Researchers who have claimed this convict
There are currently 5 researchers who have claimed William Peter Briggs
- Researcher (8099)
- Researcher (Janelle Carley)
- Researcher (Dwayne Tosen)
- Researcher (14124)
- Researcher (margaret wood)
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Biographies
William Peter Briggs was born in Norwich, Norfolk, England 23rd Nov 1925.
He was a son of John Briggs and Sarah Watts who were still living in Golden Dog Lane at the time of the 1851 census.
At Norwich General Sessions on the 20th March 1844 he was convicted for stealing carpets and rugs from his employer.
This was his second conviction for theft. The first apparently involved paints and brushes for which he received a months sentence.
This time he was sentenced to transportation for a period of 7 years.
William Peter left England on 3rd May 1844 aged 18yeras old and arrived in Tasmania aboard the ship Barossa on 6th September 1844
His convict history is detailed in convict record 15830, in which he was described as 5'1¼" tall with dark brown hair, hazel coloured eyes with a large nose. His descriptive marks from these records show him to have a small scar in the middle of his forehead additionally one on his little finger of his right hand.
On the record it mentions he is a Protestant and that he can read and write!
That skill was fairly rare but so was his talent at carving, which is listed as his profession.
He was an excellent Wood carver and also carved the moulds for cast-iron work.
Examples of his work are:-
Speakers Chair in Tasmanian Parliament House Legislative Council.
Chair in St Marys Cathedral, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
A cot in Narrynya Folk Museum, Hampden Rd, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
St Davids Cathedral, Murray St, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Railings around St Davids Park, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
Coat of Arms on Botanical Gardens Gates, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
He gained approval to marry while still a convict on 12th Aug 1848 to Bridget Agnes Gallagher which they wed few weeks later on 4th Sep 1848 and had twelve children.
After the death of Bridget he married Matilda Catherine (Tilly) Knapper on 18th Feb 1878 and had a further five children.
Because he has 17 children in total, there are many Australians who can now trace their family history to this one talented, if light fingered, convict.
He died on 18th Dec 1906 having lived to the age of 80 years. He was buried the next day in Tasmania.
Submitted by Researcher (Dwayne Tosen) on 1 August 2019
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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 11/14, p.94
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