Christopher Walpole

221

D Wong on 23rd January 2021

Christopher Walpole was listed as 16 years old on arrival. Native Place: Norwich, Norfolk. Father: William Mother: Mary Brother: William Sister: Louisa - at native place. 22/10/1851: Free Certificate. From: http://foundersandsurvivors.org/pubsearch/convict/chain/ai73076 Research done by Lance Dwyer. Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer. 1 February 1854. (Trove) ROBBERY ON BOARDSHIP. Christopher Walpole, a new arrival at Geelong, was placed before the bench, by Chief Detective Tuckwell, under the following circumstances:- - Mr Tuckwell being sworn, deposed--That on Monday afternoon, he proceeded down to the Steam Wharf, at the time the Keera steamer, was coming in.; he there observed the prisoner in custody of one of the Geelong police, and about to be conducted to the station house; witness went over with the prisoner to the station-house, and found that the police were about -to discharge the prisoner from custody, having nothing-to bring against him ; he ordered the man to be detained as a vagrant. he being of reputed bad character in Melbourne: upon taking off one of the prisoners' boots, the silver watch and chain now produced was turned out-another watch was also found upon the prisoner, together with 16s in silver. A person of the name of Walker deposed, that he was a passenger by the Keera on Mon day-last, and-laying himself down to take, a nap during the voyage he found, when aroused from his slumber,-that his watch and chain his pocket book, containing money and other minor articles, were gone; upon making enquiries -of of those around him, his suspicions fell upon the prisoner.-and he- sensed him of the robbery, but Walpole, in the most indignant manner, denied this accusation. saying that he was a gentleman; and incapable of such a mean act. By the prisoner-Did not receive the fee of £5, in consideration of the watch and chain. By the Bench.-The watch and chain now produced, are his property, and are the articles taken off his person, on Monday afternoon, on board the Keera. Tuckwell also deposed, that on searching the prisoner, a pair of goggles were found upon him. which he, as a police officer, knew to be one of the means employed by the man in disguising his person when in Melbourne. The prisoner was fully committed for trial, and the conduct of Serjeant Tuckwell, the detective officer, called forth the approval of the Bench. Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer 22 February 1854. (Trove) SENTENCE.-Christopher Walpole, arraigned on Monday and found guilty, but whose sentence was deferred to enquire into his character, was sentenced to five years on the roads. Victoria Police Gazettes - 1857 Christopher Walpole alias James Lynch alias Charles Livingstone, native of Lancashire, carpenter, born 1829, 5 feet 3-1/4 inches high, fresh complexion, light auburn hair, blue eyes, medium mouth, nose and chin, two scars on right eyebrow, scar on chin, and scars on both knees, ship Ratcliffe to VDL 1847, sentence 7 years in the name James Lynch, proper name Charles Livingstone. Tried at Geelong, 20 Feb 1854, and sentenced to five years hard labour for robbery from the person. Ticket of Leave granted 27 Jan 1857 for the district of Kilmore. Staff comments Not sure if the information above refers to this Christopher Walpole or someone using his name. VPG entry above states Christopher Walpole ship Ratcliffe to VDL 1847 in the name James Lynch. There is no James Lynch, Charles Livingstone or Christopher Walpole on Ratcliffe 1848. His height could be right as he was 5ft 1in at age 16 and he states he is a carpenter, but the description of light auburn hair and blue eyes does not match. Christopher Walpole of Rodney had dark brown hair, dark brown eyebrows and dark to grey eyes and he was 16 on arrival which makes dob c1833.