Researchers who have claimed this convict
There is currently one researcher who has claimed William Grey
- Researcher (Shivaun Tijou)
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Biographies
William Grey was born in Cambridgeshire, England, sometime between 1794 and 1803. He was convicted of horse stealing 25 February 1822 at the Isle of Ely. His age was listed as 28. He was originally sentenced to death but it was later commuted to transportation for life.
He was received on board the prison hulk HMS Justitia in Woolwich, London, 30 April 1822 and was transferred a short time later to the Caledonia, in Portsmouth, which sailed for Van Diemen's Land in June. He arrived in November and was employed by Major Hommer/Horner.
The Caledonia's muster roll gave the following details about police number 298: Native place: Barrington, Cambridgeshire. Trade or calling: Farming labourer. Height: 5'11". Brown eyes and blond hair. Age 19 (born c1803). William arrived in Van Diemen’s Land 22 November 1822. Within days he was in trouble and receiving the lash. He spent the next 15 years in and out of trouble. He was disobedient, in fights, went absent without permission, stole and used ‘inflammatory language’. One of his most frequent punishments was the infamous chain gang. The men were shackled to prevent escape and assigned to build roads.
In February 1837, William applied for permission to marry fellow convict Lucy Rabbitts, who had arrived on board the ‘Arab’ in 1836. A decision was made about their application though there seems to be no actual record of their marriage. Later in October, Lucy was severely reprimanded for ‘immoral conduct’ with William so it is unlikely their marriage had taken place by then.
Life with Lucy may have mellowed William somewhat as no further bad conduct was listed against him. However, Lucy found it difficult to live with her new husband citing their 'constant disagreement'. Divorce was not possible in their situation and Lucy was reassigned to the Factory 22 May 1839 – thereby instigating their marital separation.
Two days later, William was granted a Conditional Pardon which meant he was free to live and work where he chose, though he was not allowed to leave the colony. Convicts like William who had been given life sentences were given Conditional Pardons rather than Certificates of Freedom. In March 1843, William received what was described as a ‘Free Pardon’. This term was not used in other records so it probably meant an ‘Absolute Pardon’ which gave William the freedom to return to England. It is not known what happened to him after 1843.
Sources: England Census, Australian Convict Transportation Registers, England & Wales Criminal Registers, BMD indexes, parish records, NSW and Tasmania Convict Musters (ancestry.com); conduct record, Convict Applications For Permissions to Marry (www.linc.tas.gov.au); trove.nla.gov.au (digitised newspapers)
Submitted by Researcher (Shivaun Tijou) on 3 November 2015
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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 11/4, p.169
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