Spotlight on: Laurence Butler, 1798 rebel and Sydney's first cabinetmaker of note
 

Irish rebel Laurence Butler (1750-1820) led an extraordinary life. Originally form Ferns in County Wexford, he was aged 48 when he took part in the 1798 Uprising in Ireland, and not much older when he was subsequently transported for life for his actions. 

He was charged with "aiding, abetting and assisting the murder" of George Grimes, a Protestant in the Yeomen militia (accused of murdering a Catholic blacksmith for making pikes), and of acting as a rebel captain. Witnesses at his trial did not confirm that he ordered or assisted the murder, only that he was at the scene of the crime. Laurence's defence was that he was forced to participate, a common plea at these trials.

To read more of Laurence's biography, please click here

The information on Laurence has been provided by Barbara Butler, who is seeking contact with descendants. If you can help, please contact Irish Wattle and we'll forward your contact details to Barbara.

News and Events

Event 2010 History Festival: Writing the Past
Presented by NSW Writers' Centre
Writing the Past is the NSW Writers' Centre first festival for the year. The finest history writers will talk about their work, and what "writing the past" means to them.
When 9.30am-5pm, 13 March 2010
Where NSW Writers Centre, Callan Park, Balmain Rd, Rozelle, Sydney NSW 2039
Contact the NSW Writers' Centre for more information.

Event Lachlan Macquarie's Public Works
Presented by National Trust of Australia (NSW)
In the bicentennial year of Lachlan Macquarie's governorship, The Friends of Old Government House will present a series of lectures on life in NSW during the Macquarie years, 1810 to 1821. Set against world and local events of 1815-16, Ralph Hawkins will talk about the massive public works program Macquarie implemented in NSW for the rapidly increasing population.
When 10.30am, 10 March 2010
Where Northcott Conference and Function Centre,
1 Fennell Street North Parramatta
Contact the National Trust of Australia (NSW) for more information.

Event Irish Orphan Girls
Presented by Historic Houses Trust, New South Wales
Irish Orphan Girls is a new display examining the role of the Female Immigration Depot at the Hyde Park Barracks between 1848 and 1850, to house and process shiploads of workhouse orphans sent from Ireland, struggling in the grip of famine.
When Until 18 September 2011
Where Hyde Park Barracks Museum, Sydney
Contact the Historic Houses Trust for more information

Event Bendigo Family and Local History Expo
Presented by Bendigo Family History Group
A day packed with events celebrating the history of the local area. 
When 10am-4pm, 14 March 2010
Where Kangaroo Flat YMCA Leisure Centre, Browning St, Kangaroo Flat, Bendigo Vic
Contact Bendigo Family History Group for more information

Event Battle of Vinegar Hill Commemoration
Presented by Friends of Vinegar Hill
Boddingtons arrival Brien Riley was one of convicts who marshalled the croppies for the Battle of Vinegar Hill west of Sydney in 1804. Now attend the commemoration of this important event in Irish-Australian history.
When 3-4pm, 7 March 2010
Where Castlebrook Memorial Gardens, Windsor Rd, Rouse Hill
Contact the Friends of Vinegar Hill on 02 9832 9655 for more information

 
Battle of Vinegar Hill by Lizzie Newcomb

Packed with treasure

We've been using Trove regularly of late, and we love the site. If you haven't yet discovered it, then it's well worth searching. Search Australian newspapers from 1803 to 1954, maps, photos, diaries and archives and so much more!
 

Thank you...

...to everyone who came along to our talk at the Randwick & District Historical Society last Saturday, 20 February. We had a terrific time meeting everyone and sharing some of the wonderful stories we've uncovered about our favourite Irish convicts. 

We'll be having a stall at the Neapean Family History Fair on 7 March in Penrith and hope to see you there. We'll include more information on the event in our March newsletter, which we'll email out before the big day.