Convict token – Thomas Burbury, 1832

In 1832, at just 23 years old, Thomas Burbury, a weaver, was convicted for taking part in riots, machine-breaking and arson during a protest against the industrialisation of weaving in Coventry, England. He was transported to Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania) on the York. Public interest in his trial led to fundraising that enabled his wife and baby daughter to join him months later. Assigned to a landowner in Oatlands, Burbury was granted a free pardon in 1839, for his part in capturing sheep stealers and tracking down bushrangers. By then, he had begun acquiring land, and went on to hold roles including racecourse clerk and poundkeeper. He was also elected to the Oatlands municipal council. Over time, Burbury and his family became respected members of their community.

Questions

1. What does the research about Thomas Burbury tell us about life in colonial Australia?

2. Thomas Burbury worked as a labourer for a pastoralist, later receiving a ticket of leave and eventually a free pardon. Search the collection and find the story of another convict, Mary Ann Whitlock. How do their experiences compare?

Diameter: 30mm, thickness: 1mm