Researchers who have claimed this convict
There is currently one researcher who has claimed Ann Spinks
Biographies
There is plenty of readily available information about Ann Spinks. This adds to that. Her name before marriage was probably GRANT,and her twin children were probably born in Ballyjamesduff, County Cavan, Ireland; source: daughter Catherine's* death certificate.
Notable about Ann Spinks is her mobility before transportation.She was apparently born in or near Edinburgh, Scotland. Then, it seems she was in Ulster, Ireland. The name Spinks was relatively common there, especially in County Cavan and is associated with the early plantation of Ulster. Then, she was convicted in Warwickshire, England.
Her older age (late 30s) relative to the age of girl and women transportees generally, is also noteworthy. Hence, her children were also older than most children transported with their mothers. In the colony, the fortunes of Ann Spinks' daughter Catherine (especially) and son John, and her own early fortunes, were excellent compared to those of the average convict. This may suggest that she was of higher social status than convicts generally. There is no evidence of earlier criminal conduct in Britain. Did the advent of the Bloody Code make a difference to her fate?
She kept her children with her. There is no verifiable information about her husband/ children's father or her marriage. This may improve as access to Irish records is gradually improving.
Her fall from grace after transportation is pretty spectacular by any standards.
*Catherine Roberts, nee Spinks.
Submitted by Researcher (11081) on 10 August 2026
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Disclaimer: The information has not been verified by Claim a Convict. As this information is contributed, it is the responsibility of those who use the data to verify its accuracy. Research notes
There are currently no research notes attached to this convict. Sources
- The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/3, p.330
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