Dr Charles Margerison brings a piece of Australia’s history to life with new book
10 February, 2025
Odyssey resident Dr Charles Margerison has brought a piece of Australia’s history to life with the release of a new book that has taken 20 years to research and write. Saving Baby Henry explores the story of one of Australia’s founding mothers and first millionaires and also reveals a forgotten hero who helped preserve her family line. Charles says he discovered the amazing story when a close friend shared his convict ancestry and family ties to Susannah Holmes, who gave birth to a child while in an English prison.
“This is an amazing story that I learnt about after talking with my good friend Dr Jim Kable, who told me that his great grandparents, three times removed were Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes,” says Dr Margerison. “When the transportation to Australia was taking place, the then unmarried mother, Ms Holmes, was told by the captain she could not take the baby on board the ship with her, as he was only authorised to take convicts, and the baby was clearly not a convict. John Simpson, the jailer who had escorted Susannah Holmes to the boat, was literally left holding her baby and had to make a life-or-death decision. This is the story of how the baby’s life was saved against all odds.”
Dr Margerison says to verify details, he visited numerous sites including Norwich Castle Prison and researched records, letters and documents, all of which are included in the book. However, could not find any public recognition or monument to John Simpson.
“I went to the village of Surlingham, where Ms Holmes was born, and Thetford where she was tried and convicted,” says Dr Margerison. “In Australia, I visited the places where the Kable family lived. I have therefore, told his remarkable story as if I had interviewed him and have linked these in a novel form.”
Odyssey CEO and founder Phil Usher says the way Charles brings this story to life is inspiring and his work is a point of pride within the community. “Charles’ book is an incredible example of what’s possible when someone dedicates themselves to their passion—something we wholeheartedly encourage here at Odyssey,” says Phil.
Saving Baby Henry has an initial print run of 250 copies and will be distributed to Susannah Holmes’ descendants.
Dr Charles Margerison, President and founder of Amazing People Worldwide, is a psychologist and was previously Professor of Management at Cranfield University, UK, and the University of Queensland, Australia and previously co-founded Emerald Publications and Team Management Systems. Charles has also created Amazing People Schools and also Can Do Kids Worldwide. These are websites that are helping students in many countries.
