Ellen Thorpe

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Robin Sharkey on 29th August 2021

Ellen Thorpe, aged 45, was tried at the Lancaster Assizes commencing in August 1812, for uttering a forged note. She was found guilty, and sentenced to 14 years transportation. She sailed a year later on “Wanstead”, departing in August 1813, arriving in NSW in January 1814. Eleanor had four children who she had to leave in England (per letter to Bank of England) Lancaster Gazetter, 12 August 1812, p. 3 “LANCASTER ASSIZES At our assizes, which commence this day, before the Hon. Sir G. Wood, and the Hon. Sir J Bayley; there are 85 prisoners for trial, viz: “ELLEN THORPE, for uttering a forged bank note at Warrington, also for having twelve others in her possession.” Lancaster Gazetter, 29 August 1812, p. 3 “LANCASTER ASSIZES … “On Monday morning [24 August 1812] the Grand Jury was sworn as follows Lancaster Gazetter, Saturday 5 September 1812, p. 3 “LANCASTER ASSIZES "On Wednesday morning [ 2nd September 1812] the latter [Baron Wood] passed sentence upon those prisoners who had been convicted, as follows: " …. Ellen Thorpe for having forged bank notes in her possession, to be transported for fourteen years." PETITIONS TO BANK OF ENGLAND BEFORE LEAVING THE U.K. Before departing England, Eleanor Thorpe petitioned the Bank of England for some financial support. Where the Bank of England had successfully prosecuted for forging or uttering, it would provide a small amount of assistance to prisoners who asked - but the vast majority of payments were only made to women offenders. Because women remained in the local gaol often for a long time until they were transported, they would face very hard times with no means of support. Eleanor wrote from on board the "Wanstead" on 8 July 1813, while the ship was at Deptford, before departure. From "Prisoners' Letters to the Bank of England, 1781-1827" edited by Deidre Palk: "630. [F25/11/19] Eleanor Thorpe, Wanstead transport ship, Deptford, 8 July 1813 " Worthey Sir I have to inform you that I am now on board of the Ship a Going to Botaney Bay for 14 years and I have not troubled you before I hope you Goodness will kind enough to think of me now I am very much Distress for Cloaths indeed and leaving 4 Small Children behind me and not a friend to assist me in the Least thing in the world I was taken at Worrington with 12 two pound notes in my Charge and was tried at Lancaster Last august assizes and pleeded so I hope your goodness will not forget me I am Sir your Most Humble Servent Elenor Thorpe" In NSW: Eleanor was sent up river to Parramatta when the “Wanstead” arrived in February 1814. Nine months later when the 1814 Muster was held in Oct-Nov, she was recorded as being in the Female Factory, at Parramatta. Sadly, Eleanor died, on the leap year day of 29 February 1820. She was registered as “Ellen Thorpe” in the St Phillip’s, Sydney, church Burial registered, and as being aged 49 years. She was buried on 1 March 1820.