Canberra author Peter Bradley reimagines the lives of his three ancestors in a fascinating new history of colonial Australia, Convicted, published by Impact Press in 2018.

The story starts with the life and times of his great-great-great grandfather James Bradley, a First Fleet convict found guilty of stealing a white linen handkerchief worth two shillings and sentenced to seven years transportation to Australia – where we encounter many other well-known historical figures, including Australia’s first brewer James Squire.

It then follows one of James Bradley’s sons, Joseph Bradley, who worked in the most dangerous occupation of the time – whaling. Despite his parents being uneducated and illiterate, Joseph went on to write a journal about his experiences, rich in history and insight.

The book concludes with the story of Joseph’s son, Roland Bradley, a man of unionism and politics. Like his father and grandfather Roland took up the fight against the rich and powerful through his involvement with the early maritime union. In 1894, he wrote an account of surviving the shipwreck of the SS Kanahooka, which forced the castaways to wander the wilderness of North Queensland for 18 days.

Convicted

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Synopsis:
An account of the life and explorations of James Meehan (1774 –1826), Irish convict, settler and surveyor in the early colony of NSW, who served under five governors, worked with explorers including John Oxley and Hamilton Hume and played a prominent part in establishing Australia’s first Roman Catholic church. Written by a descendant of Meehan, the book explores the development of the early colonies in NSW and Van Diemen’s Land.

Part 1, ‘New Beginnings: 1774–1809' covers Meehan’s family history in Ireland and the 1798 rebellion that led to his transportation. We follow him to the fledgling colony of New South Wales and his assignment to Deputy Surveyor-General Charles Grimes. In this period he works under Governors King, Hunter and Bligh not only in surveying the Sydney environs and drawing the plans for the town's layout but in early expeditions to the Hunter Valley, Port Phillip Bay and King Island. He also conducted the first land surveys of Van Diemen’s Land, including identifying the site for the future town of Hobart. Part 1 covers Meehan’s appointment as acting Surveyor-General in 1808, as well as his pardon, grant of land and establishing a family. His career is set against the background of both the sectarian tensions that led to the Castle Hill uprising and the political struggle between the military and governors that culminated in the Rum Rebellion.

Part 2, 'The Macquarie Years: 1809–1822' follows Meehan’s continuing rise and ongoing activities under Governor Macquarie – his appointment as Deputy Surveyor-General and superintendent of roads, bridges and streets, his naming of Dee Why, efforts to find a route between Moss Vale and Jervis Bay, and his discovery of Lake Bathurst and the Goulburn Plains.  It also outlines his private activities as a settler and emancipist, including his prominent role in the establishment of St Marys Church.

Lastly, Part 3, 'An Old and Faithful Servant: 1822 - 1826', traces the final phase of Meehan's life, from his resignation as Deputy Surveyor-General to his death in 1826; it concludes with accounts of later expeditions by Meehan's fellow explorers Oxley, Hume and Hovell, while an epilogue outlines the fates of Meehan's descendants.

Apart from its account of the logistics of early settlement – Meehan claimed in 1821 that he had measured every land grant since 1803, a total of over 2,300 grants, and was instrumental in identifying potential roadways and navigable rivers – the book provides a social history illuminating the ambivalent position of emancipists – and particularly Roman Catholic convicts – in  the early colony, with Meehan pardoned and promoted due to his ability but denied the office of surveyor-general due to his background.

The Convict and the Compass: James Meehan’s Untold Story

Coming soon…

Pre-order is available for 
The Convict and the Compass: James Meehan’s Untold Story

Reviews for Convicted

  • History Council NSW

    “Convicted will appeal to fans of Peter FitzSimons, Girt, and anyone with an interest in Australian and family history.”

  • Dr Perry McIntyre, Historian & College Archivist, St John's College, University of Sydney

    “Unlike some family histories, Peter Bradley’s book is very readable and the history of the Bradley family is cleverly entwined around the early convict period and the expansion of the first settlement in New South Wales… the author skilfully places the Bradleys and their related families into the context of Sydney, providing details of their subsequent exploits in other colonies, all entwined in historical context which incorporates first contact with the local Aborigines, the views, politics and impact of the early governors as well as parallel colonial events.”

  • The Queensland Times

    “Through his great-great-great grandfather's eyes, Peter Bradley has managed to show the unspoilt and spectacular beauty of Australia from its white settler beginnings as it began to slowly build itself… a compelling journey from convict father to whaling son and then on to union-man grandson, all while portraying the struggles, discoveries and hardships.”

  • Founders: Fellowship of First Fleeters

    “An excellent overview of Australian settlement history from 1788 to 1920 interweaving three generations of one family into the story with warm and vivid accounts.”

  • Descent: Journal of the Society of Australian Genealogists

    “What shines through in this epic family saga is that far from a criminal conviction being the end of the story, it was only the beginning. It shows that the achievements of each of the generations of this family were not only remarkable in terms of their survival, but also about the way that they actively mastered the elements in cooperation with other members of their communities. Whether it was on land or at sea, the spirit of social justice and caring for others is an abiding feature of this family. It is always clear that they had the courage of their convictions.”