Name

Elizabeth Betham

Biography

Daughter of Richard Betham, Collector of Customs at Douglas. Born in Glasgow, grew up among sailors and shells. Her father's position brought him into daily contact with every captain who entered the harbour, and Elizabeth had begun assembling a collection of shells that seafarers brought her from their voyages — specimens from the Atlantic, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean. She married William Bligh at Onchan on 4 February 1781.

Active Period

c.1754–1812

Place

Douglas

Onchan

Period

Atholl Lordship

Related To

William Bligh

Richard Betham

Role / Office

Shell Collector

Book Chapter

Chapter 6