This mid-19^th century timber and brass writing box is believed to have belonged to early local businessman Syms Covington. Prior to moving to the far south coast, Covington had served as assistant to Charles Darwin during and after the Beagle voyage, the research undertaken during which contributed greatly to the 19^th century naturalist’s ground breaking Origin of the Species publication.

After immigrating to New South Wales, Covington settled in Pambula in 1846, purchasing land, building the Forest Oak Inn and establishing himself as an active member of the local community. Known as a prolific letter writer, he corresponded regularly with Darwin and collected natural history specimens from the local coastline to send to his friend and former employer. Some of these are now in the British Museum’s collection.

Syms Covington’s writing box is on exhibition in the Merimbula Old School Museum.