Between the time of their marriage in 1818 and 1846 Samuel Cosstick and Mary Weller had thirteen children. They were living at Croydon, Surrey - then a small town south of London.

As their children grew up social conditions in England worsened and news arrived of wonderful new opportunities in the colonies of Autralia.

Many took the chance and travelled half way around the world to start a new life. For those who had doubts the announcement of gold discoveries in the Port Philip district during the early 1850s was hard to resist.

Six of the Cosstick sons and one daughter decided to go to Australia during the 1850s.

Henry and William made a respectable living both looking for gold and servicing the needs of other goldseekers.

John tried his luck in New Zealand for several years before returning to Victoria.

Charles also went to New Zealand and then to Canada.

George and Sam, especially Sam, left the gold for others and played cricket instead.

This is the story of the Cossticks.

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