Magdala

Derivation of the name "Magdala".

This name is to honour the exploits of Sir Robert Napier (born 1810), who was afterwards made Lord Napier of Magdala.

Theodore, King of Abyssinia, appealed to Queen Victoria to help him against the Turks. Receiving no immediate reply, he lost his temper and threw all the British subjects into a Dungeon in his capital, Magdala. An expedition commanded by Robert Napier was sent to rescue them. The expedition had to travel over 400 miles of very mountainous country, however his victory was gained easily when they got to Magdala and the prisoners were released. Preferring death to dishonour Theodore perished by his own hand. The battle for Magdala occurred in 1868.

Robert Napier went on to be the Commander in Chief in India (1870 - 76) and the Governor of Gibraltar (1876 - 82). It is not known whether Sir Robert was related to Thomas Napier.

Main Source: From a talk given by Mrs. R. Jones of Mt Eliza to the Toastmistresses Club (about 1973/74), the transcript of which was held by the Essendon Historical Society.

.