Thomas Norris

Thomas Norris is the oldest ancestor on my Norris Line. See Norris. A much as we can tell at the moment, this is his history.

The 1837 General Return of Convicts in NSW records a Thomas Norris located in the district of Illawarra, stating that he arrived on the Ship Lord Sidmouth in 1818 and that he currently held a ticket of Leave. A check of the Convict Indents confirmed the details of his arrival: Lord Sidmouth arrived in NSW on 11 Mar 1819, Thomas Norris was 19 years old, a native of London and an errand boy. He was 5 ft 1 1/4 ins tall, of dark yellow complexion, with brown hair and hazel eyes. He was tried at Middlesex Gaol Delivery on 6 May 1818 and sentenced to Life.

On 18 March 1819, Thomas Norris appears on a list of convicts disembarked from Lord Sidmouth and forwarded to Liverpool NSW for distribution. The 1822 General Return of Convicts lists Thomas as a "Government Servant" in the employ of R. Andrews at Liverpool. On 29 August 1829 he obtained a Ticket of Leave on the recommendation of the Illawarra Bench which allowed him to

remain in the district of Illawarra. This was renewed on 20 July 1833 (this doc gives his complexion as "fair, pockpitted", occupation labourer, year of birth 1803, other details unchanged, but annotated "Cancelled the holder ...an answer to his petition for a Conditional Pardon as ? stated in letter from PM Illawarra dated 28 December 1836"

Transcript of Trial

THOMAS NORRIS, theft with violence : highway robbery, 6th May, 1818. The Proceedings of the Old Bailey Ref: t18180506-4

741. THOMAS NORRIS was indicted for feloniously assaulting Henry Wigginton , in a certain passage near the King's highway, on the 25th of April, at St. John, Clerkenwell, putting him in fear, and taking from his person, and against his will. one watch-case, value 2l., the property of William Wigginton , the elder .

WILLIAM WIGGINTON, SEN. I am a watch-maker, and live in St. James's-walk, Clerkenwell. On the 25th of April, about six o'clock in the evening, I sent my son Henry to fetch the property - He returned without it.

HENRY WIGGINTON . I am twelve years old. On the 25th of April I was in Eagle-court, going to fetch three watch-cases from Mr. Judd's there - I received them. As I returned with them in my pocket, the prisoner, and another boy less than him, came up to me - I had seen them as I went to Judd's, the smallest boy struck me then. As I returned the prisoner came and held me while the

other took a watch-case out of my pocket, and held it up to the prisoner - They both ran off; I pursued, but lost them. On Sunday evening, the 26th of April, I saw them again in Smithfield; my brother took the prisoner. I am sure he is the boy who held me. The watch-case has not been found.

COURT. Q. As the boy struck you before you went into the house, why did you not tell the people - A. He did not hurt me. I am sure he is the boy. I had seen them playing in the court several times before.

WILLIAM WIGGINTON , JUN. I was with my brother in Smithfield, and apprehended the prisoner. My brother pointed him out from among six drovers, and I took him.

Prisoner's Defence. I am innocent.

GUILTY. - DEATH . Aged 15.

Recommended to Mercy .

First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Justice Bayley.

TICKET OF LEAVE