Bob Begin: Mutiny on the Bounty

Mon., March 22nd @ 7:00 PM

The Mutiny on the Bounty is quite surely the most famous mutiny in maritime history. The Bounty was an insignificant ship in Britain’s Royal Navy which was the most powerful navy in the world. In the mid 18th century, England’s navy was the equivalant of today’s GOOGLE. As an island nation, the British depended on the navy to protect them from all enemies. The Captain of the Bounty, actually a Lt., William Bligh, was considered to be capable, a good mariner, and a firm discipinarian while not as bad as many of his peers. Her crew was thought to be adequate.

The mission of the Bounty was to sail to the exotic island of Tahiti, gather and transport to England healthy Breadfruit plants which were thought to be an excellant source of food for the plantations in the West Indies. Botanists predicted these plants would thrive and be a solution to the needs of the plantation slaves.

After a harrowing journey totalling over 26,000 miles, the Bounty arrived in Tahiti. Following a stay of approx. 5 months, she set sail to return to England. On April 28, 1789, a mutiny took place. Bligh and 18 men considered loyal to him were placed into a 23open boat and cast adrift. The mutineers sailed away in the Bounty. What happened to the men in the boat, the mutineers, and what was the reaction of the Royal Navy upon learning one of its ships was taken by mutineers?

For some of these answers, tune in to the Zoom presentation by Bob Begin.

Sponsored by the Library Foundation of Needham.