The Convict Thomas Barnes
This is a book of fiction, based on research on Thomas and Lydia Barnes which has been gathered over many years.
The Story
Thomas Barnes had never expected to survive a year after arriving at Sydney Cove. His plan was to do what he was told and keep his nose clean to avoid the brutal punishments and deprivation which was a convict’s life.
He survived for thirty-nine years in the colony of New South Wales and became a father of three, and at the time of his death he was the grandfather of 16 children.
IN SYDNEY
He worked as a stonemason repairing the roads of Sydney Town, during which time he became drawn into the colonial politics between the governor and the Anglican Church when his marriage to Lydia Broomfield Astell was arranged by the Reverend Samuel Marsden.
IN KELSO
While a police constable stationed at Kelso, he watched Macquarie’s model town of Bathurst being built on the western side of the Macquarie River. He also witnessed the formation of the New South Wales Mounted Police Service.
IN BATHURST
He became gaoler at Bathurst Gaol and saw the mass hanging of ten convicts, members of the Ribbon Gang
Thomas also held a liquor license for the Trafalgar Inn at Honeysuckle Flats as well as the Golden Fleece Inn in Kelso on different occasions
This riveting book explores the developing colony of New South Wales through the eyes of convict Thomas Barnes. It is detailed in its description as the loves, lives and failures of Thomas and his family are vividly brought to life. The realistic and meticulous depiction of the conditions of convicts during their transportation and imprisonment in the colony, will delight enthusiasts of early Australian history.
The Convict Thomas Barnes has been published in printed form and as an eBook.
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