| George Fullick was
transported from Headley, Hampshire to NS W, Australia aboard the
Norfolk in 1829. His crime was committed at a time of great social
unrest in rural England, especially the Home Counties. The enclosure of
land between 1770 and 1830 changed English village life and resulted in
vast estates being annexured by landowners. Families like George's could
no longer grow vegetables or graze their animals on the common land.
Their diet became limited to tea, bread and potatoes, supplemented by
the inevitable poaching. 1829 was a year of low wages, a harsh winter
and poor harvests. The average weekly wage for a labourer had fallen
from 15 shillings in 1815 to 9 shillings, whereas the average
expenditure for a rural family had risen to around 12 shillings and
sixpence. The result was extreme poverty, bad diet and inadequate
housing with little chance of bettering their situation. It is no wonder
that rural crime rates increased by 30%, with poaching and stealing of
food items becoming prevalent.
James Coombes/Combes of Headley was
also transported on the Norfolk and as he was charged with
stealing flour on the same date it seems highly likely that he committed
the crime with George. I am currently looking into the trial documents
and will post further information as it comes to light. .
There once was lanes in natures freedom dropt
There once was paths that every valley wound
Inclosure came & every path was stopt
Each tyrant fixt his sign where pads was found
To hint a trespass now who crossd the ground
Justice is made to speak as they command
The high road now must be each stinted bound
-Inclosure thourt a curse upon the land
& tasteless was the wretch who they existance pland
The Village Minstrel: Clare 1821
Convict Reseach Service
Name of Convict: George Fullick- Port & Date of Departure- Spithead.
22.05.1829. Ship-Norfolk (2) Date of Arrival- 27.08.1829.
Convict Indent for the Ship Norfolk (2) A. Major Records.
1. Convict Indent for the Ship:
Norfolk(2)
AO NSW ref: 4/4014 Reel: 398
Convict.Name :George Fullick Age: 39.
Hair Colour: Brown. Eye Colour: Grey.
Education Read & Write.
Religion Protestant.
Maritial Status Married.
No. of Children Eight.
Trade or Calling Ploughman Milks.
Offence: Stealing Flour.
Where Tried Winchester.
When Tried 13 January 1829.
Sentence 7 Years.
Former Convictions None.
Height Five Feet Five & Half Inches.
Complexion Dark Ruddy.
Native Place Hampshire
How Disposed of W.Sparke, Sydney.
Ticket of Leave: 34/794
Conditional Pardon.
Absolute Pardon
Certificate of Freedom 38/794
:2. Name: George Fullick
- Allowed to remain in the District of Newcastle.
Ticket of Leave No. 34/794 26. 04. 1834.
Bench making Recommendation: Newcastle.
Remarks: Certificate of Freedom 38/794 dated 04 September 1838.
3. Certificate of Freedom
No. 38/794
Date: 3rd September 1838
Prisoner's No... 29/1723
Name: George Fullick
Ship: Norfolk 2
Master: Greig
Year: 1829
Native Place: Hampshire
Trade or Calling: Labourer
Offence: Stealing Flour
Place of Trial: Southampton
Date of Trial: 13th Jan 1829
Sentence: Seven Years
Year of Birth: 1790
Height: 5feet 5˝inchesComplexion: Dark ruddy
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Grey
General Remarks: Little toe of right foot lapped on the adjoining one
Held a Ticket of Leave No 34/794 dated 26 April 1834
Parents: John Fullick and Ann Legg
Date of Birth: 24 October 1789 Headley, Hampshire
Date of Death: 27 March 1876
Buried: Tarro Cemetery, NSW
By 1846, only 8 years after receiving
his Certificate of Freedom, George is appearing at the Maitland District
Court as a witness to a crime and is described as George Fullock, Farmer
of Hexham. The crime was of larceny with George Walters being
indicted for "stealing a sheep at Hexham on the 21st January last ,
the property of William Nicholson whilst being in his
employ". George gave evidence that "on the 20th January,
after sunset" he saw the prisoner with about 50 sheep which he said
belonged to Mr Nicholson. One of them was lame and George bought it from
him for 5 shillings. George Walter received a sentence of 6 months in
irons for the offence.
Music: Melody
Lane |