This book examines the everyday lives of convict Thomas Pamphlett
(1788?-1838) and other ordinary people in such diverse places as Manchester, a
convict ship, Sydney, a chain gang, Newcastle, the Hawkesbury area and Brisbane.
Pamphlett grew up in early industrial Manchester, becoming a brickmaker
before being sentenced to 14 years' transportation for stealing a horse.
Arriving in Sydney on the 'Guildford' in 1812, he was placed in the brickmakers'
gang.
After several escapes and more crime in 1823 Pamphlett set sail from Sydney
with three companions to obtain cedar from Wollongong. Blown off course, they
suffered incredible hardships before landing in the Moreton Bay area. Thinking
they were south of Sydney, they headed north, stat=ying with several Aboriginal
clans for extended periods, before being finally rescued by John Oxley.
Contents:
Illustrations
Acknowledgements
Imperial/Metric Conversion
1. A Wretched Upbringing
2. Goodbye to Old England Forever
3. Antipodean Antics
4. Chain Gangs and Worse
5. There Must be a Better Life
6. Illawarra or Bust
7. A Mighty River
8. The Benevolent People of Paradise
9. Customs, Ceremonies and Clashes
10. Rescued
11. Another Hellhole
12. Runaways and Revellers
13. Freedom
Bibliography
Index
