The Recollections of Geoffrey Hamlyn

"Kingsley's first novel, 'The Recollections of Geoffry Hamlyn', was published in mid-1859 and was immediately successful...

It traces the adventures of the Buckles and Brentwoods, Devonshire county families whose dwindling incomes could not sustain their position, leading them to seek better fortune in Australia.

According to W. K. Hancock, Kingsley probably saw Tubbutt station near Delegate for it strongly resembles the setting in which Major Buckley made his elegant home. Bushfires, bushrangers and cattle-branding scenes provide drama, and the more sympathetic characters marry beautiful and wealthy brides."--Australian Dictionary of Biography.