Diary kept by Francis William Kirk as an apprentice on the MONKBARNS during a voyage from Cardiff to Newcastle, New South Wales

Diary kept by Francis William Kirk as apprentice on the steel sailing ship MONKBARNS (1895) of Liverpool, covering a voyage from Cardiff to New South Wales. Kirk recorded life on board as one of 14 apprentices, the various tasks they had to perform from sail and ropework to holystoning the decks, painting the ship all while 'swotting' in the evenings on navigation. He also covers the frustration and boredom as the ship's progress is hindered by bad weather and the threat of violence from fights among the apprentices and a confrontation with the captain and steward about the poor quality of food provided. Kirk also provides accounts of some of the dangers faced by the crew, including a storm during which the ship was partially dismasted.