Digby Brand was the son of an English vicar. He grew up in rural England, then in about 1900 he emigrated to Argentina. He worked on sheep and cattle estancias s and travelled widely over most of Patagonia. He met and fell in love with a girl whose family was descended from the Welsh pioneers. He crossed the continent to establish a new estancia high in the Andes, over the border into Chile, in desolate and unexplored country. Eventually they married, crossed the pampas to the Andes together, and started their large family.

Their story is etched against the history of Patagonia, as they faced the harsh country and climate, hardship and isolation, joy and tragedy.

The book traces the family roots in England and in Patagonia, describes the land and its history, and tells the inspiring and poignant story of a pioneer.

Second Edition: enlarged, more photos. 156 pages, illustrated. Only $9.00

(if you have the first, and would like the new material (.pdf file) contact the author)

Buy it from lulu.com or in the UK from the author

The story in brief, and images

Brand family tree

Links

Author's journey to Patagonia, March 2006

ENGLAND

Framfield village Digby Brand's birthplace

Farthingstone village Where he spent most of his youth

Barningham Parish that Digby's father moved to after Farthingstone

PATAGONIA

Four Seasons in a Faraway Land Digby's daughter Thora O'Connor's memories of a child's life in Patagonia (now published by lulu)

Patagonia: country and history

Railways of Patagonia ("The Old Patagonian Express")

Town of Trelew

Hosterias El Aura Holidays in the Patagonian Andes (the present Patagonian Brands help run it)

Aisen province (Chile)

The Last Cowboys at the End of the World Nick Reding's book and homepage about the gauchos of the Cisnes valley in Chile

Fly-fishing holidays in Patagonia (1)and (2), and (3) Includes photos of Rio Cisnes

FAMILY NEWS:

(Later!)