It was not that long ago that having a convict in the family tree was a topic not to be discussed. Now however, it is something to be celebrated—everyone wants to be a part of ‘Australian Royalty’. One only has to consider the growing number of books, websites and social media pages to see how popular the topic is becoming, and the steadily increasing number of books on my bedside table is certainly further evidence of this!
It’s a long term objective of the Westbury and Districts Historical Society to uncover the stories of all the convicts who spent time in Westbury, either while they were serving their time or after they completed their sentence. All of their stories will eventually be told. Some of the stories are already quite well known; others are yet to be uncovered.
The story of Robert Lyall is a textbook ‘rags to riches’ tale. Lyall was convicted for receiving stolen goods and transported for 14 years, arriving in Van Diemen’s Land in 1831. With the sponsorship of Richard Dry, Robert Lyall’s wife and daughters were soon able to join him. The family grew and prospered. They had the lease of the Westbury Inn for a number of years and grew considerable wealth through their business activities and horse racing. They were prominent figures in the development of Westbury—to such an extent that, in his obituary, Lyall was known as ‘The King of Westbury’. There is even a building in Westbury, originally built as Lyall’s Brewery, which has a plaque that still bears his name, and the year 1864.
Not all the convicts of Westbury, though, had such a success story. Robert Courtman was convicted of stealing a sheep and was transported for 10 years, arriving in Van Diemen’s Land in 1844. His wife and four children remained in England, and Courtman did not see his family again. He died just two years later and is buried in the unmarked convict graves at the Westbury Anglican Cemetery.
John Malay was working as a plasterer in Marylebone when he was convicted of larceny for stealing a hat. He was transported for seven years. On his arrival, he was assigned to William Elliot Leith of Westbury. After receiving his ticket-of leave, Malay married, had two children and, in 1844, purchased a one-acre block of land in the suburb of St Giles in Westbury. St Giles was established by Reverend John Bishton, the first resident minister of Westbury’s St Andrew’s Anglican Church. It was something of a social experiment, as Reverend Bishton believed that, by owning land, the ex-convicts would become ‘more settled in their conduct and character’. After hearing the stories of these convicts and the area in which they resided, perhaps you can decide if St Giles is an appropriate name, or if you think the area is more deserving of its alternative name: Hell’s Kitchen.
The Historical Society currently has over 300 convict names currently in the database for Westbury, but we know there are many more names—and stories—to be added. Do you have a Westbury convict connection? Do you have any photos or memorabilia connected to a convict ancestor? If so, we would love to hear from you.
Each month, we’ll publish an article in the North Coast Post. If there is a particular community group, building, or event that you would like to know more about, please let us know.
The history rooms (coincidentally located on Lyall Street) are open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am until 2pm. Alternatively, we can be contacted outside of these hours on 0467 097 791.