March 2016 Vol. 4 No.3

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Review

Death and disease at Somerset, the North Queensland Government Headquarters at the top of Cape York 1864-1877

Peter Stride (D. Med)

Senior Lecturer, University of Queensland, 23 Aland St, Wavell Heights, Brisbane, Queensland 4012, Australia

Email: pjostride@gmail.com
Mobile: 0417039111
Tel: 07-32567980

Accepted February 01, 2016

Abstract

Somerset homestead, a remote station established by John Jardine in 1864 at the top of Cape York as the local government headquarters, in the hope that it would equal Singapore as a travel hub and business centre, is now a historical ruin. Initial constructions included a hospital amongst other essential buildings, though no trace of the hospital remains. The medical visitor today surveying the ruins and graves feels an aura of past grandeur, and wonders about the past activities in the hospital. Administrative funding priorities delayed the initial construction, but the departure of the only doctor appointed to the settlement left the police magistrate with health problems beyond his competence. The history of this establishment and the medical problems of the area are reviewed.

Keywords: Cape York, Dr T.J. Haran, Frank Jardine, John Jardine, Somerset Hospital