Talking History - Australia’s Real-Life Jack Sparrow

About this episode

The episode discusses the true story of pirate captain William Swallow and features author Ally Burnham.

Ahoy, me hearties!  William Swallow became the pirate captain of the convict ship Cyprus after he seized the vessel in Tasmania in 1829. From there, it was a case of ‘Bring me that horizon!’, with Swallow and his crew of motley misfits setting sail for freedom on the far side of the world. Author Ally Burnham joins us to explain how she researched this swashbuckling true story for Swallow , the first novel in an epic trilogy that will thrill fans of Master and Commander. It's an amazing tale of a fast-talking escape artist, of high stakes on the high seas, and of boldness and tenderness in an era of unspeakable brutality. Plus: Ally has some top tips on how to swear like a pirate!  Support Forgotten Australia for a few bucks per month for ad-free early and exclusive bonus episodes and the chance to win prizes. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Email: forgottenaustraliapodcast@gmail.com Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html Hanging Ned…

People in this episode

Host: Forgotten Australia

Guest: Ally Burnham

Topics covered

• piracy
• Australian history
• convict ships
• true crime
• literature
• adventure

Keywords

• pirate
• convict ship
• Australia
• history
• Ally Burnham
• William Swallow
• true crime

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Swallow, Master and Commander

Places: Tasmania

More episodes of Forgotten Australia

• New Miniseries: A Murder of Note – Part One: A Man of the Killing Times · June 12, 2026 · 49 min
• Aussie History Trivia Quiz #2 – Skylab, Cane Toad Warnings and Winston Churchill's... Platypus? · June 1, 2026 · 43 min
• Australia's Forgotten Serial Maniacs · May 24, 2026 · 50 min
• True Crime Classic: The Botanic Gardens Massacre · May 23, 2026 · 35 min
• Aussie History Trivia Quiz #1 – Wild Robots, Serial Killers & Freddo Frogs · May 21, 2026 · 41 min
• Shoot to Kill – How an Aussie Won the Worst 'Olympic' Event Ever Held · May 17, 2026 · 33 min