about. Fremantle to Freedom begins with Wilson’s childhood in Ireland; how he ended up a British soldier; how in 1864 he recited the Fenian oath in a Dublin tavern; his arrest for treason in 1866; his court martial; his imprisonment in some of Britain’s most notorious jails; his transportation to Western Australia on the convict-ship Hougoumont; serving time in Fremantle Prison; working on convict-chain-gangs in the bush; how he and his comrades escaped from Fremantle Prison; their voyage to America on the Catalpa; what became of him and his five comrades when in America, including those who helped mastermind their escape. Filled also with photographs, illustrations, maps, newspaper articles, letters, yarns, songs, and poetry, the book takes the reader on a journey that not only adds another page to one of the most daring prison escapes in Australia’s colonial history, but written and presented in a way that will leave the reader wanting to learn more. Reviews for Fremantle to Freedom: Copies of Fenian Fear, Fenian 63, and Fenian Hunter can be purchased at Fremantle Prison Souvenir Shop, Fremantle Visitor Centre, New Edition bookstore, High St. Fremantle, and Bunbury Museum and Heritage Centre. Copies of Fremantle to Freedom: $55 (plus postage) can be ordered by emailing: [email protected] or [email protected] Special offer: purchase a copy of Fenian Fear, Fenian 63 and Fenian Hunter for $60 (+ postage), and receive a free booklet on Irish poet and patriot John Boyle O'Reilly. To order email: [email protected] Special offer: purchase a copy of Fremantle to Freedom for $55 and receive a free booklet: Memoir of John Devoy and the Catalpa Rescue. The Authors: Peter Murphy was born in Dublin, Ireland in the 1950s and emigrated to Australia in 1970. Peter lectured for several years in Ecologically Sustainable and Cultural Tourism at South West College of TAFE, Bunbury, Western Australia (WA), and worked several years as a Conservation and Heritage Officer with the National Trust (WA). He wrote articles and essays for the National Trust (Australia) periodical, as well as poetry, short stories and articles for The Irish Scene magazine (Perth, WA). Peter retired from working life in 2016 and now lives on a nature reserve in the jarrah forest in the South West of WA with his partner Sallie and where he spends most of his time writing and educating visitors to be kind to Mother Nature. Fred Rea arrived in Western Australia in 1972 from his native Cork City, Ireland, bringing with him a deep love of music, history and the printed word. Fred served his apprenticeship in the printing trade as a compositor; a craft that shaped his lifelong engagement with publishing and storytelling. Soon after arriving in WA, Fred joined a local Irish Australian folk band, recording two albums. Still a keen musician and collector of songs, Fred has a particular passion for ballads connected to the Fenians and famous Catalpa Rescue. This musical and historical legacy continues through his daughter Fiona, a highly successful songwriter and performer. In 1998, Fred founded The Irish Scene magazine he produced for 20 years and where his interest in Irish Australian history deepened. This saw him work closely with Irish Australian historians, contributing to research and publication of numerous books and periodicals. Fred is Chairperson of the WA Irish Bride Ships Legacy Project and WA Irish Famine Commemoration in Subiaco WA. Now living in Perth’s northern suburbs, with his partner of 50 years, Lilly, Fred continues his dedicated research into Irish and Australian history. Other literary contributions by the same authors:
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Events/FestivalsFremantle to Freedom book launch: Rockingham Fringe Festival, 18 Ambrose St, Rockingham Fri, Feb 6 - 6pm to 8pm. Entry $10 (discounted off first drink or book sale).
Launch includes Irish (live) music, poetry, storytelling, and book signing. For more info: Phone 043 997 6507 or 0418 943 832. Fremantle to Freedom book launch: Bunbury Museum + Heritage Centre, 1 Arthur St, Bunbury, Sun, March 1, 1pm to 3pm. Irish (live) music, poetry, storytelling, and book signing. Free entry. For more info: Phone 043 997 6507 or 0418 943 832. An Afternoon with Jim Ryan: Join great-grandson of Captain George Anthony, who skippered barque Catalpa during the escape of the 6 Fenians from Fremantle Prison in 1876. Mr. Ryan's lively and informative presentation includes letters, images and stories passed down through generations on the role his great-grandfather's played in one of the most daring prison escapes in Australian colonial history:The Catalpa Rescue. Bunbury Museum + Heritage Centre, 1 Arthur St, Bunbury, Sun, March 22, 2pm to 3.30pm. Free entry. For more info: Phone 043 997 6507 or 0418 943 832. The Catalpa Festival 2026 Rockingham forshore Sunday, April 5, 12.00pm to 5.00pm. Celebrate the escape of the 6 Fenians on barque Catalpa with Irish heritage, music and storytelling. St Patrick's Day (WA) Celebrate your Irish heritage by joining in the festivities, Sat March 14, Birdwood Sq, Beaufort and Bulwer St, Perth. |
